Dalkey & Kilmainham Gaol

After spending a few days in Dublin walking around Dublin city learning about Dublin's history, enjoying a short boat ride up the River Liffey which divides the city north and south, socially and culturally; we decided to head out to Kilmainham Gaol. 

Kilmainham Gaol opened in 1796 and closed in 1924.  It worked as a men's, women's and juvenile prison, because men, women and children shared the same cells.  Also some of the leaders of the Easter rising of 1916, the War of Independence and the Irish Civil War were imprisoned and executed there.

The Victorian Wing before the restoration of the Gaol

Walking through one of the many corridors of the Gaol

one of the original cells with name of prisoner carved into doorframe

When the prison was opened Ireland was in the midst of famine.  Even though Kilmainham Gaol was considered the scariest building in Dublin, because public hangings were common and there was no heating or light in the prison cells, many people still committed crimes on purpose to be imprisoned there.  During the famine, for many poor people the prison was the only place where they got food and shelter against the cold.  So they had better chances of surviving inside than outside the prison.

The restored Victorian Wing

Kilmainham Gaol is definitely one of the most best tourist attractions in Dublin. The stories about the prison were really interesting and seeing the cells as well as hearing the stories about prisoners there made the tour fascinating.

Private hanging space of the Gaol

Our next day was spent taking the train out to Dalkey (approximately half an hour away by the DART (train) from Dublin).  Dalkey reminded me of parts of the Southern Highlands in New South Wales, although the Southern Highlands is not a medieval town, it does have many beautiful houses which is home to some rather rich people and celebrities.  One of the more famous celebrities which has a home in Dalkey is Bono, from U2.  The photographs below are just an example of some of the homes on offer on Colimore Road, Dalkey.

However, our main reason of travelling to Dalkey was not to admire the homes, but to see the remains of two castles on the short main street, one Archbold's Castle which had 3 storeys and battlements. The other Goat Castle and the harbour of  Colimore along with Dalkey Island which is home to another Martello Tower and the ruins of St Begnet's Oratory.

Goat Castle takes its name from the Cheevers family who owned the castle in the early 1600's.  Cheevers comes from 'chevre' French translation of 'goat'.  The goat features on their coat of arms.  The Castle dates from the early 1400's when Dalkey Sound was used to off load goods from large ships bound for Dublin.  Some of the goods were transferred to smaller boats and transported by sea to the city.  The tour of Goat Castle had a different approach to most tours whereby they had actors that were dressed up in medieval costumes and presented the tour as if we were back in the 1600's.

Goat Castle otherwise known as Dalkey Castle

 Next to Dalkey Castle (Goat Castle) is a stone Church (that has been destroyed).  It was dedicated to St Begnet and dates back to the tenth century.  It was interesting walking around this site.

St Begnet's Church and 10th century cemetery

From here, we walked down Colimore Road to the coastline of Dalkey, again, it was very beautiful with crystal clear waters and many fishermen.

Colimore Harbour, Dalkey

Whilst we were enjoying the scenery and taking a short break, the weather decided to turn ugly and suddenly grew very grey, at this stage, we decided to head back to the train station and return to Dublin.

Colimore Harbour & Dalkey Island in the background

Another view from Colimore Harbour, Dalkey