Kilmainham Gaol
Kilmainham Gaol is one of the largest unoccupied gaols in Europe.
Oppression, Pain and Misery
Imagine yourself walking the very ground where Irish history unfolded. Kilmainham Gaol wasn’t always a tourist attraction. This imposing prison, closed in 1924, once housed both political prisoners fighting for Irish independence and everyday people facing harsh realities. While some initially wanted to demolish it, forgetting the hardships it witnessed, far-sighted folks prevailed.
Now, Kilmainham Gaol is a living monument. You can stand in the very exercise yard where leaders of the 1916 Easter Rising faced execution. Explore the hauntingly beautiful chapels adorned with prisoner-made artwork, some even featuring messages hidden from watchful eyes. Kilmainham Gaol isn’t just a place of sadness, it’s a testament to the human spirit’s enduring strength. Don’t miss your chance to experience this powerful piece of Irish history – book your tour in advance, as Kilmainham Gaol is now one of Dublin’s most popular spots!
Icons of Irish History Executed
It opened in 1796 as the County Gaol for Dublin. Kilmainham was also a debtors’ prison, and stuffed full to bursting after the Great Famine. While the crimes didn’t always merit the punishment, the jail’s east wing, opened in 1862, remains a spectacular tribute to the Victorian belief that aesthetically pleasing prison architecture inspired reform.
Many Irish revolutionaries, including the leaders of the 1916 Easter Rising, were imprisoned and executed in the prison by the orders of the UK Government. It closed in 1924, but by then had witnessed many key political events, and housed some icons of Irish history.
Kilmainham Gaol is one of the largest unoccupied gaols in Europe. It opened in 1796 as the new county gaol for Dublin and finally shut its doors as such in 1924. During that period it witnessed some of the most heroic and tragic events in Ireland’s emergence as a modern nation.
Tours and Winter Warning!
Daily access by guided tour only. Pre-booking is essential. Please allow 90 minutes for your visit. As part of the tour is outdoors, visitors should dress appropriately for the weather.
Please note that this is a very busy site all year round and visitors may experience delays at certain times. During winter months the interior of the Gaol is very cold — please dress appropriately.