Niall Ó Donnghaile (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Ba mhaith liom ábhar amháin a lua. I want to raise a positive issue today. I congratulate Kilmainham Gaol on the illustrious accolade it has received as the No. 1 tourist destination in the State on TripAdvisor. It was also voted as one of the top tourist destinations in the world. We all know the important history of Kilmainham Gaol, not only in terms of the history it preserves and the stories it tells but also its own inspiring journey of its reclamation by volunteers who would not allow it to fall any further into disarray and who ensured its preservation for future generations. It was often cited in this Chamber by our esteemed friend, former Senator Máire Devine, who sat on the board of Kilmainham Gaol and whose family was one of those who took ownership of it to preserve it for the Irish people. I am sure we all have very happy memories of visiting Kilmainham Gaol over the years. One of its great strengths is that it is not just an interpretive centre. As much as I love going to many types of exhibits and exhibitions around the world, at Kilmainham Gaol there are informed, enthusiastic and passionate tour guides who bring the history and story to life. They are the real winners, for want of a better term, of the commendation that Kilmainham Gaol has received. I am sure all of us can agree to send our congratulations. Perhaps the Cathaoirleach will consider writing to the board on behalf of the Seanad to commend it on this fantastic achievement. Nár lagaí Dia a lámha; long may they continue in the story they are telling and the work they are doing and continue to advance and grow going forward.