Trip Planner: Europe / Ireland / Province of Munster / County Cork / Cork / Cork City Gaol

Cork City Gaol, Cork

4.3

#1 of 139 in Museums in Province of Munster

At Cork City Gaol you can experience what it was like to live in a 19th-century Irish prison. The facility opened in 1824 and closed in 1923, but the museum was not available to the public until 1993. Tour the grounds, view furnished cells, and walk the halls of this historic prison. At different points over the years, both male and female prisoners were jailed here. Many Irish War of Independence and Irish Civil War Republicans were held in this prison, including the famous writer Frank O'Connor. Though the prison has a somber atmosphere, take the time to appreciate the beauty of the structure, designed by architect William Robertson and built by the Deane family. Find out how to plan Cork trip without stress by asking Inspirock to help create an itinerary.

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Cork City Gaol Reviews

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1,567 reviews

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4.4

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4.7

7,434 likes

By Ca R On October 11, 2018

Wir haben uns für 2€ einen Audioguide dazu geholt. Es war sehr interessant was man über das Gefängnis und die ehemaligen Insassen erfahren hat. Die Tour mit dem Audioguide geht 45-60min und hätte etwa... more »

We have brought us to an audio guide for €2. It was very interesting what you learned about the prison and the former inmates. The tour with audio guide is 45-60 min and would have to take a little longer.

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By Patrick D On October 9, 2018

Au début nous étions septique à l’idée d’aller visiter une ancienne prison, je peux vous dire que nous avons appréciés notre expérience, l’histoire des prisonniers est touchantes et nous avons une sym... more »

At first we were skeptical at the idea of going to visit a former prison, I can tell you that we enjoyed our experience, the story of the prisoners is touching and we have sympathy for them, to enjoy the visit more, take the audio guide for only €2

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By Keith1612 On October 8, 2018

Decided on a break from geocaching and this was a fascinating historical journey. Would recommend paying a couple of Euro more for the audio tour as it doubtless enhanced the experience. Times were ha... more »

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By Brett Morgan On August 23, 2018

Really interesting place. Quite laid back despite the history. I'd recommend the audio self guided tour as you get all the info you need but at your own pace.

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By Philipp Holzhauser On May 18, 2018

Great museum inside this old prison and radio station. Things are set up so well and some scenes are recreated and the stories of some inmates are told. Also interesting is the park when the prison turned into a radio station. It might not mix but still they managed to provide a view into both worlds. Very interesting museum, I highly recommend visiting it. The price is very fair for what you get.

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By Amy Madigan On August 15, 2018

Some people may find it a bit upsetting and heart breaking. But in all it was very enjoyable as I got to learn more about my local history. Some of the people in the prison That you learn about are just as much part of my history then all of those in our history books. I hope everyone enjoys the Museum just as much as my family and I did.

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By Sinead Gonzalez On August 22, 2018

Tour was lovely and informative. Prison was really well done. You really got a sense of what happened while the prison was open.

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By Ivica Bajčić On August 15, 2018

Nice experience. Worth to visit. Staff is friendy and helpful. Gives you hysterical picture. Why and how people were punished and prosecuted. Good housekeeping, clean.

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