Dublin Castle
Dublin Castle is just a few minutes walk away from the Trinity College Library and although the Castle itself was not open to the public, I did have tour the Royal Apartments. You can experience the grandeur of the living and entertaining in the Royal Apartments as they once were. The dining room (I would call it a hall) and the Throne Room were huge. But what impressed me most was the craftsman work on the plaster ceilings (I told you I noticed odd details). Everything is hand carved and the dimensions are precise.
The fine glassware, the heavy furniture, the fabrics and lighting, etc. take you back 100's of years, until you come around the corner to room where James Connolly was held prisoner. You can envision the time, it's 1916 and 'The Troubles' are in full swing.
Connolly was actually a Scotsman but gave his life for Ireland's freedom. He was a leader during the Easter Rising of 1916 and injured, taken captive and held here. He remained here until he was taken to Kilmainham Prison where he was hung in May 1916.
Although Ireland had many kings throughout it's history, there was no Irish king for this Castle. It was built on orders of King John of England beginning in 1204. The main purpose was to protect the King's treasure and to serve as a defensive structure. Throughout time, the Castle has served many functions. It has been beautifully restored and is now primarily a museum but also used for state and international functions, It may even be rented out by the public. (Can you imagine that bill?)
In the Connolly room, there is a turn-of-the-century bed and chair. On the wall are prints depicting the time line and history of the Proclamation of the Irish Republic as well as the other individuals arrested and executed for the "Easter Uprising". Such a sad time (mid-1800's forward) for Ireland and her people. Beginning with the attempted genocide and the famine up until her independence and even then some.
Speaking of the Easter Uprising, did you know Rod Stewart's hit, "Grace" was banned by the BBC. The reason? BBC said it was a 'rebel song'. It honors a young man's love, who marries his fiancé in the Kilhaminen Gaol (Jail) the day before he was executed for taking part in the fight for Ireland's freedom.
