Historical Collections Online
Search our Historical Collections Online, a sample of 10,000 artefacts from the National Museum of Ireland’s Historical, Military and Easter Week Collections, published as part of the Decade of Commemorations.
shirt / James Connolly, 1916
Shirt belonging to James Connolly, worn during the week of the 1916 Rising. Bloodstained.
bolt cutters / Kilmainham Jail, Feb 1921
Handle ends of a pair of bolt cutters which were prepared to assist in the escape of prisoners, including Ernie O'Malley, from Kilmainham Jail, 14 February 1921. These handles were cut off the bolt-cutters to simplify carrying them into the jail. Tabular handles were made to provide sufficient...
envelope / Patrick Kilkenny, Kilmainham, 1865.
Death warrant in the case of the Queen against Patrick Kilkenny, Co. of Dublin, 1865, for the wilful murder of Margaret Forker (Faraquar). Addressed to the sheriff. Foolscap double sheet. All MX. According to donor, who's grandfather, Thomas Flewett, was Deputy Govenor of the gaol, Kilkenny was the...
souvenir / Kilmainham Jail
Block of building stone from Kilmainham Jail, Dublin. One of four blocks of stone from buildings associated with the life of P.H. Pearse. Formerly exhibited at World's Fair, New York (1939), for which they were prepared. (1) from St. Enda's. (2) From G.P.O. (3) From Kilmainham Jail (4) From Arbour...
prison autograph album / Kilmainham Gaol / Hare Park 1923 - 1924
Autograph album kept by Republican prisoners in Kilmainham and Hare Park 1923/4.
notice / To The Irish People, 1881
Proclamation, 'To The Irish People'. Irish National Land League proclamation, 18th October, 1881. Regarding the arrests of the Executive members. Signed (print) by the executive members at their place of detention. Charles Stewart Parnell (Kilmainham), A.J. Kettle (Kilmainham), Michael Davitt...
last letter / John Sheares, 1798
Letter written by John Sheares, dated Kilmainham Prison July 10th 1798, addresed to 'my ever dear Julia' and 'a beloved and affectionate Family', mentions his brothers, Robert, Richard and Christopher whom he will shortly join. The trial is stated to be the day after the next. Also mentioned is...
last letter / John Sheares, 1798
Letter dated Wednesday night July 11th 1798, prayer for Julia and his Family. Written by John Sheares shortly before his execution. Wednesday night, July 11th It is now eleven o'clock and I have only time to address my beloved Julia in a short eternal farewell. Thou sacred Power, whatever by thy...