Kilmainham Gaol was once a prominent prison in Dublin built in 1796 and decommissioned in 1924 after years of forcing prisoners to suffer from various forms of oppression and abuse. It’s infamous for being the spot of public hangings and for housing some famous leaders of the rebellions throughout Ireland’s storied history. Today, it stands as a museum and reminder of Dublin’s political antiquity.
The museum is open to the public but tours are required if you want to pay a visit. My group was fairly small at around a dozen people, though some groups can get as large as 30, I believe. The stories told by the guide as we walked the halls were fascinating, yet wildly depressing when you think of all the men, women and children who were lost in these walls.
© Matthi | Dreamstime
We spent roughly an hour touring the facility and learning about the prison and the various rebellions against British rule that occurred over the years, as well as the prominent figures killed here.
It’s a great tour for those who are interested in history, but maybe slightly morbid for a family trip. The price of admission was low at around $10 and I mostly enjoyed myself, so I would probably recommend it for anyone who has a couple of hours to spare.
Kilmainham Gaol
Inchicore Rd.
Kilmainham, Dublin 8, Ireland
353 1 453 5984
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