When in Dublin, I had the opportunity to see a number of things, but there are two things (other than the Book of Kells) that stand out as highlights.
Kilmainham Gaol
The Kilmainham Gaol played an important role in Irish history as a place where many leaders and activists from Irish rebellions were held, with several being executed in the prison. Built in 1796, it replaced the "old" gaol and in its early days public hangings took place at the front of the gaol. From about 1820 onward, a limited number of hangings took place at Kilmainham and, when these occurred, it was in a small cell set up specifically for hangings.
After being decommissioned as a prison in 1924, Kilmainham gradually started to deteriorate until the late 1950's when a group of former prisoners and guards worked to restore it. Eventually, it was taken over by the Irish government and now houses a museum on the history of Irish nationalism.
The guided tour through Kilmainham is well done and one quickly learns about the terrible conditions in which prisoners were held. There was no segregation in the cells, so men, women and children would be incarcerated together. Five people were held in each cell with the only source for heat and light being a small candle, which meant they were kept in damp, cold and dark conditions most of the time. Illness was widespread and many died as a result. When looking into the cells, one can only imagine the cramped and inhumane conditions under which five prisoners were held in a space of about 28 sq. metres.
While Kilmainham held people involved with various aspects of Irish rebellions, people were also imprisoned for petty theft such as vegetables from a garden. According to the guide, the youngest prisoner ever was supposed a five-year child. The gaol was also a holding facility for many prisoners who were shipped to Australia.
As one goes through Kilmainham, you can see name tags over cells of some people who are well known for their involvement with some type of "rebellious" activity, e.g. Eamon de Valera and Michael O'Hanrahan. Amid the horrific conditions in Kilmainham, however, money still carried privileges with it. While incarcerated at Kilmainham, Charles S. Parnell (political, landlord and land reformer) had a great deal more space and significantly more comfortable conditions simply because of his financial influence.
Guinness Storehouse
While I am not fan of the dark drink, a visit to the Guinness Storehouse is a must when in Dublin. Guinness is more than a popular drink - it is part of Irish culture.
Within a minute or so of entering the "Storehouse," one is exposed to all-things Guinness from the history of the company, how its brew is made, its advertising and marketing historically, photos of distinguished guests such as a couple of US presidents, learn how to pour your own Guinness from a tap, a well stocked gift shop and more. The experience culminates on the 7th floor of the building, which houses the Gravity Bar and a 360 degree view of the city. At the Gravity Bar, you can redeem your coupon for a free Guinness (actually it is not free because the price of admission is about 15 Euros).
The founder of brewery was Arthur Guinness - an entrepreneur, visionary and philanthropist. After receiving an inheritance, Guinness invested his money and operated a brewery outside of Dublin. In 1759, he moved into the city and set up his business. He took a 9,000 year lease on the 4-acre property at St. James Gate. With the 9,000 year lease, I think Arthur Guinness was either a true visionary or had a great sense of humour; or, maybe both.
Kilmainham Gaol
The Kilmainham Gaol played an important role in Irish history as a place where many leaders and activists from Irish rebellions were held, with several being executed in the prison. Built in 1796, it replaced the "old" gaol and in its early days public hangings took place at the front of the gaol. From about 1820 onward, a limited number of hangings took place at Kilmainham and, when these occurred, it was in a small cell set up specifically for hangings.
After being decommissioned as a prison in 1924, Kilmainham gradually started to deteriorate until the late 1950's when a group of former prisoners and guards worked to restore it. Eventually, it was taken over by the Irish government and now houses a museum on the history of Irish nationalism.
The guided tour through Kilmainham is well done and one quickly learns about the terrible conditions in which prisoners were held. There was no segregation in the cells, so men, women and children would be incarcerated together. Five people were held in each cell with the only source for heat and light being a small candle, which meant they were kept in damp, cold and dark conditions most of the time. Illness was widespread and many died as a result. When looking into the cells, one can only imagine the cramped and inhumane conditions under which five prisoners were held in a space of about 28 sq. metres.
While Kilmainham held people involved with various aspects of Irish rebellions, people were also imprisoned for petty theft such as vegetables from a garden. According to the guide, the youngest prisoner ever was supposed a five-year child. The gaol was also a holding facility for many prisoners who were shipped to Australia.
As one goes through Kilmainham, you can see name tags over cells of some people who are well known for their involvement with some type of "rebellious" activity, e.g. Eamon de Valera and Michael O'Hanrahan. Amid the horrific conditions in Kilmainham, however, money still carried privileges with it. While incarcerated at Kilmainham, Charles S. Parnell (political, landlord and land reformer) had a great deal more space and significantly more comfortable conditions simply because of his financial influence.
Guinness Storehouse
While I am not fan of the dark drink, a visit to the Guinness Storehouse is a must when in Dublin. Guinness is more than a popular drink - it is part of Irish culture.
Within a minute or so of entering the "Storehouse," one is exposed to all-things Guinness from the history of the company, how its brew is made, its advertising and marketing historically, photos of distinguished guests such as a couple of US presidents, learn how to pour your own Guinness from a tap, a well stocked gift shop and more. The experience culminates on the 7th floor of the building, which houses the Gravity Bar and a 360 degree view of the city. At the Gravity Bar, you can redeem your coupon for a free Guinness (actually it is not free because the price of admission is about 15 Euros).
The founder of brewery was Arthur Guinness - an entrepreneur, visionary and philanthropist. After receiving an inheritance, Guinness invested his money and operated a brewery outside of Dublin. In 1759, he moved into the city and set up his business. He took a 9,000 year lease on the 4-acre property at St. James Gate. With the 9,000 year lease, I think Arthur Guinness was either a true visionary or had a great sense of humour; or, maybe both.
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