Situated 3.5 kilometers from Dublin’s city center, Kilmainham Gaol was the site of some of the most heroic and tragic events in Ireland’s history, from the 1780’s until its closure in 1924. Within the large former prison, there was an interactive museum detailing the political and penal history of the prison and its restoration. A group tour of the prison was included with our admission tickets, along with an excellent informational slideshow and presentation. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and quite passionate about the history of the Gaol.
Architecturally noteworthy, Kilmainham Gaol became one of the most modern and secure prisons of its time. The east wing opened in 1862 with 96 additional cells. The gaol functioned mostly as an ordinary prison for men, women, and yes, even children. Victorian prison officials stressed principles of silence and separation as keys to successful management the inmates. Communication between prisoners was forbidden and the inmates spent most of the time alone in their individual cells, even for petty crimes like theft.
Walking the halls of the prison, we got a sense of Ireland’s ghosts of the past and the long, painful history of its people. Our guide spoke in detail about the famous leaders imprisoned there. One leader married his sweetheart in the prison chapel before his execution. We viewed the holding cells and the outdoor firing squad wall. The film Michael Collins highlighted Kilmainham Gaol and the firing squad executions. Many historians believe that these executions were primary instigating factors that led to the rebellions and the brutal violence that followed.
Ed says
Fascinating and frightening. Great post.