Limavady Workhouse opens its doors for rare public exhibition
- Love Ballymena
- Sep 25
- 2 min read
Limavady Workhouse
The historic Limavady Workhouse has opened its doors to the public for a limited-time exhibition, offering a rare opportunity to step inside one of the best-preserved workhouses in Northern Ireland.
Running until 4 October, the exhibition provides visitors with guided tours on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, between 10am–12pm and 2pm–4pm.
The tours promise a powerful journey into the past, telling the stories of those who once lived and worked within its walls.
The exhibition brings history vividly to life through an extensive collection of objects, artefacts, and archival materials, many of which are being displayed together for the first time.
Tour of part of the sleeping quarters at the Limavady workhouse
School group tours are also being welcomed on Tuesdays and Thursdays, ensuring that younger generations can learn more about this important part of local and national heritage.
A special evening talk is also planned:
Wednesday 1 October at 7.30pm – Nurses and the Hospital
The programme is supported by the Binevenagh and Coastal Lowlands Landscape Partnership, with funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and National Lottery players.
Limavady Workhouse (Image: Nigel McFarland)
Karen Heaney, from Limavady Community Development Initiative, said:
“The exhibition tells a deeply human story from the formation of the workhouse during the darkest days of the Famine, through years of hardship, emigration, and survival, to its remarkable transformation into Roe Valley District hospital that served generations with care and compassion.
“What began as a place of last resort became over time, the heart of the community. We want visitors to reflect not only on the past, but also on the enduring role this building has played over 180 years and continues to play in the life of the town and the community.”
Re-Enactment of life in the Limavady workhouse
Organisers are encouraging the public not to miss the chance to explore the Limavady Workhouse and discover the remarkable history preserved within its walls.
Tickets for timed tours are available via Eventbrite:
Further details are available from Karen Heaney on 028 7776 5438 or karenheaney.kh@gmail.com.
