Attractions on the island of Hook Head

In County Wexford is the Hook Head Peninsula (Irish: RinnDuáin), stands at the head of the eponymous lighthouse. Popular for its great beaches and many small headland is on the eastern shore of the city of Waterford, as a famous tourist destination. Waterford you can reach by ferry from Passage East to the lighthouse, which is open to the public since its automation in 1996. The museum is located in a café and a souvenir shop at the foot of the tower. In the 5th Century built by the Welsh monk Dubhan at this point as a landmark night and the fog penetrating guide for sailors and anglers.

The later there living in the monastery monks operate the beacon as an act of Christian charity over the following 700 years. Until 1172, the Normans at the direction of William Marshall, Earl of Pemproke are used it as a watchtower. Based on the distant origins of Hook Head is the oldest lighthouse in Ireland and the British Isles, and one of the oldest in Europe.

Kilmainham Gaol prison

Kilmainham Gaol is a former prison in the Irish capital Dublin. The name was named after the Kilmainham district in which the building is located. Built as a “new prison” in 1796, it replaced the old prison.

Kilmainham Gaol is known for its numerous Irish rebel leader and nationalist politicians in the fight for Irish independence, the Easter Rising in 1916, were imprisoned and largely eliminated by execution of the life. In cells that had to be mostly divided by five prisoners mixed sex, poor conditions prevailed, had the acts of violence.When Ireland gained independence, the prison was closed in 1924.

According increasing disintegration of the building around 1960, Kilmainham Gaol was restored. Tours of the prison are daily guided tours (about 5 Euros). In an upstairs gallery painting, sculptures and jewellery of prisoners can be considered. Kilmainham Gaol is one of Europe’s largest prisons.

It is a popular setting for films such as “Charlie million from dust” (1969), “Michael Collins” (1996) or “The Escapist – Escape from Hell” (2008) was Kilmainham Gaol the film industry. In addition, the Irish rock band U2 turned on the premises their video “A Celebration”.