In the 1890s consideration was given by the guardians to the state of the cemeteries within the workhouse grounds as many believed that boundaries should be clearly defined and maintained. In 1894 the guardians consented that the graveyard was to be tidied up ‘neater and cared for’ suggesting that it had fallen into dilapidation by that time. There were three burial grounds in use during the lifetime of the workhouse, although there is evidence to suggest that the guardians were reprimanded during the Famine that the dead were buried in places other than the designated location. With the numbers increasing rapidly during the Famine, during ‘Black 47’ a new burial ground was opened close to the present railway line and at the bottom of the workhouse field. The walk to this was known as the ‘coffin walk’. This was used until late 1907, early 1908 when the guardians allowed for a rood of land to be opened up for a third burial location. Another important building within the workhouse complex and which is infrequently mentioned in accounts was the ‘Dead House’ or the mortuary. This was located close to the main burial ground. For many of the inhabitants of the workhouse, it was their last port of call, particularly during the Famine and times of disease.
