Irish History: Kilmainham Gaol

The Kilmainham Gaol is a must see when visiting Ireland.   It played an important part in Irish Revolutionary History.  This is what fighting for freedom looks like.

During the 1916 Irish uprising, 16 leaders of Sinn Fien were executed here at the Gaol.  This generated overwhelming support for independence among the Irish people. The Irish election of 1918 all 73 representatives refused to sit in parliament at Westminster, London. They formed there own government in Ireland then declared independence.

The names of each patriot killed are printed above there cell.  At the end of the tour, you walk through the courtyard where they were executed.  It is a somber feeling seeing a place where so much sacrifice took place.

From the downtown Dublin take the Red Line Tram to Busáras Luas Stop.  From there it is a 12-minute walk to the Gaol.  Before you visit, a tour must be booked in advance online at http://kilmainhamgaolmuseum.ie/.