Visit Kilmainham Gaol and unveil the bygone history and the difficult times experienced by Irish people.
How do you pronounce Gaol
“We have to visit Kil-Main-Ham Ga-ol” I said in my very own Indian accent. And the instant response I got from my husband was “What’s Kill-main-ham-goal”. “It’s Kil-Main-Ham Ga-ol and not Kill-main-ham-goal. And you’ll see when you get there”, I corrected and convinced my husband to visit Kilmainham Gaol with me.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. I receive a small commission at no cost to you when you make a purchase using my link. For more information, please check our privacy policy
At the entrance I prompted the security sitting at the ticket counter “Are there any guided tours for Kilmainham Ga-ol?” (again in my own accent). And I got a rather spontaneous response “Yes, and it’s kil-main-em Jail as in Jail”. With a little embarrassed look, I said “Ah I see“.
My mind voice then “It’s not Ga-ol, its not Go-al. It’s jail. Ah you Irish accent!”
“The tour will start in 10 minutes, from the museum,which is on the left side here“, the security added while I was in my deep thoughts on the pronunciation of Gaol.
“Trip Advisor rates this place as a must see Dublin attraction. It also mentioned that this is a largest unoccupied jail in Irish history“, I said my husband, as we walked our way to the entrance of the jail.
Also Read: 5 Reasons to visit Ireland
Is Kilmainham Gaol worth visiting?
A visit to Dublin is not complete if you don’t visit it’s historic gaols. They hold plethora of history of the bygone era of Irish Independence. The Gaol housed some of the famous political leaders in the Irish history.
Gaols are a perfect place to reflect on the past and learn about the Irish history and know more about the country, in general. Also, that Kilmainham Gaol in Dublin is one of the oldest gaols in Ireland. And needless to say, a visit to Kilmainham Gaol will be one of the intriguing and inspiring places to visit.
Kilmainham Gaol tour
The tour at Kilmainham Gaol lasts for 1.5 hours and I have to admit that it is one of the haunting history I have heard of. Going on a guided tour gave us more information and that enriched the entire experience.
This jail has seen both tragic and heroic moments, death and sufferings of famous martyrs who struggled during Irish Independence and Civil War. As you walk through the gaol, you will learn the turbulent and brutal history between UK and Ireland. And yes, as mentioned, this is the largest unoccupied Victorian jail in Europe.
Before the actual tour starts, there is a 15 minute power point presentation showing Irish revolution in a nutshell. It shows how it’s leaders, and the economic scenario of Ireland were while they were under UK rule. After the presentation, you can walk around to various sections of the jail, see the cells, the condition of the prisoners, cells of famous leaders and on how the jail is run.
Suggested Reading: Visiting Guinness Storehouse, in Dublin
Kilmainham Gaol History
Public hangings used to take place in front of the Gaol. There were no gender or age segregation in the cell. Each cell were roughly 28m.sq. and there were 5 prisoners in each such cell. And they were given 1 candle every 2 weeks.
It is extremely cold inside despite wearing warm winter clothes. Couldn’t imagine the plight of the prisoners who would be just wearing the cotton clothes. And windows are now covered with glass, but back then there was no glass (as you see in the above picture). And to add, the sanitary conditions were poor then. It would have been such a brutality.
Over the 129 years that it served as a jail, there were about 180000 prisoners most of which were due to common crimes. During the famine, the cells would be packed with prisoners who commit the crime of stealing bread and potatoes/ any food or clothes. It was under British rule that various Irish patriots were captivated and executed. 14 of the country’s famous leaders were shot dead in the courtyard (above picture where you see the cross).
East wing of the jail was constructed later to accommodate the increasing Irish prisoners during the fight for their independence. This part of Kilmainham Gaol has appeared in many movies, the most famous being yesteryear’s flick The Italian Job.
Where to stay in Dublin
There are plenty of hotel ranges in and around Dublin, so literally, one is spoilt with choices. The Merrion Hotel and Dylan are the right kind if you want luxury and style. Number 31 and Marlin Hotel are smart and comfortable choice in the heart of Dublin. Check out more options and budget hotels here.
Conclusion
To conclude, visiting Kilmainham Gaol was a great learning experience in terms of the country’s history. The tour guides were very knowledgeable and the stories about the martyrs were heart wrenching.
If you are travelling in Dublin, visiting Kilmainham Gaol should be one of the top things to do in Dublin. More than a tourist attraction, it’s a must-visit to understand the past of Ireland.
Have you visited any prisons? What is your experience?
Like it? Pin it!
rama
Last year my daughter and her husband visited Ireland, they really enjoyed the visit. My daughter is a very good self taught photographer, and brought back such lovely pictures of that country.
I had come across the term gaols/ jails while reading some Irish/ English plays during my college days.
Good to know yo have started a travel blog. Wish you all the best!
countryhoppingcouple
Oh that's good to know that your daughter has already been to Ireland and you are aware of gaol. Had I told you earlier, you'd have given me advice 🙂
Thanks for the wishes Rama!
Kusum Sanu
Ha ha … gaol as jail. Like the pictures.
countryhoppingcouple
Ha! They don't even have bear resemblences isn't it Kusum? Thanks!
Bhushavali - Indian Fashion n Travel Blogger!
Jail? That sounds different. I would like to see it. I'm so wanting to see the Andaman Jail before that! That's nearer to me! 🙂
Bhusha's INDIA TRAVELOGUE
countryhoppingcouple
Welcome to my Yes, it does! Let me know how the Andaman Jail looks after you go!
Destination Infinity
You could have given a short history about the Irish struggle for independence. I wonder why the British were so adamant about occupying territories that were not theirs. I hope they found a match in Ireland and Ireland gave it back to them. Should have, that's why Ireland is still a different country, despite being so close to England. But I must read some history before making such fleeting comments 🙂
I remember this jail from the Italian job movie. That was a funny movie 🙂
Destination Infinity
countryhoppingcouple
There's a lot of it in their history, and I honestly did not know all of it. So I din't wanted to write about it DI 🙁
Totally. The brutality I had seen and heard is so much it reminds me of British rule in India!
Saru Singhal
Interesting place and seriously no one could have imagined the word to be pronounced as jail. Inside shot is really pretty. It is well kept and quite a history. Congrats on the new blog and saw that you reached 'Z' of the photo challenge and that too with a Zebra 🙂
countryhoppingcouple
Thank you Saru! Finally I did manage to finish my Ph.D in Alphabets 🙂
Ashwini C N
Well, First thing, I am not sure if I would have visited this place, I get this shiver, even when reading the post,Superwoman!
countryhoppingcouple
It wasn't all that bad Ash!It will still give you shiver for the temperature inside the jail was very cold!
evanescentthoughts
"here were no gender or age segregation in the cell. Each cell were roughly 28m.sq. and there were 5 prisoners in each such cell. "
That's really bad.. 5 prisoners in each cell was too much. I wonder how much they would have suffered. I had visited one prison in US and that gave me enough chills to last for a lifetime. Here
countryhoppingcouple
5 prisoners in each cell is normal. During famine, there were many people dumped into the cells because there wasn't enough space inside. I am just heading to your US Prison visit page…
D.Nambiar
That reminds me I still haven't visited Alcatraz.
Goal — I found it strange too, when I heard of it. That was way back in school. 🙂
The visit to Kilmainham must have been quite an experience, right? Especially to put all those stories and this incredible building together. It does seem like a must-see.
Nice shots, Anu. 🙂
countryhoppingcouple
Yes D! It was a great experience altogether! Yes, I would like to visit Andaman Jail and Alcatraz sometime!
magiceye
Beautiful photographs and interesting commentary!
countryhoppingcouple
Thank you Magiceye
Rahul Bhatia
Very interesting post Anu! Been to Ireland but missed this place:(
countryhoppingcouple
Thanks for visiting my blog Rahul. If you visit Ireland again, do check on any of the Gaols.
Arti
Congratulations Anu! A very beautiful space you have got yourself here 🙂
Fascinating place and wonderful captures! The place looks like an absolutely treat for anyone who loves to delve into history though it also stands as a stark reminder of all the blood and gore stories it has got to tell.
countryhoppingcouple
Thank you Arti. I simply felt like having a seperate space to share my travel experiences. Yes, all the Gaols in Ireland share such interesting history.
Petra
One must be overwhelmed by all the history of the place, Anu. The East wing of the jail looks impressive, simple but having a character. No wonder that it's been used in movies.
countryhoppingcouple
Welcome here Petra. Yes, and because it is utsed in movies, its well maintained, well lit, and looked beautiful!
Ramakant Pradhan
I was wondering why it looked familiar. Glad you clarified it being shown in Italian Job, else I would have been hitting my head to recall where I saw it. All such places have pretty rich history, some quite dark. Love the last shot.
countryhoppingcouple
Ah. I actually went there along with my Dad. And the very moment we entered this hall, he became very enthusiastic, and talked me about the movie 😀