Dunshaughlin Workhouse Girls’ Voyage of Hope’ to Australia Tapestry Launch

Threads of Lore invite you to the launch of its unique tapestry ‘Voyage of Hope’. The project will recount the long and difficult journey of 16 young girls from Dunshaughlin Workhouse to Sydney Australia in 1849.

The girls, aged from 14 to 18, travelled under the Earl Grey Scheme for assisted emigration. This scheme aimed to correct the shortage of females in the Australian colony, and to reduce the overcrowding in Irish Workhouses.

We have conducted extensive research and contacted authorities in Australia regarding the fate of some of these 16 girls. Noted local historian Jim Gilligan, who has published this story in the Dunshaughlin Historical Society’s publication Celebrating our Place Dunshaughlin and Culmullen, will relate the girls’ journey, and Dunshaughlin artist Ailbhe Reilly Tuite will display her completed artwork for the tapestry.

The stitching of the tapestry will commence after the launch.There will be plenty of opportunities for viewing the artwork and meeting Jim and Ailbhe to discuss the project.
Copies of the ship’s manifest, and other documents, will also be on display.

Light refreshments will be available on the night.

There is no parking in the library grounds, but patrons may park directly across the road in Dunshaughlin National School.