Community vibe for Gaol’s 20th birthday
ALMOST 1,000 people enjoyed a magical day of celebrations in Wicklow Gaol last Thursday to mark the building’s 20th anniversary.
The midsummer party which ran all afternoon and evening was free and was very much a community event.
Chairman of Wicklow Enterprise Park, Blaise Treacy, said it had been very important to the board to have a community orientated event to mark the gaol’s 20th anniversary.
‘I remember being here 20 years ago for the opening of the goal and I can’t believe how quickly the time has gone or how the gaol has developed over the year. There are centuries of stories within these walls and the people of Wicklow are very much part of our story and indeed have created their own new story.’
He said that around 50,000 visitors go through the gaol each year, many of them repeat visitors.
‘A lot of the reason for that is because of the great welcome they receive here from the people of Wicklow and for that we are very thankful’.
He said there were further positive developments in store for the gaol with the recent funding of €200,000 from Failte Ireland along with funding from Wicklow County Council for a virtual prison wall.
Guests on the day revelled in glorious sunshine enjoying face-painting, live dance performances, free ice-cream.
The live performance from members of Xquisite - the Golden Buzzer dance troop who shot to fame on Ireland’s Got Talent delighted young and old and really got the party atmosphere going.
Over 350 kids had their faces painted with all sorts of animals and superheroes being requested.
There was also spot prizes on the day and some cash give-aways to mark the opening of the Wicklow Gaol in 1998.
Later that evening there was a free barbecue with refreshments with food provided by the Jailers Rest restaurant who operate on a daily basis from the gaol.
On the day Mr Treacy paid special tribute to Emeir O’Connell, manager of Wicklow Gaol for all the hard work she puts in to ensure the gaol is one of the premier tourist attractions not only in Wicklow but along the East Coast.