Kilmainham Gaol

Kilmainham Gaol, the Dublin prison that was open from 1796-1923 sits up on a small hill overlooking the city. It was built to replace the dungeon that was located next to the site. If that doesn't put things into perspective, I don't know what will. Although it was built to be more humane than the dungeons of the day, you could still feel its purpose.

Again, mesmerized by an entrance, I had no idea what I would learn about this spot at the very end of our tour. Five snakes in chains.

There were women and children also imprisoned in these walls. Many would commit small crimes in order to get imprisoned. Here they would at least be sure of one meal a day and have a roof over their heads. There was one cell per person which was unheard of at the time. The youngest "prisoner" was said to be a seven-year old boy while many of its prisoners were deported to Australia. That part was new to me.

It was built with windows for light and circulation; but in damp Ireland, I don't know if that was the best of ideas. The day we went was a cool day and you could still feel and smell the damp, stagnant air about you.

There were public hangings until 1865.

Here is the front entrance I was so fascinated with. Right where the balcony is now, prisoners would be hung for the public to witness.

The cell doors were amazing. Thick and heavy with so many layers of paint.

They were eerily beautiful to me. These steely teal blues kept showing up throughout. I wondered if they were true to the original colors?

The corridors, with their arched ceilings and windows were amazing.

The Victorian ironwork in parts of the old jail were beautiful.

The newest addition, the Victorian wing, was quiet large, open and light filled.

The cells were larger and less damp here.

And the inmates would carve their names (or whatever) above their door.

I loved the old iron spiral staircase.

Lastly, we were lead outside to a small courtyard.

The cross marks the spot where the leaders of the 1916 Easter Rising were blindfolded and executed at point-blank range.

The plaque lists the men who were executed here. One man, James Connolly, was unable to stand due to injuries from the Rising; so he was wheeled out and put in a chair where he was then executed. Bloody stuff.

Amazing history here. I would highly recommend a tour if you're ever in Dublin.

On to Brussels next.

Dublin, Cuid Dhá

Continuing on in Dublin, I have so much to share. What a wonderful city. What wonderful folks. Each time I go to Europe, I find a new favorite city. Dublin was it. Such a wonderful, bustling city.

With much quaintness mixed in.

City Center, the Spire of Dublin in the background.

Two policemen on horseback.

Of course we found a wonderful sweet shop, Queen of Tarts. We went to the smaller of the two locales.

Who could resist such a brilliant name?

It was so wonderfully charming, we went two days in a row. (It was actually closed the first day I dragged the kids through the rain to find it.)

Breakfast.

And the next day, lunch.

With a piece of Victorian Sponge Cake to share for dessert.

Then off across the street to see Dublin Castle.

A side entrance.

The upper yard.

The Chapel Royal.

The Record Tower, c. 1228, next to the Chapel Royal.

I couldn't get enough photos of this chapel door.

Then on to tour atop a double-decker. The River Liffey.

Molly Malone . Fishmonger by day, lady-of-the-evening by night.

More beautiful architecture.

And the Guinness brewery in the distance.

Áras an Uachtaráin, The president's house. Looks very similar to the White House, doesn't it?

My new "favorite" shop (of which there are many, mind you), Avoca.

I'm thinking Laura Ashley, Cath Kidston.

With lots of wonderful woollies! (I bought a small throw for the girls' room I'm working on.)

The cuz's favorite shop--young, chic clothing of course.

Later that night . . .

We were off to MJ O'Neill's for a traditional Irish carvery. I had spied the "MJ" and took lots of photos for my SIL Mary Jane. Who knew we would end up there for dinner?

Sort of like a cafeteria but so much more.

See? Oooooooooooof. Turkey and Limerick ham with mash.

Before we knew it, it was time to head off to Brussels. But not before having to purchase another satchel to hold my carry-ons. My old one I purchased in Paris several years ago (for the same reason) was beginning to tear, in the handles. Not good. So I replaced it with a FATFACE mailbag in duty free. Oh, that and a bottle of Jo Malone. Yummy.

So smart, having a second back entrance to a plane. Duh. Ya think we could do that in America to load quicker? Hmmm. Notta chance.

Erin go bragh!