Time to rewind to 1916, when a group of brave Irish men and women decided it was time to take a stand for freedom — even if the odds were stacked sky-high against them.
The 1916 Easter Rising was an armed rebellion in Ireland led by activists Padraig Pearse & James Connolly. The British army, which had way more soldiers and resources, forced the Irish to surrender on Saturday 29 April 1916. The rebellion was seen as a failure, and many of the Irish volunteers were executed. However, their courage sparked more support for an independent Ireland, which eventually led to Ireland’s freedom.
Want to explore the places where it happened? Dublin is full of fascinating sites where the story of the 1916 Rising comes alive. Here are the top spots to visit!
The National Museum of Ireland at Collins Barracks
The National Museum of Ireland is a fantastic place for learning about Irish history. The museum is in a building that was once a former Army Barracks, so there is a focus on Irish Military History. The Soldiers and Chiefs Exhibition covers the 1916 Rising, as well as Proclaiming a Republic: The 1916 Rising. This exhibition is packed with personal stories, artifacts, and original documents from the rebellion. It was opened in 2016 to mark the 100-year anniversary of the battle.
Kilmainham Gaol
Kilmainham Gaol is one of the biggest unoccupied gaols in Europe. Though the Gaol was closed during the 1916 rebellion, it was reopened specifically to house the hundreds of men and women arrested for their part of the rising. In May 1916, fourteen of these prisoners, including Padraig Pearse, were executed in the stone breakers yard. Today, Kilmainham Gaol showcases the history of the prison through guided tours and interactive presentations.
The General Post Office (GPO)
Today, the General Post Office (GPO) in Dublin is the headquarters of the Irish Postal Service, ‘An Post.’ During the Easter Rising, this iconic building on O’Connell Street was the rebels’ headquarters. The GPO houses a fantastic visitor experience with is a small virtual exhibition about the rising. In March 2016, a new visitor centre opened called GPO Witness History. The exhibition features special effects, soundscapes and stories of real Irish people that transport you straight into the events of that fateful week.
The Royal College of Surgeons, Stephen’s Green & the Shelbourne Hotel
During the Easter Rising, Michael Malin and Countess Markievicz were assigned to Stephen’s Green, a 22-acre public park in the centre of the city. Later, it turned out that St. Stephen’s Green was overlooked by the Shelbourne Hotel which was occupied by British forces. This was bad news for the rebels, who were forced to retreat. The Green was abandoned and the volunteers fled to the Royal College of Surgeons. St. Stephen’s Green is still open to the public, with 3.5km of pathways to walk through. Look out for the bust of Countess Markievicz in the central gardens!
The Four Courts
The Four Courts is the beating heart of Ireland’s legal system. It houses the Supreme Court, the High Court and the Dublin Circuit Court. During the Easter Rising, the first battalion of the Dublin Brigade, led by Edward Daly, took over the Four Courts and the surrounding streets. The goal was to disrupt British control and hold a key part of the city.
Although the building survived the Rising, it didn’t escape Ireland’s later conflicts. In 1922, it was destroyed in a massive explosion during the Civil War. It was then beautifully rebuilt and reopened in 1932.
Glasnevin Cemetery
Seeing Glasnevin is a truly moving experience. Many of the heroes that died in the battles for Irish independence are buried in this cemetery. The Glasnevin Trust runs daily tours that dive into the lives and (and deaths) of some of Ireland’s most iconic figures.
Dublin Castle & City Hall
It all kicked off here. Dublin Castle, the centre of British Rule in Ireland, was the first target of the 1916 Easter Rising. While the rebels didn’t manage to capture the castle itself, they did succeed in taking over nearby City Hall — a major move that put the rebellion in motion.
City Hall is open to the public all year round and offers a great multi-media exhibition which traces the history of Dublin from 1170 to now. There’s also a powerful new display that tells the story of Dublin’s firefighters during the Rising.
Bonus: You can view a preserved original copy of the 1916 Proclamation at City Hall, which was on special display from Easter 2016.
While you’re in the area, don’t miss out on exploring the grounds of Dublin Castle — they’re free and full of hidden gems like the Chester Beatty Library and the Revenue Museum. Also, check out the State Apartments and Chapel Royal — just grab a ticket on-site for the guided tour.
The Royal Hospital, Kilmainham (The National Museum of Modern Art)
Once the headquarters of the British Army during the 1916 Easter Rising, the Royal Hospital has undergone quite the transformation. Today, it’s home to the Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA). It’s hard to imagine this peaceful spot as a military hub during one of Ireland’s most chaotic weeks. Now, it’s a place to reflect, explore, and be inspired. Most exhibitions are free of charge. You’ll also find a café, bookshop, and free guided tours to help you make the most of your visit.
The 1916 Easter Rising may have only lasted a week, but its legacy changed the course of Irish history forever. Want to explore the locations associated with the 1916 uprising yourself?
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