Re: Irish Prison Records now online

[Billycat]

Thank you for you info.
Does anyone know if my convict John O'Mara who was convicted in Longford in 1850 but did not travel to Western Australia until 1853 would have been likely held at
Mountjoy prison. Or would it more likely be a local.

He left on the Phoebe Dunbar in 1853 and I beleive it may have sailed from Dublin so hoping he was there for a time.

[Colur]

Hi Billycat,

As far as I know all prisoners for transportation were held on prison ship(s) anchored in Kingstown (now Dun Laoghaire) Harbour. The local Mariners Church catered for the prisoners ‘spiritual’ needs and I am told there was a section where these poor individuals were chained to the pews. Apparently all denominations availed of this privilege as conditions on board these hulks were deplorable.  The church is now the National Maritime Museum of Ireland and the prisoners section remains. Maybe they might have some records of those who attended the Services?

Here is their Email address

http://www.dun-laoghaire.com/profile/maritime/contact.html

The best of luck with your search.

John.