Kilmainham Gaol Dublin
A former prison and potent symbol of Irish independence, Kilmainham Gaol offers a moving historical journey.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better for photos
Kilmainham Gaol Dublin
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better for photos

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A former prison and potent symbol of Irish independence, Kilmainham Gaol offers a moving historical journey.
"A must-visit for understanding Ireland's struggle for freedom; book tickets months ahead!"
🎯 Book 28 Days Ahead
Tickets go on sale 4 weeks in advance. Log on early to secure your spot!
⏰ Check for Cancellations
Daily cancellations appear around 9 AM. Keep refreshing the page!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Stonebreakers' Yard
Courtyard
Stand where history was made and feel the weight of Ireland's struggle for independence.

The East Wing
Prison Cells
Explore the stark, imposing cells that housed countless political prisoners.

The Chapel
Chapel
A place of reflection, this chapel witnessed significant historical events.
Planning Your Visit
Book Tickets Well in Advance
Plan Your Arrival Logistics
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book 28 Days Ahead
Tickets go on sale 4 weeks in advance. Log on early to secure your spot!
⏰ Check for Cancellations
Daily cancellations appear around 9 AM. Keep refreshing the page!
Visit to Kilmainham Gaol
Any tips for getting tickets for Kilmainham Gaol? Every time I go to look its sold out for weeks (Which is great to see it being so popular). Is it best to buy the first of the month/on a Monday?
🚶♀️ Walkable from City
It's a bit of a walk, but doable. Consider a hop-on-hop-off bus for ease.
🧳 Luggage Storage
Store bags at your hotel or a nearby facility before your tour.
Plan for arrival day / Kilmainhem Gaol
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book 28 Days Ahead
Tickets go on sale 4 weeks in advance. Log on early to secure your spot!
⏰ Check for Cancellations
Daily cancellations appear around 9 AM. Keep refreshing the page!
🚶♀️ Walkable from City
It's a bit of a walk, but doable. Consider a hop-on-hop-off bus for ease.
🧳 Luggage Storage
Store bags at your hotel or a nearby facility before your tour.
⏳ Tour Duration
Tours typically last about an hour. Plan your day accordingly.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Kilmainham Gaol for its profound historical significance and the excellent, engaging guided tours. Many find the experience deeply moving and educational, offering crucial insight into Ireland's fight for independence. However, the extreme difficulty in obtaining tickets is a frequent point of frustration, with many visitors missing out despite trying for weeks.
"It was one of the best guided tours I ever had. Adam explained historical events with so such passion and respect for this place full of history in every corner. You can buy tickets in advance or buy them easily there with some waiting time. The staff was very helpful and friendly. One of the highlights of our Dublin trip!"
Laura von Eerde
"Don't skip this tour. I highly recommend it. Our tour guide really deep dive and show us a good history lesson on what happened in what was a jail. It was also the famous jail where the people who signed the proclamation of Ireland were jailed and executed."
Fil B
"One of the highlights in Dublin. The guided visit brilliantly puts in context a building that was an important piece in Irish history. We had a great guide, with an impressive storytelling capacity that made every story chilling, especially because you are at the scene of the events. The building is very well preserved. An indispensable visit if you are coming to Dublin and like history and historical places."
Mariana Pellegrini
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From Dublin Airport, you can take the Dublin Express bus to Heuston Station, then a local bus or taxi to Kilmainham Gaol. Alternatively, some buses go directly into the city center, from where you can catch another bus or taxi.
Yes, several Dublin Bus routes serve Kilmainham Gaol. Routes like the 13, 40, 69, and 79 stop nearby. Check the Dublin Bus website for the most up-to-date route information.
Yes, it's a walkable distance, and many visitors do this. The area is generally safe for families during the day.
You can take a Dublin Bus (e.g., routes 13, 40) or a taxi/ride-share service from the city center. The journey typically takes around 20-30 minutes depending on traffic.
Limited on-street parking may be available nearby, but it's not recommended due to potential restrictions and availability. Public transport or taxis are the preferred methods of arrival.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
It is highly recommended to book tickets at least 4 weeks in advance, as they sell out very quickly. Tickets are released 28 days prior to the date.
Tickets can be purchased directly from the official Kilmainham Gaol website. Be wary of unofficial third-party sellers.
Tickets are typically released 28 days in advance. Some Redditors suggest checking daily around 9 AM for cancellations or last-minute releases.
Yes, checking the website daily around 9 AM for cancellations is a common strategy. Some visitors have also reported success getting tickets on the day of their visit.
Ticket prices can vary, but generally, adult tickets are around €8-€10. It's best to check the official website for the most current pricing.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The guided tour of Kilmainham Gaol typically lasts for about one hour.
Yes, families with children visit Kilmainham Gaol. The historical content is presented in an engaging way, and the walk from the gaol to the Guinness Storehouse is considered safe.
Kilmainham Gaol is a former prison that played a crucial role in Irish history, particularly during the struggle for independence. Many prominent leaders of the 1916 Easter Rising were imprisoned and executed here.
Photography is generally permitted in most areas of Kilmainham Gaol, but always check for any specific restrictions on the day of your visit.
Wear comfortable shoes as you'll be doing a fair amount of walking and standing. The temperature inside the gaol can also be cooler than outside.
📸 📸 Photography
The Stonebreakers' Yard offers dramatic shots, and the corridors of the East Wing provide a stark, atmospheric backdrop. The chapel also has unique architectural details.
Photography is usually allowed inside the cells, but be mindful of other visitors and the historical significance of the space.
Lighting can be dim and atmospheric, especially within the older sections of the gaol. Consider using a camera with good low-light performance or adjusting your settings accordingly.
While generally permitted, it's always wise to check for any specific signage or guide instructions regarding photography, especially in sensitive areas.
Weekday mornings often have fewer crowds, allowing for more unobstructed shots. The natural light filtering into certain areas can also enhance photographs.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Key tips for families: Book tickets well in advance, as they are essential. Consider the age and maturity of your children when deciding if the historical content is appropriate. Comfortable shoes are a must for everyone, as there's a fair amount of walking involved.
🚶 Budget Travelers
To save money on transport, utilize Dublin's extensive bus network to reach the gaol. Walking between nearby attractions like the Guinness Storehouse can also cut down on expenses. Pack your own snacks and water to avoid purchasing them at inflated tourist prices.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of Kilmainham Gaol
The guided tours are highly praised for bringing the gaol's history to life. Guides often share poignant stories of the prisoners and the events that unfolded here, making the experience deeply impactful. Visitors often remark on the chilling atmosphere and the profound sense of history that permeates the building. It's a place that truly educates and moves its visitors, providing essential context for understanding modern Ireland.
Key figures like Charles Stewart Parnell, Éamon de Valera, and Patrick Pearse were held here. The executions of the 1916 leaders in the Stonebreakers' Yard, in particular, galvanized public opinion and fueled the subsequent fight for freedom. Understanding this history is crucial for anyone wanting to grasp the complexities of Irish nationalism and the sacrifices made for self-determination.
Securing Your Kilmainham Gaol Tickets
Several strategies are recommended by past visitors. The most consistent advice is to check the official website daily, particularly around 9 AM, for cancellations. These can pop up unexpectedly as group bookings are adjusted or individuals cancel their plans. Some Redditors have had success by randomly refreshing the booking page throughout the week leading up to their desired visit date.
If you're unable to secure advance tickets, arriving early on the day of your visit and checking for last-minute releases is another option, though this is not guaranteed. Some visitors have also utilized hop-on-hop-off bus tours, which sometimes include entry or offer a way to get closer to securing tickets, though this should be verified with the tour operator. Persistence and flexibility are key when trying to get tickets for this popular Dublin attraction.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit