Uncover the story of Cork City Gaol

Published on September 23, 2024 at 12:49 pm

Why would a 19th century prison be a Cork must-see you may ask? Located on Convent Avenue, this prison holds much history and has hosted notorious personalities throughout the years. It may also be said that the prison walls’ architecture is particularly impressive, Countess Markievicz even said it was “the most comfortable jail” she had ever spent time in.

Cork City Gaol, Cork.

Summary

A glimpse at the gaol’s history
Things to see at the Cork City Gaol
Our favourite hotel near Cork City Gaol
How to get to the gaol?

A glimpse at the gaol’s history

Originally opened in 1824, the Cork City Gaol (jail) was claimed the “finest in three kingdoms”. It housed women and men initially, however then it was made into a women-only institution by 1878. This was returned to a mixed jail during the Irish Civil War (1922-1923) to accommodate a large influx of Republican prisoners, before officially closing its gates in 1923.

What followed was the development of Cork’s first official radio broadcasting station (by the 6CK) in 1927 on the top floor of the governor’s house until the 1950s.

Outdoor garden at Cork City Gaol.

Things to see at the Cork City Gaol

By 1993 the city decided to make the jail a public museum open to this day. Life-sized wax figurines representing personnel and famous prisoners were placed in addition to recordings to make tours as realistic and interactive as possible!

To find out more and book your tour, visit Cork City Gaol’s official website.

Inside the walls of Cork City Gaol.

Useful information

The Cork City Gaol museum is open Monday to Sundays from 10AM to 5PM with tickets ranging from 30 euros for families, 10 euros for adults, 8.50 euros for students, to 6 euros for children.

Our favourite hotel near Cork City Gaol

Imperial Hotel Cork City

The Imperial hotel of Cork City is located in the heart of the city. The hotel is less than a minute’s walk from Cork’s main shopping district restaurants and nightlife. The Imperial hotel is elegantly furnished and well designed.

From

£143 /night

Book!

How to get to the gaol?

By car:

From Cork airport, follow the road for Kinsale via le N27 for 22 minutes before heading into the city centre and following signs for Convent Avenue, make a left turn for Convent Avenue, following signs for Cork City Gaol.

By bus:

Take the 226 from Cork Airport until the “South Mall” stop and then take the 220 from “City Library” until “Western Road” and walk 15 minutes.

by Lena COLLINS