Kilmainham Gaol, at the time called the New Gaol and County of Dublin Gaol, is completed and receives its first prisoners on August 12, 1796. Unlike other prisons of the time, Kilmainham was not a segregated prison. Men, women and children were held up to 5 in each cell, with only a candle for light and heat to last for two weeks. … [Read more...] about August 12, 1796
Today In History
November 2, 1795
It is believed that on this day in 1795 William Grattan Tyrone Power, better known by his stage name Tyrone Power, was born in Co. Waterford. He was born to a wealthy family and took to the stage at an early age. He achieved success as an actor and stage manager. He starred in several Irish themed plays such as, "St. Patrick's Eve" and "King O'Neil." He also published his own … [Read more...] about November 2, 1795
December 3, 1792
A Catholic Convention is held on this date in 1792 through December 8th in Dublin. The focus of the convention was to abolish all remaining penal laws still in effect in Ireland. The Penal Laws were a series of laws that pertained to land ownership, education and religion and were designed to oppress the Roman Catholics. A petition was signed at Tailors Hall in Dublin at this … [Read more...] about December 3, 1792
October 14, 1791
Wolfe Tone visited Belfast for the first time on this day in 1791 and established the Society of the United Irishmen. Tone founded the United Irishmen with the help of other famous nationalists like Henry Joy McCracken, Thomas Russell and Samuel Neilson. The United Irishmen was inspired by both the French and American revolutions and tried to achieve parliamentary reform. … [Read more...] about October 14, 1791
July 27, 1782
The third Catholic Relief Act came into effect on this day in 1782. This act follows the second which was issued on May 4, 1782. Combined, the two Relief acts allow Catholics to own land outside of parliamentary boundaries, allow Catholics to become teachers, and allow them to act as guardians. These acts are part of the movement for Catholic emancipation and the removal of … [Read more...] about July 27, 1782