I am still moved by the fact that Kilmainham Gaol (a massive and imposing building) was rebuilt entirely by voluntary effort.
The Gaol was intimately linked with British rule, in particular, the imprisonment and execution of leaders of successive rebellions. In the 1950s and 60s, after it had been disused for thirty odd years and fallen into disrepair, the people of Dublin restored it as a tribute and memorial for the people who had fought and died for Irish independence.
As a matter of principle, no paid contractors were used, the work was done by citizens from all walks of life. Sometimes history REALLY matters.