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Convent Avenue, Sunday’s Well, Cork City, T23 VX25 ,Ireland
Call Us:
021-4305022
Email Us:
[email protected]Access Welcome Guide
Welcome to Cork City Gaol. This guide outlines the accessible features, facilities, and practical information to help visitors with mobility, sensory, or access needs plan their visit with confidence.
1. Accessibility Contact & Support
If you would like to discuss access needs before visiting or need assistance on arrival, please contact us:
- Accessibility Contact / Team: Sarah O’Shea
- Phone: +353 21430502
- Email: [email protected]
- Address: Convent Avenue, Sunday’s Well, Cork, T23 VX25
- Response time: We aim to respond within 2–3 working days.
2. Travel & Arrival Guidance
By car: On-street parking is available close to the Gaol; coach parking is available opposite the entrance. Drive times: Cork Airport is approx. 20 minutes by car. Please note local roads can be narrow in places.
By public transport: Routes 202, 202A, 208 and 40 serve the area; Cork Kent station is approximately a 40-minute walk.
3. Key Accessibility Features & Site Areas
| Area / Feature | Access Summary | Notes & Considerations | Assistance / Alternatives |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ground-floor Exhibition & Visitor Areas | Mostly accessible | 7 of the 9 prisoner story displays, the Governor’s Office, the AV show and gift shop are on the ground floor and reachable without steps. | Staff can guide wheelchair users along the accessible route; allow extra time for movement through exhibit spaces. |
| Upper Levels & Tower | Not accessible | There is no lift/elevator; upper floors and some cells are only accessible via stairs. | Enjoy the full ground-floor experience and gardens; staff may offer additional descriptive information for upper-floor content. |
| Accessible Toilet & Baby-changing | Available | A wheelchair-accessible toilet and baby-changing unit are provided in the main building. | Staff will direct you to the nearest facilities on arrival. |
| Parking & Drop-off | On-street parking; coach parking opposite | Limited on-street parking (2-hour max in some areas); coaches can use the parking opposite the entrance. | For large vehicles, arrange drop-off directly at the main gate where possible. |
| Guided Tours & Group Bookings | Guided tours available | Daily guided tours typically take place (times vary seasonally); private evening tours can be arranged for groups. | Contact the bookings team to arrange guided access outside normal hours if required. |
4. Facilities & Supports
- Wheelchair access to the majority of ground-floor exhibits; one wheelchair-accessible toilet is available.
- Baby-changing facilities provided.
- Gift shop and audio-visual show located on ground floor.
- Staff trained to assist with access arrangements and group needs.
5. Sensory & Planning Tools
- Pre-visit planning: contact us to discuss specific route preferences and assistance needs.
- Audio guides and multilingual materials may be available—check when booking.
- Quiet times: mid-morning weekdays are generally less busy; private tours can be arranged for quieter access.
6. Emergency & Medical Information
Nearest hospital: Cork University Hospital (approx. 15–25 minutes by car).
Local GP / clinic: available in surrounding areas of Cork city—ask staff for nearest contact.
Onsite: staff trained in emergency procedures and first aid.
In an emergency, call 112 / 999 and state your location: Cork City Gaol, Convent Avenue, Sunday’s Well, Cork.
7. Visitor Stories
“We were able to access most of the exhibition on the ground floor with our wheelchair. Staff were helpful and guided us around the accessible route.” — Visitor A
“Coach parking opposite the entrance made arrival simple for our group; the ground floor exhibits provided an excellent experience.” — Visitor B
8. Known Limitations & Planned Improvements
Known limitations: No lift to upper floors (upper-level exhibits inaccessible to visitors with mobility impairments); some doorways or transitions may be narrower than modern standards.
Planned improvements: We recommend confirming specific requirements with the team in advance; management regularly reviews access arrangements and staff assistance protocols.
Last updated: 24-11-2025 • Next review: 24-11-2026