Download or read book The Workhouses of Ireland written by John O'Connor and published by . This book was released on 1995 with total page 326 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The workhouse was the most dreaded and feared institution in Ireland. The workhouse system of poor relief was imposed on the Irish people in spite of the opposition of Catholic and Protestant, landlord and labourer. Everyone predicted it would not work- and it did not work. During the famine years countless thousands died within the workhouse walls. Even more, denied admission, died outside. This book traces the workhouse system from its introduction to its phasing out. It makes an unique contribution to our understanding of the social history of Ireland. -- Publisher description.