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Kilmainham Gaol

Inchicore Road, Kilmainham, County Dublin

Description

Kilmainham Gaol is a former prison in Dublin decommissioned in 1924 and now operated as a museum documenting the conditions of captivity and commemorating the imprisonment & execution of many leaders of the Irish independence movement by the orders of the UK Government, in particular after the 1916 Easter Rising. The attached courthouse can also be visited.

Access & Transport

The museum is 3.5km west of Dublin City Centre. The Suir Road tram stop (red line) is 700m away and buses 13, G1 and G2 stop nearby on Emmet Rd. Parking is available a 5mins walk away at the Irish Museum of Modern Art/Royal Hospital Kilmainham – access via East Gate, Military Road

Instructions & Recommendations

Access to the Gaol is by guided tour only so visitors are advised to pre-book their tickets online (including for the under 12 complimentary ticket). The tour lasts for 1 hour and visitors also have access to the museum. We suggest combining this activity with the Royal Hospital Kilmainham and/or the Irish Museum of Modern Art.

Meta review

The tour of the gaol has somehow become one of the best-known attractions in Dublin and, unsurprisingly by now, there is a sea of fake reviews that points to some commercialization even though the admission fee is deemed to be reasonable, in particular compared to other experiences in the city. Overall, the feedback is that the guides are quite professional and one gets to learn a fair bit about Irish history (on top of the details around living conditions in jail) even though there is no alternative to the English language for foreigners (an audio-guide would have been helpful). There is a minority or reviewers, but not an insignificant one, who felt the visit wasn't that special.

Environmental & Social

Environmentally neutral and preserves the city's historical heritage

Conclusion

Kilmainham Gaol is best recommended for history buffs and people from the British Isles in general. We feel it is worth a visit but that it is also being drummed up a little more than it needs to be.

Key positive

Interesting historical insights

Key negative

Not much to see

Suitability

Not recommended for children under the age of 6. A ground floor tour can be arranged for visitors with reduced mobility

About this Rating

TYPE

Desktop

RESEARCHED IN

August 2024

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit
Closed on 24-27 Dec

av. transport time:0h 25m

est. visit time:1h 30m

Regulated hours

Monday09:30 - 17:15

Tuesday09:30 - 17:15

Wednesday09:30 - 17:15

Thursday09:30 - 17:15

Friday09:30 - 17:15

Saturday09:30 - 17:15

Sunday09:30 - 17:15

Pricing
Age band
Age band
Regular price / pers.
Senior
60 - 99
€6
Adult
18 - 59
€8
Teen & Young
12 - 17
€4
Child
3 - 11
€0
Infant
0 - 2
€0
Price for students is €4
Family price

Max total number:5

Max number of adults:2

Min.child age:12

Max.child age:17

Price for family€20

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