Kilmainham Gaol

Judith, Amila and I made our way to the old jail in the heart of Dublin, which was only in use for a very short period of time before being turned into a museum. We were lucky to visit on the first Wednesday of the month, which turns out to be an important day in Ireland, as a number of attractions are free of charge on that day! And so it was that we were lead on a guided tour of the chapel, cells, inner hall and courtyard.

The tour brought much of the history of Ireland, and especially Dublin, with regards to the rebellions in the late 19^th, early 20^th century, to light. 

During this time, many of the residents of Ireland were fighting to gain their independence from British rule and uprisings culminated with the Easter rising of 1916, where an outright battle erupted in Dublin, evidence of which is still noticeable today, especially on O’Connell street. Following this event, a number of the leaders of the rebellion were held

Plaque and flag
commemorating those
executed in the courtyard

and executed in Kilmainham jail!

The execution of James Connolly could be recognised as the most controversial as a result of the manner in which it was carried out. Although all the rebels leaders of the revolution were executed by a firing squad in the courtyard, Connolly, who was injured during the rebellion, was brought in and tied to a chair before being shot as he could not stand and await the shots.

There was no segregation of prisoners in Kilmainham as men, women and children were held in the same cell (up to 5 people per cell). Many children were said to be held there for petty theft, with the youngest child recorded as being 5 years old only!

Many more details were shared, including the fact that it has been used in many films, including The Italian Job; and the scene for a U2 video (The Celebration).

Definitely a high point of interest in Dublin!