Where is the Ballinrobe Workhouse located?

By Averil Staunton

Located on the south side of Ballinrobe on the Kilmaine Road, in the townland of Knockferren, Barony of Kilmaine, it catered for an area of 298 sq. miles.

The existing original buildings, includes the Reception/ Administrative building and the small single storey Gate Lodge.  These two buildings are of cut stone hence their survival to the present day. These buildings are now used as an enterprise centre and a local health Service Unit.

 The rest of the site is home to various factories and businesses and the local County Council offices with the rear grounds having sports clubs and the men & womens’ shed centres.

Behind these buildings are the enormous twin water towers, which have their foundations beside the old burial pits. Most of the surrounding high walls are intact.

 The twin water towers always remind me of large trees with their roots deeply embedded in the burial area to the rear of the site. If you head from those towers, which can be seen for miles away, on the approach road coming from Kilmaine you will sign directing you to the site of what was Ballinrobe Workhouse.