This project will see the Abbeyleix Men’s Shed research, design, and reconstruct a four-wheeled horse-drawn hospital ambulance of the type used during the Great Famine to transport impoverished and vulnerable people to the Abbeyleix Workhouse. Combining traditional craftsmanship, historical research, and community heritage engagement, the initiative will provide a powerful and tangible connection to one of the most significant periods in Irish history. Working from historical records, illustrations, and consultation with local historians and heritage groups, members of the Men’s Shed will recreate an authentic vehicle that reflects the realities of life during the Famine era and the role of the workhouse system in providing relief to those facing extreme hardship. The completed cart will form a key feature of the Abbeyleix Famine Commemoration Day in 2027, serving as an educational and interpretive heritage resource that helps bring the stories of local families and individuals affected by the Great Hunger to life.

Please note that the details of events listed above are provided by the relevant Local Authorities.