Mullingar Famine Walk

Westmeath Archaeological & Historical Society

Mullingar Famine Walk

Saturday 22nd August

The worst year of the Famine in Mullingar was 1849. The total failure of the potato crop was followed by the arrival of Asiatic Cholera in 1849 necessitating the opening of a famine graveyard in Robinstown in 1849. 

Some 32 years since the then Fr Denis Nulty led the first Famine Walk in Mullingar, he now returns as Bishop Nulty to lead the second one from the site of the old workhouse on Saturday next 22 August at 3 pm. The walk will proceed to Robinstown Famine graveyard following a brief talk on the history of the  Workhouse during the Famine by historian Seamus o Brien. The Mullingar Famine Graveyard Committee are organising this special event, which incorporates the re enactment of a Famine burial using a retractable coffin.

This event comprises three segments:

1. The Workhouse. We gather at the site of the old Workhouse which is almost completely extant. The history of this building and its role in relieving distress during the Famine will be reflected on. 

2. The re-enaction of a Famine era funeral from the workhouse to the graveyard will comprise the Famine Walk which will include a replica of one the retractable coffins often used at this time. 

3. At the graveyard we will process around the perimeter of the burial ground; this will be followed by a talk on the history of the graveyard. 

Finally the Discovery Ireland archaeologists will give a preliminary report on their geophysical survey which will be carried out in the graveyard during the days previous to the Famine Walk. They will also describe the methodologies deployed and display the equipment utilised. Music and song associated with Famine times will accompany the activities of this remembrance day. 

A commemorative booklet will be distributed to all attendees. 

This project is being supported by the Heritage Council Community Fund. The walk and talk will be facilitated by historian Seamus O Brien. Bishop Denis Nulty, will also recall the first Famine Walk which took place here in 1994. 

Refreshments will be served afterwards.

contact details obriains@icloud.com
0872658138

Some parking available at the workhouse/ st marys care centre site on the Longford Road and more in the Lough Sheever Corporate Park nearby.