Limavady community connects with Echoes of the Past at Workhouse exhibition

Journey into the past by exploring the current exhibition at Limavady Workhouse to encounter living heritage, moving stories, and a remarkable insight into the memorable history of this local landmark.

Visitors have been flocking to visit ‘Through the Times’, an interpretive exhibition exploring the history of the Workhouse, which opened on September 18 and continues until October 4.

History buffs can view the exhibition on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays between 10am and 12 noon and 2pm and 4pm, with an extended evening opening until 7pm on Wednesday October 1.

Showcasing the history of Northern Ireland’s best preserved surviving workhouse, the display was funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund Northern Ireland and the contributions of National Lottery players.

Karen Heaney from Limavady Community Development Initiative, emphasised that learning about the Workhouse’s legacy provides a meaningful way for local communities to reconnect with their own history:

"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."

The new exhibition offers visitors a rare glimpse into local history through a remarkable collection of objects, costumes, and artefacts.

Each piece has been carefully chosen to tell the story of those who once lived, worked, and struggled within the Workhouse walls.

Adding to the experience are specially created interpretative panels, designed to guide visitors through the history of the building and shed light on the lives of its former residents.

The project also acts as an alternative history lesson for young people as school groups are invited to visit on Tuesdays and Thursdays, giving pupils the chance to engage with history on their own doorstep.

Primary 7 pupils from Termoncanice Primary School were among the first to take part, with Drumachose Primary School and local scout groups set to follow in their footsteps.

Karen hopes that this exhibition will become a more permanent fixture in the future and plans to run Christmas themed tours during the seasonal period.

For those eager to dig deeper into the story of the Workhouse, a special event takes place on Wednesday, October 1, at 7.30pm with Rosemary Henderson, who will deliver a free talk on ‘Night Lodgers: Who Were They?’

An enthusiastic audience have already attended a talk on September 24 by local historian and author Dougie Bartlett attracting 35 people, while the European Heritage Open Weekend earlier this month proved a resounding success.

A special tour on Saturday September 13 saw volunteers dressed in historical costumes and assuming the characters of Workhouse residents and staff, creating a living history experience that left a lasting impression on visitors.

Commenting that the tour had facilitated around 60 interested participants, Karen said:

“The incredible support helps raise vital awareness for the importance of these special heritage places, and we are so grateful to have shared the day with you.

“And to all our amazing volunteers who gave their time and energy both pictured and behind the scenes you are absolute stars, thank you!”

Keen history enthusiasts can arrange their own tour of the Workhouse by contacting Karen.

With its blend of artefacts and storytelling in the spectacular surrounds of the historic site, the ‘Through the Times’ exhibition invites everyone to walk in the footsteps of the past and rediscover the human stories that shaped Limavady.

For further information about the exhibition or to book a tour, contact Karen Heaney at 02877765438 or karenheaney.kh@gmail.com.