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Dunfanaghy,
Co. Donegal
The
French sociologist, Gustave de Beaumont, visited Ireland in 1835 and wrote:
"I have seen the Indian in his forests, and the Negro in his chains, and
thought, as I contemplated their pitiable condition, that I saw the very
extreme of human wretchedness; in all countries, more or less, paupers may be
discovered; but an entire nation of paupers is what was never seen until it was
shown in Ireland."
Wee
Hannah Herrity, born in 1835, was a child of the famine. When her mother died
in childbirth, Hannah left her home in Derrykeel, living wherever she could
find shelter around Sheephaven Bay. In her late teens, wracked with pain and
disease, destitute, starving, she entered the Workhouse at Dunfanaghy.
And
here is where Wee Hannah's story continues today, a story of survival in 19th
century Donegal, a story of one woman whose courage under the most torturous
conditions humbles and touches all who witness the tableaux which recreates
parts of her life. Hannah's story was first related to her dear friend, Mrs.
Law, who was so impressed with Wee Hannah's fighting spirit and kind nature
that she asked for an interview. Told in her own words, the story is recounted
at the Dunfanaghy Heritage Centre and Workhouse exhibition in a series of three
tableaux with lifelike wax replicas of Wee Hannah at various stages of her
life. In the darkened rooms that house the sets, only a single light
shines...the light on Wee Hannah's wizened, weathered, but precious face.
The
Workhouse, once a place of cruel degradation, is now surrounded by a beautiful
wildlife sanctuary along the coastal village at the base of the Horn Head
Peninsula. Along with Wee Hannah's touching story are other exhibitions of
local artworks and handicrafts and a fine coffee shop and bookstore.
For
the Irish of long ago, the Workhouse was the last resort in a desperate battle
for survival. But today, those who venture into the Workhouse, will find a
variety of group activities, lessons on social history, and special classes in
art and traditional crafts...a far cry from the days of yesteryear...and
something that would surely bring a smile to Wee Hannah's face.
Hours:
Monday thru Saturday 10:00 - 5:00 (mid September to June).
Admission
prices:
Adults €4.50 Families €11.00
Children €2.00 Students €3.00
How to get there:
From Dublin: N2/A5 through Omagh to
Lifford. Then N14/13 to Letterkenny. N56 N to Dunfanaghy (about 15 miles)
From Belfast: A6 to Derry, then N13 to
Letterkenny, then N56 15 miles to Dunfangahy.
Address:
The
Dunfanaghy Workhouse and Heritage Centre
Dunfanaghy,
Co. Donegal
Email:
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T:
074 913 6540
Written by Joy Davis - Summer of Travel 2007
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