Royal Hospital Kilmainham facts for kids
The Royal Hospital Kilmainham is a very old building in Kilmainham, Dublin, Ireland. It was built a long time ago, in the 1600s. For over 250 years, it was a special home for soldiers who had retired from service.
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Building a Home for Heroes
This grand building was constructed between 1680 and 1684. The person in charge of its design was an architect named Sir William Robinson. He was the official State Surveyor General for the King's representative in Ireland, James Butler, 1st Duke of Ormonde.
The design of the Royal Hospital Kilmainham was inspired by a famous building in Paris called Les Invalides. Another similar building, the Royal Hospital Chelsea in Chelsea, London, was finished just two years later. They all share a similar grand style.
The Historic Gateway
At the end of the road leading to the Royal Hospital, there is a beautiful old gateway. This gateway was designed by Francis Johnston, who was a very important architect of his time.
This special gateway didn't always stand where it is now. It used to be closer to the River Liffey at a place called Bloody Bridge. It was moved to its current spot in 1844 when the railway was built.
New Uses for an Old Building
After Ireland became the Irish Free State, there was an idea to use the Royal Hospital Kilmainham for the new Irish national parliament, called the Oireachtas. However, this plan did not happen.
Once the retired soldiers moved out, the building was used for different purposes. It served as offices for the Garda Síochána, which is the Irish police force. It was also used to store items for the National Museum of Ireland.
A Centre for Art and Culture
The Government of Ireland began to restore the buildings in 1957. After many years of work, it finally opened in 1985 as the National Centre for Culture and the Arts.
In 1991, the Irish Museum of Modern Art found its home here. Today, it is a popular place for people to visit and enjoy art.
Every year, on the National Day of Commemoration, the President of Ireland visits the courtyard. The President lays a wreath there to remember all Irish men and women who have died in past wars and while serving with the United Nations.
Images for kids
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