The 1916 Easter Rising was one of the, perhaps the defining moment of Irish history in the 20th century, but where can you best experience this historic event? In Dublin, and in various places. Because while the 1916 rebellion was planned as a national event, it only had a real impact in Dublin. Therefore, the Irish capital is also the ideal place to revisit the Easter Rising. From the founding of the Irish Volunteers and the smuggling of German weapons into the country to the heroic last stand of the rebels and their subsequent execution. Even the grave of Roger Casement, arrested on the west coast of Ireland and hanged in London, is located here.
General Post Office (GPO) and O’Connell Street
Patrick Pearse read the proclamation of the Republic of Ireland in front of the Dublin General Post Office to eager rebels and some bewildered civilians. After this, the rebels made the GPO on what was then Sackville Street their headquarters and main stronghold. Which was basically a military disaster waiting to happen. The GPO front and the nearby O’Connell Monument still have visible battle scars. Sackville Street itself had to be totally rebuilt after being bombarded by artillery.
A new exhibit was opened in the basement in 2016 detailing the role the GPO played during the 1916 Easter Rising, GPO Witness Story.
National Museum of Ireland – Collins Barracks
The National Museum of Ireland in Collins Barracks has other exhibits dedicated to the Easter Rising. A comprehensive special exhibition gives visitors a good overview of the background as well as documenting the events of 1916 and also the aftermath. The exhibition offers a fairly balanced view of history and can score highly for original artifacts.
Plaza Parnell
On the east side of Parnell Square, near the Rotunda Hospital and the Garden of Remembrance, a small monument with an Irish inscription can be found. The image of a broken chain symbolizes the liberation of Ireland from British chains, and reminds the passerby that the Irish Volunteers were founded nearby. The Volunteers then formed the largest contingent of the 1916 rebels, along with the Irish Citizens Army and the Hibernian Rifles.
Fort Magazine, Phoenix Park
Still towering above the Liffey, and definitely one of Dublin’s lesser-known sights, the (disused) Magazine Fort in south Phoenix Park was the site of the first engagement of the Easter Rising – volunteers pretended to play soccer, They kicked the ball “accidentally” toward the door and then rushed the surprised sentries. To no avail, since the royal magazine was locked and the key was not in place.
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Glasnevin Cemetery
Dublin’s largest cemetery at Glasnevin is filled with memorials to those killed or involved in the 1916 uprising. Although the focal point should be a monument designed by Dora Sigerson, the most striking grave may be the simple slab commemorating Roger Casement. , executed in London for high treason. Other notable graves include those of the “Republican Plot” and that of the murdered journalist (and pacifist) Francis Sheehy-Skeffington.
Saint Stephen’s Green y el Royal College of Surgeons
A rebel force led by Countess Markiewicz (her bust is near the center of St. Stephen’s Green) occupied the park of Saint Stephen’s Green in a heroic but extremely futile gesture. They realized their mistake when British machine guns began raking the park from the windows of the Shelbourne Hotel. And he retired to the building of the Royal College of Surgeons of Ireland (RCSI), the front of which is still marked by small arms fire.
Four cuts
Around the court buildings north of Liffey, collectively known as the Four Courts, the rebels clashed with superior British forces for a considerable time. The image of the seriously injured Cathal Brugha singing “God Save Ireland” from the barricades at the top of his voice went straight to Irish folklore. Like his subsequent death in the Irish Civil War, fighting the Free State Government.
Kilmainham jail
This massive (and lovingly restored) prison complex that is Kilmainham Gaol was the place of internment for most of the leaders of the rebellion captured by British forces. It was also the place of execution for, among others, Patrick Pearse and James Connolly, making it holy ground for the Irish nation. The exhibition reflects this.
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Arbor Hill Prison Cemetery
Here you are at the end of the story – the Arbor Hill Prison Cemetery (right next to the still-functioning prison complex, which has a certain menacing presence) is the burial place of most of the movers and shakers. behind the rebellion, executed by the British Army after a ridiculous military tribunal. The cemetery is within walking distance of Collins Barracks.
Howth Lighthouse
Howth Harbor did not play a major role in the Easter Rising, but armed rebellion was possible here. Sailing from Germany, Irish writer and nationalist Erskine Childers brought weapons on his yacht Asgard for the Irish Volunteers. A small plaque near the lighthouse commemorates the “Howth Gun-Running”, as the event became popularly known. By the way, the independence hero Childers was executed by the Free State Government during the Civil War.
