What were the Magdalene Laundries? Institutions where women were sent if they were regarded as "fallen women".
Who was sent there? The
women who were committed to these homes included women who conceived
out of wed lock, wards of state and so-called 'promiscuous and
flirtatious' women. Parents, social workers, judges, priests and members
of the Gardai could recommend a woman to be sent to these workhouses.