On Wednesday the 19th of October, 6th Class went to Kilmainham Gaol. We had a very nice tour guide named Catherine, who took them around Kilmainham Gaol and told us all about it.
First, we went to the church inside the Gaol to visit the altar where Joseph Plunkett and Grace Gifford got married. The reason they got married in the Gaol was because Joseph was to be executed the next day. It was his final wish to marry Grace.
Next, Catherline led us to the cells where ordinary prisoners were held. They were around 2 metres by 1 metre. A lot of the time, there were 5 people in one cell.
We were then taken to the 1916 Corridor, where the leaders of the Rising were kept. Sadly, most of them were executed. 6th Class went to the Stonebreakers’ Yard where it happened.
Catherine then led us to the East Wing, you might have seen it in Paddington. If you stand in the middle you can see all 96 cells. The most recent prisoners were women who were given access to art supplies. In Grace Gifford’s cell, there was a lovely painting.
We really enjoyed it and we would highly recommend it.
By Lucy & Maeve
Photos by Éilis
