Cork is a city with a very rich historical and archaeological heritage much of it still in evidence today. Part of this heritage, Cork City Gaol, is a magnificent castle-like building which once housed 19th century prisoners. Take a trip back in time and wander through the wings of the Gaol, accompanied by the shuffling feet of inmates and the jingle of the warders’ keys.
Cork City Gaol is a must-see visitor attraction if you are visiting or living in Cork or the surrounding areas. With both guided and self-guided tour options available, the tour will captivate people of all ages and nationalities.
Your Visit
Visit Cork City Gaol and get an insight into what life was like in a 19th Century prison: explore the grounds, wander the corridors and even get locked into a cell in the prison that Countess Markievicz called “the most comfortable jail” she had ever been in!
Tour Guides are on hand daily throughout the year to provide guided tours for any groups of 10 or more people. All groups are welcome – primary/secondary schools, English language colleges, tour groups, active retirement groups, special interest groups or even large family groups.
Cork City Gaol is a truly magnificent and unique venue that can be hired out for corporate events, filming or photo shoot locations and even for wedding ceremonies. The beauty of the West Wing in Cork City Gaol is that it can act as a blank canvas - the space can be transformed and turned into the setting for your ideal, customized event.
See What Customers Are Saying About Cork City Gaol
Walked here from the city centre, great views over the city. This is a little gem of cork history and although it is beautifully kept now, I would imagine, conditions were harsh when the prison was open. Great interaction and informative. Lovely little gift shop.
Flamingo D - Great Piece of Cork History
Absolutely fantastic and worth a trip. Our party of 3 adults and five kids (aged 8-13) just loved this - kids loved looking into the cells and reading the stories, the punishment quiz and hologram were also hits.
Barbara O - Great venue for older kids
A trip I’ve wanted to take for many years & it was worth it. A fascinating place steeped in history. The exhibits throughout are great & touch on many periods of history. I recommend the audio guide which you can start & stop as you go. The visit will take about 2hrs & is suitable for kids.
Annie Roche - A must see in Cork City
Old prison which is nice to visit, well preserved and very nicely decorated with the cells still present. With an audio guide to follow at your own pace with a story illustrated with lifelike puppets for each cell, very nicely done. This is at the top of the city so best to get there via the hop on hop off.
Staessen - Very nice old prison to visit
Been to a few but this was the best done guided tour in a little bit of Irish history. Nothing like it on. A rainy afternoon in cork
Tommy J - A gem
We visited the Gaol and really enjoyed the experience. It is very well done with wax works depicting the characters and the information leaflet is very good. Definitely worth a visit while in Cork ( not far from the city Centre )
Sandra A - Good to visit.
Really interesting trip to Cork City Gaol. We learnt a lot and the kids loved completing the quiz and claiming their prize at the end! The one-way system is really well managed and the staff were very friendly. Saw numerous staff wiping down surfaces while we were there
Kate C - Great way to learn some Irish history.
Myself and my family really enjoyed this experience. Make sure to get the audio guide as helps with the overall experience!
Lorraine - Family visit.
The jail made you feel as though you were there at the time, the children’s quiz was great and then after you finished the jail you could look around the gardens and other buildings such as the hospital and kitchen. If anyone does go it is well worth the visit.
David L - Excellent.
such a great day out with my family, learned so much and the staff were super kind and helpful!! played a really fun game and won a lollipop :) would definitely go again
Leah Reilly - Loved it !!!
Cork doesn’t have too many visiting attractions so this is a must see. We chose the interactive audio self tour, this really brings the prisoner stories to life. The Gaol grounds are also worth spending some time in. Would recommend highly.
