Bailieborough Bridewell visitor centre launched

Minister Heather Humphreys joined Cathaoirleach of Cavan County Council Cllr T.P. O’Reilly in officially launching the Bailieborough Bridewell visitor centre on Thursday, December 12, ahead of its opening to the public in Spring 2025.

In one of her last official acts as Minister for Rural and Community Development, following her decision not to stand in November’s general election, Minister Humphreys cut the ribbon on the visitor centre and exhibition space, which, when open, will see the conclusion of a €2.5M investment in the Bailieborough Courthouse Economic and Tourism Hub.

This project to develop a visitor centre and museum space is the result of a unique partnership between Cavan County Council, Bailieborough Development Association CLG – whose members have worked behind the scenes for over 20 years to make the renovated Courthouse and Bridewell a reality – and The Ulster Scots Agency. Bailieborough Development Association will jointly manage the facility with Cavan County Council.

Bailieborough Bridewell was constructed in 1833 and closed in 1900. From early next year, visitors to Bailieborough will be able to enjoy this immersive visitor experience, which tells the story of the Bridewells that were established in many towns during the 17th and 18th centuries, primarily to house petty criminals, vagrants, those awaiting trial, and sometimes children. It is a macabre and darkly captivating insight into our past.

Funding for the €2.5M Economic and Tourism Hub was supplied by Department of Rural and Community Development under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, Cavan County Council, and the Ulster Scots Agency, with funding previously received from the department through the REDZ programme, Town and Village Renewal and PEACE IV.

Speaking at the launch, Minister Humphreys said the project has “revitalised Bailieborough and highlighted its historical and cultural importance”.

“This historic Courthouse has been redeveloped as an economic, community and cultural hub and includes a Plantation Museum, cultural and exhibition space. The Plantation Museum is the first of its kind on the island of Ireland. The building will also be used extensively by the community, as a community space, a performance space and for exhibitions,” said Minister Humphreys.

“This project’s location in the centre of the town will have a transformative effect on Bailieborough, facilitating a variety of civic, social and community uses and highlighting its historical and cultural importance for Cavan and for all of Ulster.”

Cathaoirleach of Cavan County Council, Cllr T.P. O’Reilly said: “The Bailieborough Courthouse Economic and Tourism Hub has been a great addition to Bailieborough, and this fantastic Bridewell visitor centre and museum will be the cherry on top, providing visitors to the town an opportunity to discover the rich history of this town and the dark past of the Bridewell – fascinating glimpse into our past. It’s further example of the continuing investment by Cavan County Council into our towns and villages, none of which would be possible without the support of Minister Humphreys and her Department. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank her for her support, and to wish her all the best in her well-earned retirement from public life.”

Chief Executive of Cavan County Council, Eoin Doyle, added: “The Bailieborough Bridewell visitor centre and museum, which will open early next year, is another example of the extraordinary legacy of Heather Humphrey’s ministerial tenure, during which she and her Department have recognised the potential of Cavan and its communities. We wish Minister Humphreys well in the next chapter of her life, and look forward to continuing to work with her officials, our Oireachtas members, and of course, our 18 councillors, who have been stalwart in their support of this project and many other across County Cavan.”

Bailieborough Bridewell visitor centre and museum will open to the public in early 2025. For more information on Bailieborough Courthouse Economic and Tourism Hub, follow ‘Bailieborough Courthouse’ on Facebook and Instagram.