The Famine Warhouse 1848

During the Great Famine, 1845-1850, the Warhouse at Ballingarry, Co. Tipperary, was the scene of the principal action of the 1848 Rebellion by the Young Irelanders.

Most now agree, that had there not been the Young Ireland movement, we would not have had the Fenians of 1867 and the 1916 Rising, hence the national historical importance of the 1848 Warhouse.

The farm house which belonged to the McCormack family has always been known locally as the Warhouse.  The warhouse was placed on the register of historic monuments in April 1989 in order to give legal recognition to the historical significance of the building.

At the 150th anniversary Commemoration Cermony, in 1998, The Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern TD, described the house as ‘an important historic monument and part of our national heritage’ and acknowledged the appropriateness of it housing a permanent exhibition. The state duly took ownership of the house, an officially renamed it the 'Famine Warhouse 1848'. The house was officially opened by Tom Parlon, T.D, Minister for State at the Department of Finance, with responsility for the Office of Public Works, on Wednesday, 21 July 2004 at 3 pm.

The residents of Ballingarry and the surrounding area commemorate the 1848 Rebellion each year with a Famine Warhouse Walk. A Flag Raising Ceremony takes place each day, at the Commons, Ballingarry, to commemorate the fact that the Irish Flag was first flown, in Ballingarry, during the 1848 rebellion.

The Famine Warhouse 1848 heritage site is open to visits, you will find the details you need below.

Widow McCormack's House, illustration Warhouse before renovation Warhouse after renovation

Famine Warhouse Visit Contact Details Address: Ballingarry, Co. Tipperary Telephone No: +353 87 908 9972 Email: info@heritageireland.ie Opening Hours Apr - Sept: Wed-Sun 14.30 - 17.30 Oct - Mar: Sat & Sun only 14.00 - 16.00 At other times it is freely open by appointment, contact the OPW local number 087-9089972 (this number is on the signs at the public road entrance) or from outside Ireland +353 87 9089972. Free Visitors’ Guide leaflets available in both Irish and English Average Length of Visit: 40 minutes Admission Fees - Free Facilities: Exhibition, toilets, toilet for visitors with disabilities. Car/coach park