Attraction
Book of Kells Experience at Trinity College
The ninth-century Book of Kells and the 65-metre Long Room of Trinity College's Old Library, with immersive digital galleries in a separate pavilion.
Kilmainham Gaol
A former county gaol of 1796 where leaders of the 1916 Rising were held and executed, now a museum seen on guided tours.
At a glance
- Type
- Historic prison museum
- Area
- Kilmainham, Dublin, Ireland
- Opening
- Open daily · 09:30–17:15
- Official site
- kilmainhamgaolmuseum.ie
Good to know
- Guided tours only
- Pre-booking essential
- Café
- Lockers
- Gift shop
Why we recommend it
Kilmainham Gaol is described as one of the largest unoccupied prisons in Europe. It opened in 1796 as the County of Dublin Gaol and held prisoners until 1924, when the Irish Free State decommissioned it. Its prisoners included figures from many chapters of the struggle for Irish independence, from Robert Emmet to Charles Stewart Parnell, Michael Davitt and Éamon de Valera.
The site is best known for the aftermath of the 1916 Easter Rising. Several of the leaders, including Patrick Pearse, Thomas Clarke and Joseph Plunkett, were imprisoned here and executed in the prison yard, where crosses and a plaque now mark the spot. After decades of neglect, volunteers formed a restoration society in 1958, and the gaol reopened to the public in 1966. It is now a National Monument run by the Office of Public Works.
Access to the gaol is by guided tour only, lasting about an hour, followed by time in the museum, which covers Irish nationalism and prison life and includes a gallery of artwork by contemporary prisoners. The tour takes in the older corridors and the galleried Victorian wing, restored by volunteers in the 1960s. Allow around 90 minutes in total. The adjoining 19th-century courthouse is now the visitor centre, with Brambles café on the first floor, a gift shop and lockers for small bags.
Pre-booking is essential and tickets often sell out. A share of tours is released 28 days in advance from midnight Irish time, with more tickets for the day released online from 09:15, and no third-party sellers are authorised. The building is historic and has some accessibility challenges, so wheelchair users should email [email protected] before booking. The subject matter is serious, but older children studying history usually find it absorbing.
Kilmainham is west of the city centre. The Luas Red Line stops at Suir Road, and Dublin Bus routes 60, G1 and G2 run nearby. There is no parking at the gaol; the car park at the Irish Museum of Modern Art at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham is about five minutes' walk away and makes a good second stop.
Book your tour before travelling to Dublin if you can, as same-day tickets are limited.
Kilmainham Gaol FAQs
Do I need to book Kilmainham Gaol in advance?
Yes. Entry is by guided tour only and pre-booking is essential. Some tickets are released 28 days ahead from midnight and more on the day from 09:15.
What are the opening hours?
The visitor centre is open 09:30 to 17:15, and the museum from 10:30. It is closed from 24 to 27 December.
How long is the tour?
The guided tour lasts about an hour, and the museum suggests allowing about 90 minutes in total.
Is it accessible for wheelchair users?
It is a historic building with some accessibility challenges, so contact [email protected] before booking to arrange access.
How do I get there by public transport?
Take the Luas Red Line to Suir Road, or Dublin Bus route 60, G1 or G2.
Is there parking?
There is no parking at the gaol. The car park at IMMA and the Royal Hospital Kilmainham is about five minutes' walk away.
Is there a café?
Yes, Brambles café is on the first floor of the Courthouse Visitor Centre and you do not need a ticket to use it.
Can I buy tickets from tour companies?
No third-party organisations are authorised to sell Kilmainham Gaol tickets, so book through the official website.