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

Cork City Gaol, Cork

4.4

History Museum · Historic Site

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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. Plan trip to Cork with our itinerary maker to find out where to go and what to do.

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Tours to Cork City Gaol

FROM $18 BOOK WITH VIATOR Cork City Gaol Admission Ticket Cork City Gaol Admission Ticket

4.6

Duration: 60 to 120 minutes

Tours from $18 ›

FROM $42 BOOK WITH VIATOR Hop-on-Hop-off sightseeing bus tour of Cork City. Guided. Full day. Hop-on-Hop-off sightseeing bus tour of Cork City. Guided. Full day.

2.5

Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes

Tours from $42 ›

FROM $376 BOOK WITH VIATOR Family walking tour in Cork Family walking tour in Cork

Duration: 2 hours

Tours from $376 ›

Cork City Gaol reviews

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TripAdvisor traveler rating

1,833 reviews

Google

4.6

By Z4784LJamandaf

We were lucky enough to have our wedding ceremony at the cork city gaol, yes it may seem like an odd venue but it is an option on their site and turned out to be the best choice! I worked with Sarah.... more

We were lucky enough to have our wedding ceremony at the cork city gaol, yes it may seem like an odd venue but it is an option on their site and turned out to be the best choice! I worked with Sarah.... more »
By lynnemG4161HB

I really enjoyed this attraction. It provides brilliant insight into this period in Ireland's history.

I really enjoyed this attraction. It provides brilliant insight into this period in Ireland's history. more »
By Clowneowl65

Use the hop on bus service to get to this attraction its a fair old walk from town Ensure you get the headsets when entering you will be lost without them Staff were friendly and approachable and an..... more

Use the hop on bus service to get to this attraction its a fair old walk from town Ensure you get the headsets when entering you will be lost without them Staff were friendly and approachable and an..... more »

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Google

By Mike Markle

It’s interesting, yes. Gives a unique experience of the times and the stories behind it. Lots of the jail is closed off, would be nice to be able to see some of this as the curated rooms are very clean and almost inviting (much like the jail would not have been). Could be a little more gritty and real rather than manicured. Also access to all the top floors were closed due to damage apparently so we didn’t get the great views. There was no eta on when they would be open again. The staff however were absolutely fantastic.

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By Tanguy Weber

The experience was amazing, been there with a friend of mine, we really enjoyed it. The audioguided is really well made you learn a lot about the history of the place. The biggest room full of stairs and cells is beautiful, I won't say that I would have enjoy to be imprisoned there but I must say it's great! Must do if you are in Cork!

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By Kaitlyn Doyle

Purchased tickets in advance and had a brief wait to check in. We had a great time on our guided tour (2pm daily) - guide was very knowledgeable and provided great context for things and stories about actual prisoners who stayed during the years it was in operation. Parking available right outside front gate. Very cool architecture to see up close. Would highly recommend to anyone visiting Cork.

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By Manoj Kumar S

This place is in walkable distance from Fitzgerald park via Shaking bridge. The entry fee for adults is 10 euros. It is good place to experience the feel of jail. Can click some good photos. Can spend 1-2 hour in this place. Have a good car parking for few cars.

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By Will Cotter

Great value for money. It's well laid out and the storyline as you navigate your way through the jail brings home what people endured, for little to no crimes at all really. Lovely architecture and the grounds are beautiful. The staff couldn't have been nicer as well.

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