Wicklow's Historic Gaol

About the museum

Wicklow's Historic Gaol stands on Kilmantin Hill in Wicklow town. Building began in 1702, in the time of the Penal Laws, and the prison was enlarged in the nineteenth century before it finally closed in 1924. Among its first recorded prisoners was a priest sentenced in 1716 to transportation for saying Mass.

The gaol held rebels after the 1798 Rebellion, including the local leader Billy Byrne, who was executed in 1799. It also held prisoners awaiting transportation to America and later to Van Diemen's Land, now Tasmania. In 1848, during the Famine, its 77 cells held 780 prisoners, some of whom had committed minor offences to get regular meals. The gaol was used by British forces in the War of Independence and by anti-Treaty prisoners in the Civil War, among them the writer Erskine Childers.

Today the gaol is a visitor attraction where people explore the cells and hear the stories of prisoners, a matron and others through immersive storytelling on a self-guided visit. It also has a café, a gift shop, a venue for events and seasonal programmes such as Christmas at the Gaol. It reopens on 16 November 2026.

Highlights

• Cells and exhibits on prison life from 1702 to 1924
• Stories of the 1798 Rebellion, the Famine and the Civil War
• Immersive storytelling on a self-guided visit
• The Governor's Table Café and gift shop

Permanent exhibition

• Wicklow's Historic Gaol – A self-guided visit through the cells with storytelling about prisoners from 1702 to 1924.

Admission & discounts

General admission is a self-guided visit; adult tickets are for ages 16 and over.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description

The gaol states that it is wheelchair accessible and offers audio description, large print guides and sign language tours. Visitors with mobility, sensory or other needs are asked to contact the team before booking.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

Families are welcome, but some stories deal with difficult aspects of prison life, so parents should consider their children's ages. Family activities are held in the events programme.

Getting there & parking

The gaol is about 50 minutes from Dublin.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

The Governor's Table Café and the Gaol Gift Shop.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events

Up to 250 guests.

Hire for corporate and private events all year, with catering; about 2,400 sq ft.

Plan your visit