Kilmainham Gaol: An ancient prison
Now accessible only via guided tours, Gaol visitors today are introduced to the harsh realities of Gaol life for Dubliners from the 1780s through the early 1920s. Although abandoned as a prison in 1923 in the light of the new republic, prior to its decommission this massive stone building saw the final days of some of the Easter Uprising's most famous players.
Booking in advance is required, as tour groups are kept to a maximum of 55 and fill quickly. Departing from the newly refurbished welcome area, guests prepare for their visit with a walk through of Gaol life and the changing Dublin landscape beyond those walls.
Visitors first look into the small, dark cells which once housed mixed crowds of men, women and children (one famously as young as seven years old). Further down the long stone halls, the world of wealthy prisoners is revealed. Here, private rooms with heating in both their living and sleeping spaces are a stark contrast to the terrible conditions seen earlier.
In the double-height, atrium-like Victorian wing keyhole slides allow glimpses of cells, including one furnished with a mural painted by Grace Gifford, wife of rebellion leader Joseph Plunkett, during her stay. In more recent times, the Victorian Wing has played parts in nearly ten films, including In The Name of the Father, starring Daniel Day Lewis, The Italian Job, starring Michael Caine, and Michael Collins with Liam Neeson.
The tour ends in the notorious side yard, the area used to execute 1916 leaders at gun point. A plaque marks the famous names, and a moment of silence is unavoidable. Serving as a balance to the lighter fare found in the City Centre, the Kilmainham Gaol experience serves as a poignant and balanced reminder of Ireland's troubled yet historic past.
Posted by Bridget Reilly
