Tuesday, September 8, 2015

From Prisoners to the Devout, There is a Place for Everyone in Dublin!



Legendary Journeys is immensely proud to offer trips all around the globe that show the world's splendor. There is something to be said about going to exotic locations to see cultures and history that would otherwise elude someone. That is, to us, the heart of traveling: the never ending exploration of what both humanity and nature have constructed around us. From the world's tallest buildings to the most beautiful sunsets, there is so much to enjoy in so many different places! This blog series is about finding the most dazzling experiences you can enjoy and giving you a taste of what you can expect out of some amazing locales all over the world! Today we step into the beautiful and historically rich city of Dublin, Ireland! 



Kilmainham Gaol is a former prison that is now a museum run by the Office of Public Works. The prison was built in 1796 and was often referred to as the "New Gaol" as it was intended to replace the old gaol that was little more than an offensive dungeon. The conditions in the prison were notably horrible. Men, women, and children were not segregated in any way. After years of misery the prison was shut down in 1924, and no thought was put into preserving it as the prison was seen as a sign of suffering and oppression. It took many years before there was any interest in restoring the run down prison, but eventually a groundswell of support gathered. Thirteen years of work later the restoration was completed and the prison reopened to the public in 1971. Since that time more and more people have noted the importance of the prison as it relates to the Irish struggle for independence. These days travelers marvel at how well run the museum is as well as the wealth of knowledge that the guides provide in the tours of the grounds. At 4 Euros the cost is reasonable and along with all of the rich history that can be found here this is a can't miss stop in Dublin! 





Saint Patrick's Cathedral, Ard-Eaglais Naomh Pádraig in Irish, founded in 1191, is the biggest church in Ireland and one of two cathedrals in the city, with the other being Christ Church. It was constructed with the early English Gothic style in mind, and its most prominent feature is the 140 foot spire that is easily seen in the picture above. An exception to the norm, the Cathedral is not a seat of a bishop due to there being a more senior cathedral in the city already. The fact that there are two such buildings within the same city was a matter of much controversy for over a century until a six point agreement was signed which outlined the relationship of the two holy sites. These days it is the location for numerous public national ceremonies, including Ireland's Remembrance Day. Visitors from around the world note that this is one of the most beautiful places of worship in the world, and indicate that it is a must see whenever someone finds their way into the city. 



Dublin is an interesting city with a diverse background. It is telling that two of the most interesting places to visit within the city couldn't be further apart in their legacies. One was a prison where horrors were carried out while the other a celebrated and beloved place of worship. When one attempts to understand Irish culture it is important to reconcile these different aspects of their history and why both are very important. Legendary Journeys offers many trips that take you into this city, and you can view them all simply by clicking here.








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