About Ireland Jail Museums

The Buildings

Ireland's historic jails opened in 1796 as new County Gaols. Designed by prominent architects, they were intended to replace old gaols which were in a state of disrepair. The new buildings were modern prisons for their time, with separate cells for men and women, and facilities for the rehabilitation of prisoners.

The jails were built in various architectural styles, with multiple wings radiating from central halls. Some wings were designed to hold political prisoners in isolation, while others were designed for common criminals with larger cells.

Prison Life

Life in Ireland's historic jails was harsh. Prisoners were held in small, cold cells with little light or ventilation. They were given minimal food and were expected to work hard labor. Many prisoners died from disease, malnutrition, or the harsh conditions.

Women and children were also held in the jails, often in worse conditions than the men. Children as young as seven were imprisoned alongside adults, and many died from the harsh conditions.

Political Prisoners

While most prisoners were common criminals, Ireland's historic jails also held many political prisoners involved in Ireland's struggle for independence. Some of the most notable include:

• Robert Emmet - Leader of the 1803 rebellion, executed in 1803
• Anne Devlin - Emmet's housekeeper and supporter, held for three years
• The Fenians - Members of the Irish Republican Brotherhood, held in the 1860s
• Charles Stewart Parnell - Irish nationalist leader, held in 1881
• Countess Markievicz - First woman elected to the British Parliament, held after the 1916 Rising
• The Leaders of the 1916 Easter Rising - Fourteen executed by firing squad in the Stonebreaker's yard

1916 Easter Rising

The 1916 Easter Rising was a pivotal moment in Irish history. After the Rising was suppressed, the leaders were taken to Ireland's historic jails. Fourteen of them were executed by firing squad in the Stonebreaker's yard between May 3 and May 12, 1916.

These executions turned public opinion in favor of Irish independence and helped to galvanize support for the cause. The leaders became martyrs, and their deaths helped to inspire the War of Independence that followed.

Transportation

Many prisoners held in Ireland's historic jails were transported to penal colonies in Australia. This was a common punishment for serious crimes, and thousands of Irish men and women were sent to Australia in the 19th century.

The jails were also used as holding facilities for prisoners awaiting transportation, and many spent months or even years in the jails before being sent to Australia.

1910 – 1924

During this period, Ireland's historic jails continued to hold both common criminals and political prisoners. The jails were overcrowded and conditions were poor. Many prisoners died from disease or the harsh conditions.

After the Irish Civil War (1922-23), the jails were closed in 1924. They were left abandoned for many years, falling into disrepair.

Restoration

In the 1960s, groups of volunteers formed restoration committees to preserve and restore the jails. They worked tirelessly to restore the buildings to their former state, and in the 1980s, the jails were handed over to the State.

Today, Ireland Jail Museums are run by dedicated organizations and are among Ireland's most important historical sites. They tell the story of Ireland's struggle for independence and the people who shaped Irish history.

How to Get Here

Visit Guidelines

Accessibility