Museum plan for scene of Emmet's famous speech
Tuesday November 24 2009
One of Ireland's most historic courthouses could be transformed into a legal museum.
Officials want to open up Dublin's Green Street Courthouse, where revolutionary Robert Emmet delivered a powerful speech the day before his execution.
The landmark building is currently used as the Special Criminal Court for non-jury trials against suspected terrorists and organised crime bosses.
The Court Service revealed that when such trials move to its new Criminal Courts of Justice in the coming weeks, the listed building will be used as a High Court for civil business.
"In the long to medium term, when the economic circumstances improve, we might look at turning it in to a legal museum," said Brendan Ryan, chief executive of the Courts Service.
The courthouse was built in 1797 next to the former Debtors Prison, and still boasts the original courtroom, three granite staircases and marble fireplaces.
Executed
Its most famous trial, on September 19, 1803, was against Emmet, who was found guilty of high treason and executed.
It was from the dock that Emmet made a passionate speech, which was considered to be one of the greatest courtroom orations in history.
hnews@herald.ie
- Sarah Stack
