Kilmainham Prison: an unusual visit to the heart of crime in Dublin

Don't be fooled by its charming architecture. Behind this Irish manor house lies a centuries-old prison: Kilmainham Gaol. It first came into use in the 18th century, in 1796 to be precise. It was simply nicknamed 'The New Gaol' because it was to replace the old one, which was housed in a dungeon a few miles away.

Far from being an ordinary prison, during its 128 years of operation Kilmainham Prison played an important role in Irish history, not least because of the prison population it housed. There were both common criminals and political prisoners in the cells.

The political prisoners incarcerated were involved in the struggle for Irish independence, such as Robert Emmet, Anne Devlin, the Fenians, Charles Stewart Parnell, Countess Markievicz and the leaders of the 1916 Easter Rising. 14 of them were executed in the Stonemasons' Yard.

As well as discovering a major historical site that played an important role in the history of Ireland and its independence, the visit is an unusual experience not to be missed. Spooky, vast and deserted, it is the largest unoccupied prison in Europe. You can spend hours here listening to the countless tales told within its thick, cold walls.

An unusual venue for temporary exhibitions

Now a historic site managed by the Office of Public Works, the prison is now a museum that tourists love to visit. With so many stories to tell at Kilmainham Gaol, many new and temporary exhibitions are organised throughout the year to highlight certain aspects or anecdotes of the prison site.