Today one of the largest unoccupied gaols in Europe, Kilmainham housed rebel prisoners in 1798, 1803, 1848, 1867, 1916 and from 1919-23. Numerous personalities from Irish history such as Robert Emmett, Charles Stewart Parnell, James Connolly and Eamon de Valera were imprisoned here. It was the scene of many executions and dramatic escapes and continued in use until the end of the Civil War.
Its museum has a comprehensive exhibition of materials relating to Irish history. Guided tours of the prison daily, on the hour. The gaol and museum are often extremely busy during the summer months.
Kilmainham Jail
Inchicore Road,
Dublin 8
Opening Times
April - September: Daily 09:30 - 18:00 (last admission at 17:00)
October - March: Mon -Sat 09:30 - 17:30 (last admission at 16:30), Sunday: 10:00 - 18:00 (last admission at 17:00)
Average Length of Visit: 1.5 hours