Perhaps not your typical tourist attraction, Glasnevin Cemetery provides visitors to Dublin with an interesting and unique look at both the city's and the country’s history.
When legendary political leader and Catholic Emancipator Daniel O’Connell established the cemetery in 1832, it was his vision to create a place where people of every creed and class could be buried with dignity. It seems his vision is now a reality as the cemetery is the final resting place for a veritable smorgasbord of Irish people from the many pauper graves to Irish Revolutionaries, artists and writers.
With over 1.5 million people interred at Ireland's Necropolis, it would be a day’s work to visit them all. But for those of you lucky enough to visit Glasnevin, you can take advantage of a guided tour by historian Shane MacThomais.
The tour is not just a pit-stop at the many remarkable graves; it is also a walk through Irish history in an interesting and thought-provoking way. Amongst the many headstones at this Victorian Cemetery, one stands out above them all. Beneath the country’s tallest round tower lie the remains of O'Connell, and tour participants have the unique opportunity to visit his crypt and see for themselves the intricate details, murals and artwork that adorn his sarcophagus.
No visit would be complete without stopping at the grave of Irish Revolutionary leader Michael Collins. Standing alone, both in location and adornment, his final resting place has a simple headstone and inscription and overflows with flowers and offerings from loyal followers.
While the tour does visit the graves of the men and women who contributed to Ireland’s history and culture - people like Eamon DeValera, writers Jonathan Swift and Brendan Behan, Maud Gonne MacBride, Countess Markievicz, Ann Devlin and many more - it also draws attention to the plight of those entombed in the almost 80,000 unmarked graves.
With his meticulously-researched anecdotes and obvious affection for this historical space, MacThomais keeps audiences entertained and enthralled thoughout his 90min tour. And, when the tour is finished, you are free to stay on and explore more for yourself.
Walking tours cost €5 and are available daily (check website for times). And, for those of you brave enough, midnight tours are available during the summer months. To find out more tel. (+00) 353 1 882 6550 or visit www.glasnevintrust.ie.
When legendary political leader and Catholic Emancipator Daniel O’Connell established the cemetery in 1832, it was his vision to create a place where people of every creed and class could be buried with dignity. It seems his vision is now a reality as the cemetery is the final resting place for a veritable smorgasbord of Irish people from the many pauper graves to Irish Revolutionaries, artists and writers.
With over 1.5 million people interred at Ireland's Necropolis, it would be a day’s work to visit them all. But for those of you lucky enough to visit Glasnevin, you can take advantage of a guided tour by historian Shane MacThomais.
The tour is not just a pit-stop at the many remarkable graves; it is also a walk through Irish history in an interesting and thought-provoking way. Amongst the many headstones at this Victorian Cemetery, one stands out above them all. Beneath the country’s tallest round tower lie the remains of O'Connell, and tour participants have the unique opportunity to visit his crypt and see for themselves the intricate details, murals and artwork that adorn his sarcophagus.
No visit would be complete without stopping at the grave of Irish Revolutionary leader Michael Collins. Standing alone, both in location and adornment, his final resting place has a simple headstone and inscription and overflows with flowers and offerings from loyal followers.
While the tour does visit the graves of the men and women who contributed to Ireland’s history and culture - people like Eamon DeValera, writers Jonathan Swift and Brendan Behan, Maud Gonne MacBride, Countess Markievicz, Ann Devlin and many more - it also draws attention to the plight of those entombed in the almost 80,000 unmarked graves.
With his meticulously-researched anecdotes and obvious affection for this historical space, MacThomais keeps audiences entertained and enthralled thoughout his 90min tour. And, when the tour is finished, you are free to stay on and explore more for yourself.
Walking tours cost €5 and are available daily (check website for times). And, for those of you brave enough, midnight tours are available during the summer months. To find out more tel. (+00) 353 1 882 6550 or visit www.glasnevintrust.ie.
