Ireland’s County Homes: Key Questions Answered

What were Ireland’s County Homes?

County Homes and Mother and Baby Homes existed across the Republic of Ireland from the foundation of the state in 1922 until the closure of the last home, at Bessborough in County Cork in 1998.  

There was a home in almost every county, with some larger or more populated counties like Cork and Dublin having more than one. 

Why were County Homes set up and who ran them? 

County Homes replaced the workhouse that existed while Ireland was under British rule. They operated under the name of the local County Council, but the day-to-day running of the homes was usually carried out by religious orders. 

Who were the residents of Ireland’s County Homes? 

One of the roles of the County Home was to take in unmarried mothers with no other means of supporting themselves or their children financially.  

Society’s view of unmarried mothers as “morally weak” was shaped by the Church and State institutions. As a result, families often refused to support unmarried mothers, and there was no financial support available from the State. Many women felt that they had no option but to enter a County Home.  

County Homes also took in women with mental health problems or learning difficulties. They also took in pregnant women who had been refused admission to Mother and Baby Homes.  

What were conditions like in Ireland’s County Homes? 

Conditions were often extremely poor. Some described County Homes as “the workhouse under another name.” 

Government reports from the time frequently mentioned the poor conditions of the homes. Many lacked electricity, running water and decent sanitary conditions. Some, like Manorhamilton in County Leitrim, did not have adequate heating. 

Conditions did not improve significantly over time. Reports from the 1930s and 1940s note that County Homes had inadequate water supplies even where they had been connected to the mains supply. They also claim bathing facilities were poor, with reports of rotting floors and substandard sanitary conditions. 

A 1949 Government Report stated that: 

“In general, the day rooms and dining rooms are cheerless and badly furnished. They are frequently unceiled and have unplastered walls. These factors combined with unsatisfactory lighting and rough bare floors render the atmosphere depressing.” 

The practice of housing mothers and their children in County Homes began to decline in the 1950s and was phased out by the 1960s. 

If you were a mother or child that spent time in a County Home and want further information on the Irish Government Mother and Baby and County Home Action plan, please contact Renewing Roots at renewingroots@frea.org.uk or 07432 138682 or see our website which also contains a list of County Homes. All our advice is free and confidential. 

All conversations are confidential, and there is no obligation to continue if you decide against doing so. 

Or see our website which also contains a list of County Homes and a link to our contact form.