On our last beautiful morning in Dublin (actually it was raining and freezing cold, now that I think about it), we headed down to the historic Kilmainham Gaol. Built in 1796, it was intended to replace the dark and filthy dungeon used up to that point as the local gaol for Dubliners. It was built on a new theory of penitence and salvation, and as such, the building was designed so that prisoners could be kept in complete isolation for 23 out of 24 hours of the day. Prisoners were to be kept apart so that they could not influence each other to commit new crimes upon release. Well, that was the theory, anyhow. Built for 112 people, the prison population swelled to over 3,000 men, women, and children during the Great Potato Famine in the 1800s, mostly due to the Irish Government making begging for food illegal. 10 to 15 People were jammed into the tiny cells, with more lining the hallways. People were generally grateful to be locked up, however, because at least in the Gaol they were guaranteed one meager meal a day which was more than most had at that time.
The Gaol is most famous for its role in Irish history, however. Many intellectuals and reform-minded activists were imprisoned in the Gaol after the 1916 Easter Rising for Irish independence. Many were also executed there in the courtyard. It was an eerie place indeed. Here is a picture of the main hall, designed with the large window over head so that God would keep his ever watchful eye upon the prisoners.
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