Dublin's Alamo

A trip to the downtown post office in Dublin offers travelers a chance to step into a dramatic chapter in Ireland's history. As a set of murals inside vividly explains, it was here that the Proclamation of Irish Independence was first read in 1916, leading to the failed Easter Rising, and the martyrdom of its leaders. Nearby, at the former prison and execution yard of Kilmainham Gaol, today's guided tours bring the life-and-death drama of that era into sharp focus. For more information on the Rick Steves' Europe TV series — including episode descriptions, scripts, participating stations, travel information on destinations and more — visit www.ricksteves.com.