Day 6 - Kilmainham Gaol Prison

 Front of Kilmainham Gaol prison. This prison held men, women, and children. The youngest inmate was a 5 year old boy. Unfortunately, there was no distinction in crime severity so pick pocket offenders were housed alongside murderers.

This prison held many of those involved in the fight for Irish independence. The last prisoner held was Eamon de Valera who became the newly freed Republic's first president.

Chapel

This area behind the chapel is where prisoners were led to be hung. The chapel is the top right window. After prayer with the chaplain, they were led to the causeway at the top of the scaffolding. The prisoners were hung from that walkway.

During the famine, the prison experienced severe overcrowding to the tune of 10+ times the intended capacity. Some people committed petty crimes in hopes of being sent to prison. They knew in prison that they would be guaranteed daily meals and they didn't have that assurance providing for themselves.

This is the central hall. It's design was revolutionary and served as a template for many European and U.S. prisons. A few movies have also shot scenes here most notably the original Italian Job movie.

Grace Gifford married Joseph Plunkett in the chapel only hours before he faced the firing squad for his part in the fight for Irish independence. Mrs. Plunkett was later incarcerated for 3 months at the same prison for suspected involvement in the civil war.

Mrs. Plunkett was a gifted artist. During her stay at the prison, she painted on her cell walls including this depiction of the Madonna and child.

These crosses at either end of the courtyard are memorials to the Irishmen that gave their life for freedom. Firing squads executed hundreds involved in the uprisings for freedom. One man, James Connolly, was in very poor health and was nearing the end of his life. In fact, he was unable to stand in front of the firing squad due to his health. Nevertheless, he was strapped into a chair for his inevitable execution. This heartless defiance by the British government played a large part in turning the public opinion in favor of the Irish rebellion which eventually led to their success.

A monument to the 14 leaders of the 1916 uprising for Irish independence. All were court-martialed and shot at Kilmainham Gaol. Their sacrifice guaranteed their status as martyrs.