Survey Data
Reg No
13005116
Rating
Regional
Categories of Special Interest
Archaeological, Artistic, Historical, Social
Previous Name
Longford Union Workhouse
Original Use
Graveyard/cemetery
In Use As
Graveyard/cemetery
Date
1840 - 1850
Coordinates
214095, 274790
Date Recorded
01/09/2005
Date Updated
--/--/--
Description
Site of former union workhouse graveyard, founded c. 1840 and leveled c. 1970. Now a landscaped public green space within the grounds of Longford Regional Hospital. Site surrounded by random rubble boundary wall. Carved limestone memorial Celtic style cross to the south, dated 1995. Located to the south of the former Longford Town Union Workhouse complex, now demolished and to the west of the former workhouse infirmary (13005036). Located on the site of a ringfort/archaeological enclosure (LF013-029---).
Appraisal
This is the site of the former graveyard associated with the Longford Town Union Workhouse complex, of which only the former infirmary now survives (13005036). It largely contains the unmarked graves of victims of the Great Famine (1845 - c. 1849) and acts as a poignant reminder of this traumatic event in Irish history. According to local sources, this graveyard was extended in size during the Great Famine (1845 - c. 1849), using land leased from the Earl of Longford. It is also built on the site of a ringfort/enclosure (LF013-029---), adding archaeological significance to this site. The modern memorial monument and the boundary walls complete the site and add to this record.