3-071-024 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The Irish Land League: recreation time in Kilmainham Prison, from a sketch by A. O'Kelly, 1881. 'Mr. Parnell and his associates, the chiefs of the Land League, remain secure from personal mischief in Kilmainham Jail. Our Artist furnishes a sketch of the scene there during the daily time allowed for recreation together in the open air. In the centre of the prison buildings is a large oblong space, inclosed by the ranges of cells which rise, tier above tier, all round it, with balconies that communicate with the cells...In the centre of the open space, forming the exercise ground, are two large wooden tables and a number of chairs...; on the tables are the daily newspapers. The majority of the prisoners promenade in twos and threes, following each other round the place, chatting and amusing themselves as best they can...Here and there is a warder with a ponderous key in his hand. The floor is paved with stone flags, and the place has ample light from the top. The warders are dressed in black, with a row of brass buttons down the front of the tunic, and a black leather belt. The prisoners look like any people one meets in the streets; some fashionably dressed, others in tweed suits, and some as country men'. From "Illustrated London News", 1881.