Kilmainham Gaol

Dublin

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DESTINATIONS ireland dublin Do & See Kilmainham Gaol

Kilmainham Gaol

Kilmainham Gaol is one of the largest unoccupied gaols in Europe. It opened in 1796 as the new county gaol for Dublin and finally shut its doors as such in 1924. Today, the building symbolises the tradition of militant and constitutional nationalism, from the rebellion of 1798 to the Irish Civil War of 1922-23. The great collection consists of a wide variety of object types, including manuscripts, photographs, newspapers, weaponry, artwork, medals, uniforms and personal effects especially related to the political imprisonment in the 1916-23 period, as well as the experience of women during the Civil War.

Do & See

Dublin's streets are a busy mix of past and present. This city has always inspired writers, visitors, and political firebrands alike. To walk these streets is to journey through history–from the city's Viking roots by the banks of the river Liffey to its atmospheric medieval churches with their mummified remains and holy relics. The more recent architecture includes the gracious Georgian streets, as well as museums, theatres, and several parks where one can escape the hustle and bustle of city life.