Kilmainham Gaol

The prison Kilmainham Goal (or Kilmainham Jail) was opened in 1796 and extended during the following years constantly. Beside the GPO (general post office) Kilmainham Jail is the most important scene of the Irish struggle for independence - with a guidance the visitor gets a great insight into Irish history. Except O'Connel and the IRA leader Michael Collins here were locked up all leaders of the Irish struggle for independence and the Easter uprising of 1916 here in Kilmainham Goal.

Prices :
Adult about EUR 5.00

A must see while you're in Dublin. Very cheap, the tour is in depth and informative. A great opportunity to visit an attraction with a great deal of significance in Irelands history for five euro.

I'm a big history fanatic and the Kilmainham Gaol is steeped in tons of it. The tour took us around the gaol and our tour guide was very informative, giving us tons of stories. If you let yourself imagine life back in the gaol, the executions, the labor, the horrible conditions, it really is something to experience.

I've done the tour of Kilmainham Gaol twice, and I'd definitely go again if given a chance. I recommend it to anyone going to Dublin (well, anyone who is going to Dublin for more than just the drinking).

If you have an interest in Irish history at all, then Kilmainham shouldn't be missed. The guides are extremely knowledgable, and you are taken through all parts of the gaol: the "new" 18th century bits, and the older parts. Cells and places of interest regarding some of the gaol's more famous prisoners are also pointed out.

There's a brief video near the beginning of the tour too, which should help anybody not familiar with events like 1916 and prepare them for the importance and significane of Kilmainham and what they're about to see on the tour.

The tour lasts about an hour, and the entrance fee was nothing too pricey. It's definitely value for your money.

Kilmainham Gaol (Príosún Chill Mhaighneann) is The reason why Kilmainham Gaol is considered the most infamous prison in Ireland. It was built in 1796 and closed in 1924. It worked as men's, women's and juvenile prison, because men, women and children shared the same cells. Also some of the leaders of the easter rising of 1916, the War of Independence and the Irish Civil War were imprisoned and executed there.

When the prison was opened Ireland was in the midst of famine. Even though Kilmainham Gaol was considered the scariest building in Dublin, because public hangings were common and there was no heating or light in the prison cells, many people still commited crimes on purpose to be imprisoned there. During the famine, for many poor people the prison was the only place where they got food and shelter against the cold. So they had better chances of surviving inside than outside the prison.

Kilmainham Gaol is definitely one of the most best tourist attractions in Dublin. The stories about the prison were really interesting and seeing the cells as well as hearing the stories about prisoners there made the tour fascinating.

How to get there:
Buses from the City Centre 51, 51A, 78A and 79.

Opening Hours: April - Sept. 9.30am - 4.45pm daily. Oct - March Monday - Friday 9.30am - 4.00pm, closed Saturdays, Sundays 10.00am - 4.45pm

Admission: Adults £2.00, Children/Students £1.00, OAPs £1.50, Family £5.00 Group rates also available.