The Portumna Union was formally declared on 22nd February 1850, covering an area of 121 square miles as a subdivision of the Ballinasloe and Loughrea unions.
The Portumna Union workhouse was erected on a nine-acre site half a mile to the north-east of Portumna. Designed by the Poor Law Commissioners' architect George Wilkinson, the building was intended to accommodate 600 inmates who were badly affected by the lack of both employment and food at the time.
Portumna, Co. Galway
