There are many graves at Glasnevin with unique qualities that attract the public, however since there are over 1.1 million people buried in the cemetery, it would take years to learn all of their stories. Nevertheless it is safe to say that without the public, this cemetery would lose it’s cultural significance, for what is the purpose of a memorial without visitors?
Each of the graves that have been visited with this project demonstrate the extent to which the public’s relationship with the monument construct it’s larger identity. With Collins, De Valera, Beehan, and O’Connell the actions of the people who have visited these monuments are incorporated into how we view these monuments today. Whether it be by exploding the O’Connell tower’s staircase and prohibiting future visitors from exploring the tower or having a pint with Beehan, the public are the ones who give these figures a meaning beyond their deaths.
Each of the graves that have been visited with this project demonstrate the extent to which the public’s relationship with the monument construct it’s larger identity. With Collins, De Valera, Beehan, and O’Connell the actions of the people who have visited these monuments are incorporated into how we view these monuments today. Whether it be by exploding the O’Connell tower’s staircase and prohibiting future visitors from exploring the tower or having a pint with Beehan, the public are the ones who give these figures a meaning beyond their deaths.