The Donegal Association hosted their annual outing for members this weekend, choosing to visit one of Ireland’s most important historic landmarks.
They decided to take a step back in time by visiting Kilmainham Gaol given the centenary of the 1916 rising last year.
The group met for tea, coffee and scones in Brambles located on site and the tour commenced at 11am with a very knowledgeable guide.
The group visited the church where Joseph Mary Plunkett married Grace Gifford, and the cells where the leaders of the 1916 Rising were held along with the cells of Robert Emmett and Charles Stewart Parnell.
They were told about the executions which took place in the jail which were spectacles for people of that time. The tour finished in Kilmainham Gaol Museum which in itself was a very enjoyable and informative part of the day.
One member noted that “it was very moving and poignant to be walking through the prison where many brave men and women walked before us.”
Martin McGettigan and Liam McDermott
Kilmainham Gaol was recently refurbished and is now a popular attraction with both tourists and locals. The trip was enjoyed by all.
New members are always welcome in the Donegal Association and one can become a member for a once off fee of €25 on www.donegalassocation.ie
Members of the Donegal Association