Friday, 6th February: Visit to Kilmainham Gaol

On Friday, February 6th, 2026, our trip to Dublin took us to a historic site: the former prison Kilmainham Gaol in Dublin. Thick stone walls, cold corridors, and cells that hold more stories than many history books – here, Irish history became tangible. Many significant figures of the Irish independence movement were imprisoned here, and during the tour, one could literally feel how past and present intersected.

And then there was Mark. Our guide. Or – the beginning of my very own prison love story. With rhetorical finesse, perfect emphasis, and an attentiveness that made you feel directly addressed, he led us through the halls. He seemed to know every cell as well as others know their living room. Rather short and somewhat stocky, but with a confident, almost majestic stride, as if he were a part of this historic place himself.

At some point, I caught myself listening to his explanations not only out of pure historical interest. Looking back, I must admit: Amid Irish history, prison romance, and Mark's charismatic manner, at least a small infatuation arose.

Thus, a prison tour became a lesson that history comes alive – sometimes so vividly that one briefly considers whether life imprisonment under the supervision of such a dedicated guide would truly be the worst fate... 😉