A tour of Dublin's Kilmainham Gaol tells modern Ireland's story in terms of its social, penal and political history. In its working life between 1796 and 1924, Dublin's Kilmainham Gaol witnessed the passage of some 180,000 inmates, the majority of them common criminals incarcerated for assault, burglary, pick-pocketing, rape, murder, prostitution, illicit distilling and, most often, debt. It has held nationalist leaders from various eras and seen executions of 138 common criminals and 23 political prisoners. The gaol tells three major stories - about modern Ireland's social, political and penal history, says outgoing manager Tim Carey.
People come here to understand Irish history because the experience here is so immediate.
They gain some insight into the Ireland of today. It does contextualise things a bit. Each has his or her own special interest. Cara Ronan is completing a degree in history and English to complement her B.Sc. Phyl Mason has researched the roles of women and children in the gaol.