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Heritage Ireland

Body Snatchers Tour

Price

Free of charge

Book Tickets

Dates

23/08/2025 - 11/10/2025
2:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Location

Royal Hospital Kilmainham

A headstone in a cemetery. A large tree stands bhind it.

Prior to Anatomy Act of 1832, the only legal way to gain a body of dissection was that of someone who had been executed. Demand quickly outstripped supply with Bully's Acre being particularly badly hit. Join us as we go through all the different personalities involved. Why people got involved and the methods they used both in choosing a victim and a grave. But also the many desperate methods used by people to ensure the body of their loved ones would stay buried. How a population dealt with burial, desecration and science.

The meeting spot is the entrance to Bully's Acre in the grounds of the Royal Hospital. This is situated a short walk up the western avenue entrance, beside the fields of the Royal Hospital. Western entrance is off South Circular Road. The guides will be waiting outside for you from about 1:55pm.Please note that due to the ground being uneven and grassy, those with mobility issues may not find it fully accessible.

Contact

Military Road
Kilmainham
Dublin 8
D08 FW31

046 9422450

Getting Here

By Luas: Red line to Heuston Station (8 minutes walk via Military Road.)

By Bus: Buses to Heuston Station (8 minutes walk via Military Rd): C1, C2, C3, C4 from Aston Quay. Buses to James Street (8 minutes walk via steps to Bow Lane onto Irwin Street and Military Road): 13 from O’Connell Street or Dame Street; G1 and G2 from Eden Quay.

By Car: Paid car parking – €3 for the first 3 hrs

On Foot: Approx. 30 to 40 minutes from the city centre.

By Train: 8 minutes walk from Heuston Station.

Cycling: There is bike parking onsite and a number of Dublin Bikes stations located nearby.

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