⚔ HISTORIC PRISON MUSEUM ⚔
Kilmainham Gaol Museum
"A journey through Irish history from 1798 to 1924"
1796
Established1916
Easter Rising1924
ClosedWelcome to Kilmainham Gaol Museum
For over 100 years Kilmainham Gaol held thousands of men, women and children for crimes that ranged from minor offences to being involved in some of the most momentous events in Irish history.
A visit to Kilmainham Gaol will take you on a journey through Irish history. You will discover the stories of people held here as ordinary criminals alongside those who fought for Irish independence. From the 1798 rebellion, to the 1916 Easter Rising, the Anglo-Irish War (1919-21), to the devastation of the Irish Civil War (1922-23) all these important events have a chapter in the story of Kilmainham Gaol.
Learn More
From Prison to National Monument
Over 200 years of Irish history within these walls
The Opening
Kilmainham Gaol opened as the new County Gaol for Dublin, designed to hold common criminals and political prisoners.
Easter Rising
The leaders of the 1916 Easter Rising were held and executed here. Fourteen were executed by firing squad in the Stonebreaker's yard.
Preservation
The Gaol was closed in 1924, preserved as a national monument in the 1960s, and restored by the Kilmainham Gaol Restoration Committee.
Visiting Kilmainham Gaol
Plan your journey through history
Duration
Allow approximately 90 minutes for your visit. Your tour will last for 1 hour, and you will also have access to our museum after the tour.
Booking Required
Access to the Gaol is by guided tour only, and you must pre-book your ticket. Tours are released 28 days in advance.
Group Bookings
Group bookings of ten or more are subject to availability. Please contact us in advance for group arrangements.
Accessibility
The Gaol is a historic building with some accessibility challenges. Please contact us in advance for special assistance.
Plan Your Visit
Book your tickets in advance to guarantee your place on our popular guided tours
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