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 Tours
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Cork City Gaol Reviews
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This Gaol is interesting in terms of showing the history of the city, and the social / religious conditions at the time. It is relatively easy to get about the entire Gaol, and is a quick enough tour.... more »
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It is a place with a lot of history and very well prepared for your visit. Parking is at just besides the wall. Arriving is not too easy. more »
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This truly a fascinating museum! You learn a lot about the history of prisons in Ireland and in particular the old prison you are walking through. You gain understanding about the life of commoners. Y... more »
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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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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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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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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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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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Plans to Cork City Gaol by other users
2 days in Cork
BY A USER FROM IRELAND
October, fast-paced, popular
PREFERENCES: October
ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular
PACE: Fast-paced
9 days in County Cork
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PREFERENCES: September
ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular
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1 day in Cork
BY A USER FROM IRELAND
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PREFERENCES: September
ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular
PACE: Medium
10 days in Ireland
BY A USER FROM SLOVENIA
November, culture, outdoors, relaxing, romantic, beaches, historic sites, museums, shopping, wildlife, hidden gems
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ATTRACTION STYLE: Hidden gems
PACE: Medium
3 days in Cork
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March, culture, outdoors, historic sites, popular
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PACE: Medium
18 days in Ireland & Belfast
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September, popular
PREFERENCES: September
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PACE: Medium
31 days in Ireland
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May, culture, relaxing, romantic, historic sites, museums, popular
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PACE: Medium
48 days in Europe
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48 days in Western Europe
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60 days in Africa, Europe, Canada, United States & Mexico
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PACE: Fast-paced
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PREFERENCES: June, teens, culture, relaxing, historic sites
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