Built (in the late 1700's) to be innovative for its time, it was the first reformed jail in Ireland, meaning one person per cell. But that quickly changed when the potato famine struck Ireland in 1845. Men and women, many children among them, turned to crime just to be thrown into jail, as it was there that at least a hot meal would be served and a place to sleep was promised. In a time when becoming homeless was almost inevitable, this option made the most sense for a large part of the starving population, which in turn turned the reformed jail into one of mayhem and over crowding.
After the famine had passed, by 1852, Kilmainham didn't gain notoriety again until the uprisings of the Irish against the British Monarch, more famously known as the Easter Rising of 1916. It was there that pivotal leaders of the rebellion were executed, made to be examples to the Irish people. Reading the names on the plaques there, you instantly recognize them as major streets in the Dublin city center, as these men will forever be known as the brave freedom fighters for Ireland.
The jail itself also houses an extremely impressive three story museum dedicated to the fight and eventual victory over the British, and truly was a invaluable history lesson into Ireland's fight for independence.
A typical jail cell door
Inside the jail. Many movies were filmed here, including In the Name of the Father and Michael Collins (though Michael Collins was never jailed here, he was imprisoned in England). Was very eerie.....
The flag that hangs in the execution yard, to memorialize those that were killed fighting for Ireland. I interestingly learnt that the green represents the people of Ireland, the orange represents those settled in Ireland from England, and the white is the truce between the two countries.
At the end of last week I was honored by having two very good friends come to visit me, which has been great, great fun. Here are some pictures!
Tried a new Irish beer the other night, Beamish. Loved it.
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