1842 – Former Workhouse, Limavady, Co. Derry

The Newtown Limavady Poor Union was formed in 1839 and covered an area of 240 square miles. Newtown Limavady Workhouse opened on 15th March 1842, with accommodation for 500 and admitted its first inmate on the same day. The initial cost of building was £5982 with fittings etc. adding another £1309 to the total. A new fever hospital building opened on the site by May 1847.

Workhouses were built all over Ireland in response to the Irish Poor Law Act of 1838 and this is one of the best-preserved examples. The town dropped the Newtown from its title in 1870. It became the Limavady Cottage Hospital, Roe Valley Hospital in 1932 and retained this function until 1998. Owned now by Limavady Community Development Initiative, guided tours can be made by appointment, during which visitors can view the Workhouse Gate Lodge where new entrants were received, one of the dormitories and the dining area.