The date has been set for next year's National Famine Commemoration at the Irish Workhouse Centre in Portumna.
Galway County Council has confirmed the event, which will be broadcast live on national television, will take place on Saturday, May 16th
The State ceremony will include military honours, a wreath-laying and a keynote address by President of Ireland Catherine Connolly.
It's the first time the national event has been held in Galway.
It will also be accompanied by a conference and the development of a bilingual workbook for children.
Portumna workhouse was built to accommodate 600 people and first opened its doors in 1851.
**No repro fee** A visitor group on a tour of the Irish Workhouse Centre, located on the grounds of the former Portumna workhouse in County Galway. Credit Galway County Council.
It ceased operations in 1921, with the last occupants of the infirmary transferred to Loughrea.
After that, it was used for many purposes on an ad-hoc basis, but by the year 2000 the whole site had fallen into severe disrepair.
**No repro fee** The restored 19th century Medics Room at the Irish Workhouse Centre in Portumna, County Galway. Credit Galway County Council.
Extensive work since has seen it largely restored as the Irish Workhouse Centre, considered one of the most complete workhouse sites still in existence.
**No repro fee** The Irish Workhouse Centre museum in Portumna, County Galway. Credit Galway County Council.
