Almost 20,000 people have visited the Irish Workhouse Centre in Portumna in so far this year.
This figure is comprised of regular visitors, people seeking tourist information and special events such as August`s Madden Gathering.
Galway East TD Ciaran Cannon says that the figures are promising looking ahead to 2019.
Minister Cannon said: “I was delighted last August to facilitate support from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade for Portumna’s Irish Workhouse Centre in developing a successful model for engaging with members of our diaspora ahead of the Madden Gathering at the Centre.
“It is very encouraging therefore to learn that in addition to the almost 12,000 regular visitors to the Workhouse Centre during 2018, there were upwards of another 6,000 to see sculptor Kieran Tuohy`s Dark Shadows exhibition, seeking out tourist information and attending conferences and special events such as the Madden Gathering.
“This is a major vote of confidence in the work being undertaken by the manager and staff at the Workhouse Centre who continue to devise events that appeal to all ages and groups.”
