I recently got a new job as a tour guide at a local heritage site, and today I was able to give a few tours to people - which I wasn't expecting since it was my first day - I'm delighted to have been thrown into the deep end to a certain extent and I managed to do a pretty good job, however, I need to smooth out some of the talking points.
The Old Gaol (The Old Jail) was first constructed and used in 1702 and closed its doors as a functioning prison in 1924 - and for 222 years, it was infamous for anyone who found themselves on the wrong side of the bars.
The Gaol
It was constructed by the British while Ireland was under occupation, and the treatment of many of the inmates was inhumane in a lot of ways, especially in the early years.
The sounds of screaming from within these walls, the smell of death and disease, and the sights of utter despair were described as stepping through the gates of hell itself.
During its time as an active jail, people could find themselves locked up for the crimes of speaking Gaelic, practicing Catholicism, or stealing food from land that didn't belong to them.
Children as young as 8 were imprisoned within the walls, as well as priests, and rebels. In the earlier days of the prison, there was no separation between men, women and children, and during its peak, rooms fit for 2 people housed up to 15 inmates.
Here's the back of the Gaol, and you can get a look at the different floors, and cell windows.
The Dungeon
The dungeon of the Gaol is an area where you can hear about a nefarious character who stalked the walls of the prison and was nicknamed The Walking Gallows or The Walking Hangman.
Edward Hempenstall was a man of nearly 7 feet, and he did not need to take prisoners to the top of the Gaol to be hanged. Instead, he would wrap a noose around their necks, throw the rope over his shoulder, and walk the person around until they were strangled to death, or their neck broke, whichever came first.
The dungeon is a fairly intimidating place to most, and smaller children aren't recommended to visit that area on the tour.
Paranormal Hotspot
Wicklows Old Gaol is considered to be one of the most haunted buildings in the country and has attracted many tourists, ghost hunters, and even television crews who hoped to witness or capture something strange.
I don't like the idea of ghosts. While I don't fully believe in them, I don't like to think too much about them, because it kind of freaks me out.
There certainly is an ominous feeling in the building, and while I travelled alone throughout the building I could sense that I wasn't on my own.
I've been warned to not panic if I feel a shove, or get my hair pulled, as apparently, that seems to be common.
My only experience of something like that is while I was in a cell years ago while taking the tour, I was overcome with the smell of rotten eggs. That doesn't prove anything of course, but it was unusual, as I was alone in the cell when it happened, and as sudden as it came, it went away.
Here is a picture of the inner halls where all of the cells are. Currently, there are many different informational boards, and there are also reenactments of scenes throughout the tour.
Working There
I've only done one full day so far, but I have learned so much more than I thought I would, and I learned it far sooner than I expected.
To be able to speak with customers about this old building is great, and I'm happy to be doing so, so soon into my time working here. Everyone I spoke with was patient and gave me the time to get the words out and hit each of the talking points.
My manager and the other staff helped me a lot and encouraged me, and that good spirit has made me believe that it'll be an excellent place to work.
I've always had an interest in history, and local history especially. I didn't think I'd be working in this place, but I'm really happy I am.
