Poignant 1916 wedding relics find a home in Kilmainham
Rare sacred vessels from the marriage of Joseph Plunkett and Grace Gifford have been entrusted to Kilmainham Gaol Museum for public viewing. These deeply moving artefacts offer visitors a poignant glimpse into the tragic final hours of the revolutionary leaders.
The sacred chalice and altar vessels used during the clandestine marriage of Joseph Plunkett and Grace Gifford have been generously loaned to the Office of Public Works. St. James' Parish and the Archdiocese of Dublin facilitated the transfer so these precious items could go on public display within Kilmainham Gaol Museum.
On the eve of his execution on 3 May 1916, Plunkett wed his beloved fiancée by candlelight in the prison chapel, a ceremony conducted by Father Eugene McCarthy. Now carefully preserved, these historical artefacts have found their permanent home within the museum's 'Last Words' exhibition, which honours the final moments of the fourteen leaders executed following the Easter Rising.
Visitors can also examine Rose McNamara’s poignant diary recounting mass at the gaol alongside a heartfelt letter written by Michael Mallin to his wife prior to his own execution. Admission to these powerful exhibitions is completely free of charge, with further details and visitor guidelines available on the official website.