Dublin's Kilmainham Gaol Guided Tour
See One of Ireland's Most Historically Significant Buildings
Feb 19, 2009
Opened in 1796, Kilmainham Gaol served as a prison for almost 130 years until 1924. The prison was infamous for holding leaders of Ireland's many rebellions against Great Britain as well as those guilty of committing petty crimes like stealing loaves of bread or butter.
Almost more telling than many of Dublin's other attractions combined, a guided tour through the dark hallways, cramped cells, and exercise yard of the Gaol allows visitors to understand a very significant part of Ireland's history and how its present came to exist.
Kilmainham Gaol can only be seen by guided tour. Tours can have as many as fifty people and after purchasing a ticket at the counter, visitors are told when the next tour begins.
Kilmainham Gaol Tour Hours
April to September Daily: 9:30 - 18:00 (last tour begins at 17:00)
October to March Mon.-Sat.: 9:30 - 17:30 (last tour begins at 16:00)
Sunday: 10:00 - 18:00 (last tour begins at 17:00)
Kilmainham Gaol Tour Prices
Adults: 6.00 Euro/ 8.00 USD
Child / Student: 2.00 Euro/ 3.00 USD
Senior / Group: 4.00 Euro/ 5.00 USD
Family: 14.00 Euro/ 18.00 USD
While waiting for a tour to begin, visitors can explore the museum on the ground floor, providing an informative preface to the guided tour. The museum accounts the ideas of prison reformers, lists crimes of those committed in the Gaol, and gives visitors an overall idea of what life was like in Kilmainham and outside as well.
A tea room and restrooms are also available to visitors.
Kilmainham Gaol Guided Tour
The tour takes roughly an hour and fifteen minutes. In the winter months, the stone corridors are cold, therefore visitors should dress warm.
An audiovisual presentation in the Gaol's chapel introduces visitors to the Irish history of rebellions against British occupation and famine that launched the prison into use.
Visitors will be able to compare the architectural differences between both the west and east wing of the Gaol. Whereas the west wing is dark and cramped, the east wing or Victorian wing is open and light. These differences are a result of prison reforms and the need to improve the deteriorating mental state of prisoners.
Visitors will feel slight relief in walking out into the fresh air of the Exercise Yard. Yet, relief won't last long after learning that although prisoners had their allotted hour to walk heads down in a circle each day, others were executed here. The guide touches upon particular men shot here and their instant martyrdom for struggling to make Ireland independent, an inspiration for those to follow.
Several films, including In the Name of the Father and Michael Collins were filmed in Kilmainham Gaol.
Directions to Kilmainham Gaol
As the Gaol is not located directly in the center of Dublin, it's necessary to use public transport to get there. The earlier visitors arrive, the better, as lines can be very long.
Take the Luas (tram) from South Abbey Street to Heuston stop. From Aston Quay, take bus # 79, 79A, 78A, or 51B.
When visiting Dublin, visitors should make it a point to walk through the corridors of Ireland's history in Kilmainham Gaol. Although the tour may leave visitors feeling gloomy afterwards, the tour is a vital step in understanding the source of Irish pride.
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