Survey Data
Reg No
22302001
Rating
Regional
Categories of Special Interest
Architectural, Historical, Social
Previous Name
Borrisokane Union Workhouse
Original Use
Workhouse
In Use As
Court house
Date
1845 - 1855
Coordinates
192127, 194497
Date Recorded
31/08/2004
Date Updated
--/--/--
Description
Detached former workhouse complex, built c.1850, comprising four two and three-storey blocks having large courtyards between, and two single-storey buildings. Now partly in use as courthouse and school. Hipped slate roofs to main blocks, with pitched slate roofs to single-storey blocks, and rendered brick chimneystacks. Rendered limestone walls having cut-stone plinths, vents, door surrounds and sills. Two southern blocks to road re-rendered with pebble dash and modernised. Segmental-headed window openings with brick surrounds and timber battened doors with multiple-pane overlights. Interior retains original layout and features.
Appraisal
This workhouse serves as a reminder of the work of the Poor Law Unions in housing and caring for the destitute of Ireland in the mid-nineteenth century. The workhouses were built throughout Ireland to similar plans but on different scales to the designs of George Wilkinson following the passing of the Poor Relief (Ireland) Act in 1838. The survival of many original features and materials, including lime render, cut-stone details, doorways and slate roofs helps to portray the original character of this complex of buildings. This workhouse is the most intact remaining in North Tipperary and its interior is of special interest.