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Donaghmore —County Laois

Originally associated with an early medieval church, and then with an early Norman fortification. It became an extensive industrial complex in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. It has attractive buildings and two thriving pubs overlooking a river and old bridge. A short distance northwest is the headquarters of Donaghmore Co-op, once a workhouse, and now also housing a museum which is open to the public during the summer months and on request at other times during the year. During the Great Famine, some 10 per cent of the local population sought refuge here. Now restored, visitors can see the original dormitories, kitchen and waiting hall, plus the agricultural museum also housed here.