Wedding relics of Joseph Plunkett and Grace Gifford to be put on display

The wedding relics of Joseph Plunkett and Grace Gifford are to be put on display at Kilmainham Gaol Museum, the Government has confirmed.

The chalice and other altar vessels that were used at the iconic wedding in 1916 have been lent to the OPW by St James’ parish and the Archdiocese of Dublin, so that they can be put on public display in Kilmainham Gaol.

The night before his execution, Joseph Plunkett and his fiancée Grace Gifford were married in the jail. The wedding was performed in the prison chapel by Father Eugene McCarthy from St James’ Parish.

The chalice, ciborium and paten used at the wedding will be shown at the museum’s “Last Words” section, which looks at the final days of the executed leaders in Kilmainham.

Minister of State with responsibility for the OPW, Kevin “Boxer” Moran said: “The wedding of Joseph Plunkett and Grace Gifford is one of the most poignant moments in our national story. It is a privilege to see these rare objects go on display at Kilmainham Gaol Museum. I would like to thank St. James Parish and the Archdiocese of Dublin for entrusting us with these important historic artefacts”

Admission to the exhibitions in the museum is free and open to the public seven days a week.