The workhouse was the most dreaded and feared institution in Ireland. The workhouse system of poor relief was imposed on the Irish people in spite of the opposition of Catholic and Protestant, landlord and labourer. Everyone predicted it would not work- and it did not work. During the famine years countless thousands died within the workhouse walls. Even more, denied admission, died outside. This book traces the workhouse system from its introduction to its phasing out. It makes an unique contribution to our understanding of the social history of Ireland. -- Publisher description.