Dublin 8: By Jennifer Emenike
Dublin 8 has transformed socially, economically and historically from its beginnings as an early Viking settlement.
It is now a cosmopolitan part of south Dublin city steeped in mystery and energy.
If Dublin 8 could be described as a person, it would be that jolly friend with a “can do” attitude. Tourists and visitors will find everything here.
Lying to the south of the River Liffey in Dublin 8, situated west of the city centre. It is the charmingly understated focal point of the historic heart of Dublin.
There is accommodation ranging from homely to chic. There is an assortment of hotels, pubs, churches, mosques and clubs, whatever your taste may be.
This busy area houses some of the most appealing heritage sites and centres in the country.
One of the most visited sites in Dublin 8 is Kilmainham Gaol. In a press release, state it was founded in 1796 as Dublin’s “New Gaol” and operated as a prison until 1924.
During its history, the gaol contained not only ordinary criminals, including women and children but also political prisoners.
Famous internees included Robert Emmet, Charles Stuart Parnell and the leaders of the Easter Rising.
Fourteen leaders of the Easter Rising were shot in the Stonebreakers’ Yard. James Connolly, who had been wounded, had to be tied to a chair to support him during his execution.
The Rising and their deaths marked a turning point in Irish history. Today, it stands as a symbol of Irish nationalism and the struggle for Irish independence.
In an interview, Andrew Smith, the manager of the education department of St Patrick’s Cathedral, described the site: “The building was constructed between 1220 and 1270. The institution was founded in 1191.
“We usually have up to 600,000 visitors a year. It depends on the month; we have 70,000 per month when we are busy, 20,000 when we are quiet. We have security guards around ensuring that the building itself is safe and secure. We spend €6,000 a day on restoring the building”.
“We receive visitors from lots of different demographics. Around 95 per cent are from other countries, these tourists tend to be adults. We also welcome around 5,000 school children to the building each year as part of our formal education programme. “The effect of large-scale tourism is both positive and negative. Tour buses create noise and traffic in our immediate vicinity; however, this also provides substantial revenue to local businesses selling products to our visitors. This is of huge benefit to the government of Ireland in terms of fostering cross-border goodwill. The cathedral is also one of the major tourist attractions in Ireland. Last 2 years it was the seventh busiest paid tourist site in Ireland. It is the third busiest paid tourist site in Dublin.”
