In Reply to: Re: Query posted by Bong on January 08, 2009 at 23:22:12:

Re Query: Poorhouse Hill is at the top of Knockthomas, so called because it led to the Poorhouse/Workhouse, now the Sacred Heart Hospital where the residents are looked after with great care and compassion. Madhouse Hill is at the opposite end of Castlebar, the road which leads from the railway station to Castlebar, close to the Lawn and Duffys garage, often called Luddens Hill after a family who lived in the area. Before St. Mary's Hospital was established there was a building in the area, known as a 'House of Refuge,' which catered for mentally ill persons befor they were taken to St. Bridget's Hospital in Ballinasloe. Terms such as Madhouse and Poorhouse have long since been written out of our vocabulary. Thank God we now live in more enlightened times when greater understanding is shown towards those who suffer from psychiatric illness.