Kilmainham Gaol has recently opened a new Visitor’s Centre at Kilmainham Courthouse. A lot of work was done to the entrance of the old Gaol. The outside has been paved with Leinster granite paving and bollards, making the surrounding civic space a more efficient space for pedestrians and cyclists.
Irish limestone benches for tourists and visitors have been put down and a Dublin Bikes station has been placed in front of the newly refurbished monument. The Royal Hospital entrance is now connected by a pedestrian crossing that leads to the new Civic Space, making sightseeing easier for tourists who are visiting the Gaol and IMMA.
Tomorrow at 11 am the Lord Mayor of Dublin will unveil a plaque to commemorate this newly designed Kilmainham Civic Space. It promises to be an eventful day with Minister of State, Séan Canney TD, and an tÁrdmhéara, Críona Ní Dhálaigh there to do the unveiling.
In a recent press release Árdmhéara Críona Ní Dhálaigh said: “I commend Dublin City Council and the Office of Public Works for the quality of their work which has transformed this unique urban space. It is an excellent example of what can be achieved for the benefit of all when these two significant public bodies work closely together. This site is of enormous historical significance and I hope that all who visit, work or live in Kilmainham benefit from the transformation. Tá mé cinnte go mbainfidh cuairteoirí agus muintir na háite taitneamh as an áit bhreá seo i gCill Mhaighneann.”
The Kilmainham project cost Dublin City Council and the National Transport Authority €2.6 million to complete. The construction of the new Visitors Centre was carried out by SIAC and the paving was done by Cairn Construction.
This year Ireland is celebrating 100 years since the 1916 Rising and this projects is a part of this year’s Commemorative celebrations. This month Kilmainham hosted a series of private ceremonies for the families of the 15 leaders of the Rising who was executed at Kilmainham.
