The Kilmainham Gaol is a former prison, located in Kilmainhamin Dublin, which is now a museum. Steeped in Irish history, the Gaol pays tribute to the historic importance of the men and women who were held or died here for their nationalist ideals.
The Kilmainham Gaol offers a panoramic insight into some of the most profound, disturbing and inspirational themes of modern Irish history. Giving the visitor a dramatic and realistic insight into the conditions of those confined here during the 128 years that it served as a prison. When the Gaol was first built, public hangings took place at the front of the Gaol. This practice was mollified in the 1820’s when fewer hangings took place at Kilmainham.
Conditions were poor at best. Prisoners spent most of their time in the cold and dark, given only 1 candle for light and heat. With cells holding up to 5 prisoners: men, women and children, the candle was to last two weeks. Children were sometimes arrested for petty theft, the youngest said to be a seven year old boy, while many of the adult prisoners were deported to Australia.
Over the 128 tenure, the Kilmainham Gaol’s cells held many of the most famous people involved in the campaign for Irish independence. The British imprisoned and executed the leaders of the 1916 Easter Rising here. Such names as Robert Emmet and Charles Stewart Parnell are associated with the Gaol.
Kilmainham Gaol was closed as a prison in 1924, by the government of the new Irish Free State. Following lengthy restoration, it now houses a museum on the history of Irish nationalism, offering guided tours of the building. An art gallery on the top floor exhibits paintings, sculptures and jewelry of prisoners incarcerated in prisons all over contemporary Ireland.
The Kilmainham Gaol is a featured stop on Celtic Tours premier escorted motorcoach tour the Celtic Dream. This amazing itinerary is available in 2 options: 12 or 13 days! Other sights you will see along the way: Trinity College and the Book of Kells, Kilkenny Castle, Cobh Heritage Center, Blarney, Foynes Flying Boat Musuem, Cliffs of Moher, Rathbaun Farm, Galway Crystal Factory, Belleek Pottery Factory, Glenveagh Castle and National Park, Fort Dunree, Moville Pottery, Giants Causeway, Titanic Docks & Pumphouse…Wow, what an amazing Celtic Dream. Learn More about this tour.
Dublin City Area South,
Republic of Ireland