Kilmainham Gaol
4.9
Dublin2 hours
Historic prison museum
About
Kilmainham Gaol is a decommissioned nineteenth-century prison that holds a deeply moving and pivotal place in Irish history. This limestone fortress housed many of the country's most famous political revolutionaries and rebel leaders, including those involved in the 1916 Easter Rising. The guided tours offer a powerful look into the harsh realities of prison life and Ireland's struggle for independence.
Highlights
What makes this place special
01
The Victorian Wing
Walk through the soaring, light-filled central hall featuring tiers of iron walkways and cell doors.
02
The Stonebreaker's Yard
Visit the solemn outdoor courtyard where the leaders of the 1916 Rising were executed.
03
The museum exhibits
Browse personal letters, historic weapons, and belongings kept by the prisoners.
Things to Know
Tips for your visit
- •Tickets are exceptionally popular and must be booked online weeks in advance
- •Access to the prison interior is only possible by joining an official guided tour
- •Wear warm layers as the stone prison halls can be very cold and drafty even in summer
