About
Kilmainham Gaol is a former prison on Inchicore Road in Kilmainham, on the southwest side of Dublin, Ireland. It is also known as Kilmainham Jail. Today it works as a museum, and its story is closely tied to the struggle for Irish independence.
What the visit is like
The building itself is the main exhibit. Many leaders of Irish rebellions were held here, and a number of them were executed within its walls. Walking through the cells, corridors and yards gives a direct sense of what those men and women experienced, and the displays explain the political events that brought them here.
A visit suits anyone interested in Irish history, and in the way a place of confinement can become a place of national memory. It is a serious, sober experience rather than a light one, and it rewards visitors who take time to read the exhibits and absorb the atmosphere.
Planning your trip
- Address: Inchicore Road, Kilmainham, Dublin 8, D08 RK28, Ireland
- Phone: +353 1 453 5984
- Also known as: Kilmainham Jail
Kilmainham sits a short distance from the centre of Dublin, so it can be combined with other stops in the city. Calling ahead on the number above is the best way to check current arrangements before you set out.
