PHOTOGRAPHED 10 OCTOBER 2024
What was once a parade ground for the Arbour Hill prison is now the burial plot of 14 of the leaders of the 1916 Easter Rising, the armed insurrection that eventually led to the establishment of an independent Irish Republic.
Arbour Hill in Dublin holds a profound place in Irish history, particularly in relation to the 1916 Easter Rising. It is the site of a military cemetery, where fourteen of the executed leaders of the Rising are laid to rest.
The 1916 Memorials at Arbour Hill
The central memorial at Arbour Hill is a large, curved wall constructed from Wicklow Ardbraccan limestone. This wall features the full text of the 1916 Proclamation of the Irish Republic, meticulously hand-carved by sculptor Michael Biggs. The proclamation, a powerful declaration of Irish independence, stands as a testament to the ideals that motivated the Rising.
Before this imposing wall lies a simple, unadorned plot containing the remains of the fourteen executed leaders. Their names are individually inscribed on the stone kerbing that surrounds this plot. This design choice allows for individual recognition while still powerfully conveying the message of their collective sacrifice for the cause of Irish freedom.
The adjacent Church of the Sacred Heart, originally the chapel for Arbour Hill Prison, also plays a role in commemorating the 1916 leaders. An annual commemoration ceremony is held here every May, hosted by the Minister for Defence. This ceremony includes a Requiem Mass and ceremonies at the gravesite, honouring the memory of those who gave their lives for Ireland.
History of Arbour Hill
During British Rule, Arbour Hill served primarily as a military site. The prison, built in 1796, initially housed British soldiers. However, its purpose shifted dramatically following the 1916 Rising. The leaders of the rebellion were held and court-martialled at Richmond Barracks before being transferred to Kilmainham Gaol for execution. Their bodies were then brought to Arbour Hill for burial in a mass grave.
After Ireland achieved independence, Arbour Hill continued to be used as a military cemetery and barracks. However, its significance as a place of national remembrance grew. The 1916 Proclamation memorial was added in 1964, further solidifying its status as a place of pilgrimage for those wishing to honour the leaders of the Rising.
Today, Arbour Hill stands as a powerful reminder of Ireland’s fight for independence. It is a place where history and memory converge, offering visitors a space to reflect on the sacrifices made in the pursuit of freedom.
Arbour Hill Cemetery isn’t solely the resting place of the 1916 leaders. It also holds the remains of over 4,000 British military personnel and their families, a testament to its long history as a military site.
Detailed records about individual graves within the older section of the cemetery are not readily available online. However, here’s what I’ve been able to gather:
Maintenance: While the 1916 memorial site is meticulously maintained, the older section with the British graves appears to receive less attention but is nevertheless well maintained. This is likely due to a combination of factors, including the sheer number of graves, their age, and potentially, limited resources. It should be mentioned that a large number of old British regiment headstones are now placed along the boundary walls to the right from the gate lodge toward the building, Arbour House, that now houses the Irish United Nations Veterans Association.
Responsibility: The Office of Public Works (OPW) is responsible for the upkeep of the 1916 memorial site. It’s likely they also have some responsibility for the older section of the cemetery, but the exact level of maintenance they provide is unclear.
Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC): The CWGC is responsible for commemorating Commonwealth war dead. While they don’t appear to have direct responsibility for Arbour Hill, they may have records of those buried there who died in service during the World Wars.