A visit to the Royal Hospital Kilmainham Dublin.
The Royal Hospital Kilmainham was originally established by James Butler, Duke of Ormonde and Viceroy to Charles II. Built in the style of Les Invalides in Paris with a formal facade and a large elegant courtyard it became a home for old soldiers.
In 1962 The Royal Hospital Kilmainham Act was passed making the Irish government the trustee and owner of the buildings and grounds. The act made provision for the future of the buildings and land following the dissolution of the board of governors.
This RTÉ News film shows Richmond Tower, the gateway to the Royal Hospital Kilmainham. Richmond Tower was designed by Francis Johnston, one of the leading architects of the day.
The avenue leading up to the main buildings, the formal walled gardens, the Adjutant General's Office and the main courtyard square can also be seen. Some of the buildings are in a state of disrepair with scaffolding in place to support the structure as renovations and repairs take place.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 28 February 1962. The footage shown here is mute.
The Royal Hospital in Kilmainham served as the Garda Headquarters from 1930 to 1950 and as a store by the National Museum of Ireland. In 1991, the RHK became the home of the Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA).
