Threads of Lore

As part of National Heritage Week, Threads of Lore is delighted to invite you to the launch of its unique tapestry project, Voyage of Hope, an embroidered tribute to the remarkable story of sixteen young girls who left Dunshaughlin Workhouse in 1849 to begin a new life in Australia.

National Heritage Week celebrates Ireland’s cultural, built and natural heritage, bringing together volunteers, community groups and heritage enthusiasts to share their experience, knowledge, culture and practices. This special event shines a light on an important chapter of Dunshaughlin’s history while celebrating the power of community storytelling through textile art.

The tapestry recounts the long and difficult journey undertaken by the girls, who were aged between 14 and 18. They travelled to Sydney 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.

As part of this project, Threads of Lore has conducted extensive research and contacted authorities in Australia regarding the fate of some of these sixteen girls after their arrival.

The launch evening will feature noted local historian Jim Gilligan, whose research into this story was published in the Dunshaughlin Historical Society’s publication Celebrating our Place, Dunshaughlin and Culmullen. Jim will recount the girls’ journey and the history behind this extraordinary story.

Visitors will also have the opportunity to meet Dunshaughlin artist Ailbhe Reilly Tuite, who will display her completed artwork for the tapestry.

Following the launch, the stitching of the tapestry will commence. Throughout the evening there will be plenty of opportunities to view the artwork, meet Jim and Ailbhe, and discuss the project.

Copies of the ship’s manifest and other historical documents relating to the girls’ voyage will also be on display.

Light refreshments will be available on the night.

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