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

Cork City Gaol, Cork

(1,100+ reviews on the web)

History Museum

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. Before you head to Cork, plan trip itinerary details with our user-friendly Cork vacation trip planner, to make sure you see all that Cork has to offer, including Cork City Gaol.

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Reviews

TripAdvisor

Derek F

Great place well worth the visit. You can get a tour bus but we walked it. Took about 30/40 minutes from our hotel Jury's Inn but we saw things of interest on the way. It is a self guided tour with ha... more »
QuOdin

This is a great place. It really captures the lfe and times of the penal system i the past. Lots of props and audio guided tour. The staff is friendly and fairly knowledgeable when asked question off ... more »
JackieMD1

This Gaol tells the story of it's prisoner's very well. Tour is self guided. You get a map and guide book explaining all aspects of the gaol and its prisoners. Makes you very appreciative to live in p... more »

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William Murphy

Not well served by public transport but despite this you should try your best to visit the next time you are in Cork city. A visit to this former prison in Cork is an important part of anyone’s education because you will soon learn just how badly treated the poor were by what was supposed to be a Christian establishment. What really amazed me was that when the new Cork City Gaol opened in 1824 and was regarded as being "the finest in 3 kingdoms" [I suppose that depended on your point of view].

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M Dassen

Interesting museum. You get a pamphlet with short stories for the different characters that were in de Gaol. Each area has one of these stories. This is a nice way to guide you through the different areas.

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Mauricio Ruiz

Pretty nice museum. You can travel in time and see how was to be imprisoned in the 19th century in Cork Gaol. Tickets' price are: Adult: 8€ - Student: 7€ and 2€ extra if you want the audio guide. To be fair, I think the audio guide should be included in the 8€ and not be charged as an extra but that is just my personal opinion. The premises are in great condition and staff are very nice.

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Lorenzo Braschi

Small but interesting museum of the old jailhouse. 1 hour is more than enough to see all that there is to see.

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Lev Kolobov

superb museum. highly recommended. you receive a map upon entrance with stops. each stop has a story. opportunity to be locked in jail cell.

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Cork City Gaol, Cork

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