Theme: The Dark Side of Dublin

Group: Ajay Makwana, Daniel Johnson

Introduction:
When Americans hear Ireland the first thing that comes to mind is probably St. Patricks
Day. Americans celebrate with green beer, parades, and getting drunk at Irish Pubs.
American children might think of rainbows with pots of gold at the end, leprechauns,
shamrocks, and Lucky Charms. These joyful associations are fun to remember, but every
country has dark parts in its history. Our walking tour will focus on the more somber
parts of Dublins history. The first place we will be visiting is Kilmainham Gaol, a
former prison which has now been turned into a museum. Many Irish revolutionaries
were imprisoned or killed at Kilmainham Gaol, which is said to be haunted by the ghosts
of former inmates and guards. We will also be visiting the vaults beneath St. Michans
church and Christ Church Cathedral, both of which contain the graves of Irish Christians
from centuries ago. Perhaps the darkest part of Irish history was a result of the Great
Famine, which lasted seven years and caused the death of many Irish. There is no better
place to remember the tragic history of the Famine than Dublins Famine Memorial
located in Dublins Docklands. We will be ending our the tour at the so called
Gravedigger Pub, formally known as John Kavanagh Pub, for some pub food and a pint
to cheer us up after a somber walking tour.
Itinerary:
Herbert Park Hotel
Transportation: Taxi/Uber
Kilmainham Jail:
Kilmainham Goal is a former prison turned museum in Kilmainham, Dublin, built
in 1796. Originally the site of public hangings, the prison was used throughout the
19th century, where men, women, and children were imprisoned in unsegregated
cells only 28 square meters large. Many Irish revolutionaries were imprisoned in
Kilmainham Goal, and the buildings are said to be haunted by ghosts of former
prisoners and gaurds.
Hours: 9:30 AM 6:00 PM
Cost of Admission: No cost with Dublin Pass/Freedom Pass

Transportation:

St. Michans Church:

St. Michans Church is an Anglican church built on the site of an early Norse
chapel from 1095, though most of the current structure was built in 1686. The
vaults of the church contain mummified human remains which are preserved by
the dry air. Tours of the church and the crypts beneath it are available at the times
listed below.
Hours: 10:00 AM 12:45 PM, 2:00 PM 4:30 PM
Cost of Admission: No cost
Transportation: Walk
Christ Church Cathedral:
Christ Church Cathedral is one of the two medieval cathedrals in Dublin (the
other is St. Patricks Cathedral). The beautiful Gothic cathedral has a rich history,
dating back as far as 1028. Even the list of organists goes back to 1595. The
oldest bells in the bell tower date to 1670.
Hours: 9:00 AM 7:00 PM
Cost of Admission: No cost with Dublin Pass/Freedom Pass

Transportation:

Famine Memorial:
The Dublin Famine memorial was built in 1997. The sculptures are dedicated to
the Irish people who were forced to emigrate because of the Great Famine. The
Famine memorial is one of over 100 memorials worldwide.
Hours: No hours
Cost of Admission: No cost
Transportation: Taxi
John Kavannagh (Gravediggers Pub):
John Kavannagh aka Gravediggers pub is the oldest family pub still running in
Dublin. Built next to Glasnevin cemetery, The Gravediggers pub has been owned
and operated by the Kavannagh family for eight generations.

Hours: 10:30 AM 11:30 PM

Cost of Admission: Varies
Transportation: Taxi to Herbert Park Hotel