Free Wednesdays

Wednesday started off as a carry over day.  There were a few places on my travels that had already closed on Tuesday, so I decided to make my way back and see what I could find and I'm glad I did for all three.  And what made all three of these that much sweeter is that they didn't cost a thing.  Apparently Wednesday's are free for museums in Ireland, and anyone's first visit to the national archives, comes with a free consultation with a genealogist 

 Dublin Castle.  It's the historic seat of the crown in Ireland.  It goes all the way to the 900's when the Vikings ruled Ireland.  Of course in those days it was a mere shadow of its current self.  Then it was made of only wood, and today it's full on stone completely equipped with a jail :).  The tour is super informative and gives all sorts of tidbits on former house guests.  For example, when queen Victoria came to visit and sit in the royal room they had to cut off part of the legs of the throne, put in a foot stool and then have four men lift her into the still oversized chair because she was so tiny and the previous king was a giant in comparison.  Of course it's funny to stand there and imagine this poor old women, layered in opulent attire being lifted up into her giant size chair and just paling in comparison from size perspective.  Another notable visitor was Margaret Thatcher.  

The national archives...  Back in the early 1930's as the depression raged on my grandfather and grandmother (separately) came over from Ireland to find a better life.  And to that I would ay they did a fine job.  They eventually would find each other, marry have four kids and eventually, one of the most awesome grandchildren to ever live, if I do say so myself :).  What's so great about the national archives in Ireland is that they've really started to pull together every historical document they can find, Birth records, census documents, marriage certificates.  I was fortunate enough to get to spend an hour with a genealogist and we explored the census from 1901 and 1911' and were able to find my grandfather's family in both census, marriage information for my great grandparents and a few additional bread crumbs.  Back in 1911, in all of Ireland there were only 300 people with the last name of Honan.  I'm a it curious what that is today and how closely related we all are, even more so now because as I was taking to the front desk man at the hostel, one of his best friends has this last name.  Small world, or maybe small country.

Kilmainham gaol museum.  This place is filled with over  one hundred twenty-five years of history.  From its opening in the late 1700's til it's closure in the early 1920's nearly every famous prisoner has made his or her way here.  Heck, even a few five years olds for stealing bread.  Can you imagine being in jail at 5 years of age?  Of course, if you were on the famous side, life apparently was pretty sweet,  you could order out for food, had a suite including a fire place, and could have guests come visit you. Not bad.  The guided tour combined with the museum of artifacts makes this place a must see in Dublin.