THE CASSANDRA HAND FOLK AND FAMINE CENTRE is located in the wonderful Historic Monastic town of Clones.
Round Tower Girls and Infant School
About Cassandra Hand
Thomas and Cassandra came to live in Clones in October 1847. Better known as “Black ‘47” the worst year of “An Gorta Mor” the Great Hunger in Ireland. To say they were shocked by the destitution the found would be an understatement.
Cassandra introduced the home industry of Lace Making as part of a Famine Relief Scheme. As a result the world famous Clones Lace was born. Lace making became a whole family affair which kept many Clones families and their neighbours from the doors of the workhouse. Clones lace was sold all around the world, worn by royalty and many designs from the 19th century are museum pieces today.
In 2006 after many years of neglect this beautiful building was renovated by Clones Community Forum with the help of Heritage Funding and opened as the Cassandra Hand Centre in memory of this great lady. In 2018 the building had a name update to the Cassandra Hand Folk and Famine Centre with the addition of informative panels with information on Clones during the Famine Period. Reverend Thomas and Cassandra Hand are buried in Clogh Church of Ireland Graveyard, Clones Parish, near the village of Roslea, a few kilometres from the town of Clones.
Genealogy Service.
If you need any help with tracing your ancestors or how to go about building a family tree call into Anne in the Cassandra Hand Folk and Famine Centre or to the Forum office in the Youth Building (old Largy school) Churchhill and we will do all we can to help or point you in the right direction if you want the pleasure of researching for yourself.
CONTACT: Anne 0868358210 / Josie 0861685100
EMAIL: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
FACEBOOK: Cassandra Hand
OPENING HOURS: Monday – Friday 10am – 4pm May – October, or by appointment.
ANNUAL EVENTS: St Tiarnach’s Feast Day Commemoration every April / Cassandra Hand Rose Competition every October / Winter Fuel Draw and Christmas Craft Fair every December.
Accommodating schools, societies and clubs, etc., of all ages and abilities. Talk, tour and refreshments can be provided for groups and individuals of the many historic sites of Clones, with the opportunity to dress in period costume and take part in school re-enactments, etc.
The Centre is an ideal venue for talks, meetings, seminars, classes, parties etc. Let us know and we will try to accommodate your needs.