Kilmainham Gaol, Prison museum in Dublin, Ireland
The stone corridors and iron-barred cells of Kilmainham Gaol span three floors, featuring both individual cells and communal areas for prisoners.
The prison operated from 1796 to 1924, holding numerous political prisoners during significant events of Irish nationalism, including the 1916 Easter Rising.
The museum exhibits display personal items, letters, and photographs from inmates who shaped Irish history through their resistance against British rule.
Tours of Kilmainham Gaol require advance booking through the official website, with tickets released 28 days before the visit date.
The Stonebreakers' Yard within the prison walls marks the location where fourteen leaders of the 1916 Easter Rising faced execution by firing squad.
Location: Dublin
Official opening: 1796
Accessibility: Wheelchair limited access
Operator: Office of Public Works
Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday 09:30-18:00
Email: kilmainhamgaol@opw.ie
Website: https://kilmainhamgaolmuseum.ie
GPS coordinates: 53.34192,-6.30923
Latest update: May 26, 2025 19:47
Dublin combines historical structures with modern culture. The city features medieval castles, universities, museums, parks, and traditional pubs. The city center provides shopping streets and cultural venues for visitors.
Ireland presents historical structures, landscapes, and coastal formations for photographers. Sites include cliffs, castles, libraries, parks, lighthouses, and waterfalls. The country offers medieval fortresses, basalt geological formations, and ancient monastery sites.
This collection brings together penal institutions that have marked the history of incarceration worldwide through their architecture, detention conditions, or roles in major historical events. From the Guantanamo Bay naval base in Cuba, established in 2002 for holding individuals suspected of terrorism, to high-security facilities like Red Onion in Wise County, Virginia, these sites document the evolution of penal systems across continents. Among the institutions transformed into memorial sites, Diyarbakır Prison in Turkey stands out for its conversion into a cultural center and museum since 2019. Its 24 dormitories spread over two floors, its cells, and corridors allow visitors to explore this chapter of Turkish penal history. In Argentina, Mendoza Prison, built in the early 20th century, reflects the prison practices of that era and the development of the regional judicial system. Other facilities remain operational and raise questions about prisoners' rights and incarceration conditions. Gldani Prison in Tbilisi caused national protests in 2012 after images exposing systemic abuses were released, leading to major reforms in the Georgian penal system. Ciudad Barrios Prison in El Salvador continues to function as a correctional center in the eastern region of the country. These sites, spread across multiple continents, provide documented insights into penal practices in various political and social contexts. From Rwanda to North Korea, passing through Colombia and the United States, they help understand the evolution of judicial and correctional systems while raising current issues related to detention and rehabilitation.
Guinness Storehouse
1.5 km
Dublin Zoo
1.4 km
Wellington Monument
887 m
Anna Livia
1.4 km
Irish National War Memorial Gardens
566 m
Royal Hospital Kilmainham
621 m
Irish Museum of Modern Art
623 m
Magazine Fort
880 m
Criminal Courts of Justice
1.2 km
Islandbridge
591 m
St James' Church, Dublin
1.3 km
Goldenbridge Cemetery
801 m
Seán Heuston Bridge
1.3 km
St Patrick's Tower (Dublin)
1.7 km
St James' Church, Dublin (Roman Catholic)
1.4 km
Frank Sherwin Bridge
1.3 km
Liffey Railway Bridge
710 m
Richmond Tower
165 m
Inchicore Library
173 m
Longmeadows Pitch and Putt
1.7 km
St Michael’s Church (Dublin)
510 m
Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation
1.6 km
Griffith Bridge (Dublin)
623 m
Rialto Bridge
807 m
St Jude's Church (Dublin)
398 m
Church of Mary Immaculate (Dublin)
1.3 km
Church of Our Lady of Good Counsel (Dublin)
1.3 km
Croppies' Acre Memorial Garden (Dublin)
1.6 kmReviews
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes