A few days ago, the walls of Pudu Jail, one of the historic landmarks in Malaysia, was demolished in order to accommodate the widening of the busy road that fronts it.

At a young 115 years old, the jail has finally given way to future developments.

Now I’ve never been into the Pudu Jail, but it kinda relates to a jail I’ve visited when I was in Dublin – The Kilmainham Gaol.

For your information, “Gaol” is actually pronounced as “Jail”.

Kilmainham Gaol is known for being one of the biggest unoccupied jails in Ireland.

Before we were brought on a guided tour, we were directed to the museum first.

Various documents, tools and objects were kept properly in the gallery, providing us better insight on what has happened throughout the centuries.

They even have creatively made posters back then. Take the right road.

Besides that, names of former prisoners were shown on a television screen together with their offenses.

Yeah, in possession of stolen bread and hen. What petty crimes but according to the tour guide, the people of Dublin were too poor, that they purposely commit the simplest crime just to get jailed – and get free food.

After a while, the tour around the prison started.

The jail’s operations started in 1796 when it opened until 1924 when it closed. That’s more than 200 years old and the structure is still well-preserved.

This is probably the place where most of the prisoners are executed – hidden behind the walls and away from any public attention.

However, some famous prisoners were executed publicly – on the balcony located in front of the main entrance.

The main purpose of such publicity is to strike fear into the people and to enforce the rule where rebellions were strictly prohibited.

After that, we were brought into the vicinity to see how the prisoners lived.

This is one of the rusty metal cell doors.

Being inside the building gives the visitors a dramatic and realistic insight into what it was like to have been confined and punished.

It also offers a detailed insight into some of the most profound, disturbing and inspirational occasions of Irish history.

Besides the cell rooms located along the pathways, there are more in this area.

Oh by the way, this man was our tour guide. He was really informative and he also provided us with various news regarding the Kilmainham Goal as well as the Irish history.

This area still look good because it was taken care well by the people who wants to keep and preserve the uniqueness and value of this heritage site. Now it’s one of the top tourist attractions in Dublin.

There are tunnels and all sorts of hidden routes along the way but we weren’t shown around, for obvious reasons.

The old switches meet the new ones.

Anyway, I can’t imagine myself living in such a place. Just look at how a particular prison cell is like.

The condition of the cell and its furniture is totally unbearable! How to sleep lah? =/

There are many cells located within this round-shaped prison area. Any sound made from any inmates can be heard clearly from all corners of the vicinity.

And as I was walking around, looking through the tiny hole on every door – I saw this dude!

Why is this young man still locked up in the prison cell? How come so familiar wan?

After a few seconds of being puzzled, I soon found out his crime.

Oh dear, so I guess the rumour is true – Being handsome is a crime!