Kilmainham Gaol is the largest unoccupied jail in the world, and is dedicated to educating the public about the harsh realities of the Irish struggle for independence. Prisoners were held here over a period of 150 years until the very last inmate, Eamon de Valera, was released in 1924. The fact that he was later became Taoiseach (Prime Minister) of Ireland, shows the integral role this jail has played in shaping Ireland’s history.
The building was completed in 1796, and over the decades it held many poor citizens, children included, jailed for petty theft, begging and unpaid debts, as well as those whose names are now in the history books. It was common practice to deport prisoners to Australia on their release, if they escaped the public hangings that took place until the 1820s.
Kilmainham Gaol’s notoriety grew during the days of nationalism, with its reputation as a fearsome final destination for anyone caught up in the conflict. One such inmate was Joseph Plunkett, a 28 year old who played a key role in the 1916 Easter Rising. His execution by firing squad took place shortly after his wedding held in prison.
The jail reopened as a museum in 1960 after the building had been taken on by a restoration society. You can now walk the eerie corridors, and guided tours will provide you with grim accounts of the torture and struggle witnessed within these walls. There are also many audio-visual displays that bring the history of the prison to life, and illustrate the desperate conditions in which the prisoners were held, as well the haunting story of the leaders of the 1916 Easter Rising and their execution in the Stonebreakers Yard.
Access to the museum is by guided tour only which lasts for one hour, and make sure you arrive early as the limited spaces fill up quickly. Kilmainham Gaol is located near Phoenix Park, 3.5 kilometres to the west of Dublin city centre. Both the tram and bus routes stop here, as well as the hop-on, hop-off city bus tour. The museum is open every day except Christmas Day.
