Instructions
- Read carefully: Review the introductory text for each section before attempting the questions.
- Explore and Research: Use a textbook, a search engine, or the Glasnevin Cemetery official website to find specific details about the historical figures mentioned.
- Think Critically: Some questions ask you to interpret symbols or social structures. There may be more than one correct way to explain your reasoning.
- Complete the Table: Fill in the data table using the provided example as your guide.
- Take the Challenge: Try the optional extension activity at the end if you finish early!
Section 1: The Guardians of Irish History
Glasnevin Cemetery is known as Ireland's national cemetery. Founded by Daniel O’Connell in 1832, it was the first cemetery in Dublin where people of all religions could be buried with dignity. Match the famous person to their contribution to Irish history.
| Person | Achievement / Identity |
|---|---|
| A. Daniel O’Connell | 1. A key leader in the 1916 Rising and the first woman elected to the UK Parliament. |
| B. Michael Collins | 2. Known as "The Liberator," he founded the cemetery and fought for Catholic Emancipation. |
| C. Constance Markievicz | 3. A famous Irish poet and playwright whose parents are buried here. |
| D. Charles Stewart Parnell | 4. A revolutionary leader during the War of Independence; his grave is the most visited in the cemetery. |
| E. Brendan Behan | 5. The "Uncrowned King of Ireland" who fought for Home Rule in the late 1800s. |
Write your matches here (e.g., A-2):
- __ 2. __ 3. __ 4. __ 5. __
Section 2: Symbols in Stone
Cemeteries are like outdoor museums. The symbols carved into headstones tell us about the person’s life, beliefs, or how they died.
Describe what you think the following symbols represent:
-
An Anchor: _____
-
A Broken Pillar: ____
-
An Ivy Leaf: ____
-
A Celtic Cross (Circle around the cross): __
Section 3: Grave Robbers and Watchtowers
In the 1800s, "body snatching" was a real problem. Bodies were stolen and sold to medical schools for dissection. To prevent this, Glasnevin was built with high walls and large watchtowers where armed guards stayed at night.
Critical Thinking Question: If you were a guard in a Glasnevin watchtower in 1840, what are three things you would need to do your job effectively throughout the night? Explain why.
Section 4: Data Investigation
One of the most important jobs of a cemetery is keeping records. Use the table below to practice documenting information from a headstone (you can use real figures from Glasnevin or research famous graves online).
| Name of Deceased | Year of Birth | Year of Death | Age at Death | Notable Fact/Symbol |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Example: Luke Kelly | 1940 | 1984 | 44 | Famous folk singer (The Dubliners) |
Section 5: The Power of an Epitaph
An epitaph is a short text honoring a deceased person, often inscribed on their tombstone. Some are funny, some are tragic, and some are deeply political.
The Task: If you were asked to write a 2-sentence epitaph for a famous historical figure of your choice (it doesn't have to be someone in Glasnevin), what would it say?
Chosen Person: ___
Epitaph:
Extension Challenge (Optional)
The "Dead Center" Map: Glasnevin covers 124 acres. If 1.5 million people are buried there, and the population of Dublin City is roughly 550,000, how many times the population of the city currently resides in the cemetery?
Calculation: __
Answer Key
Section 1: Matching A-2, B-4, C-1, D-5, E-3
Section 2: Symbols (Common Interpretations)
- Anchor: Hope, or a connection to the sea/navy.
- Broken Pillar: A life cut short (usually died young).
- Ivy Leaf: Fidelity, undying love, or immortality (evergreen).
- Celtic Cross: Combined Christian cross with a sun/eternity circle; Irish heritage.
Section 3: Watchtowers Answers vary, but may include: A lantern (to see), a weapon/musket (to deter thieves), a bell (to signal for help), warm clothes (it's cold at night).
Section 4: Data Investigation Answers will vary based on student research.
Section 5: Epitaph Subjective - grade based on creativity and relevance to the chosen figure.
Extension Challenge 1,500,000 / 550,000 = Approximately 2.72 times.