Kilmainham Gaol: A Journey Through Ireland's Revolutionary History
Explore the rich history of Kilmainham Gaol, a former prison that played a pivotal role in Ireland's quest for independence, located in the heart of Dublin.
Kilmainham Gaol, a historic former prison in Dublin, is an essential stop for tourists interested in Ireland's rich revolutionary history. Explore the stories of notable political prisoners and the role this site played in shaping the nation's fight for independence.
A brief summary to Kilmainham Gaol
- Inchicore Rd, Dublin 8, Kilmainham, D08 RK28, IE
- +35314535984
- Visit website
Local tips
- Book your tickets in advance online to avoid long queues, especially during peak tourist seasons.
- Take a guided tour for a richer understanding of the historical significance of the site.
- Visit the museum located on-site to enhance your experience with additional exhibits and artifacts.
- Allocate at least 1.5 to 2 hours to fully explore the prison and museum.
- Check the opening times before your visit, as they can vary seasonally.
Getting There
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Public Bus
From Dublin city center, head to O'Connell Street and locate the nearest bus stop. Take bus number 13, 40, or 79A towards Inchicore. The journey will take approximately 25-30 minutes. Get off at the stop named 'Kilmainham Gaol'. From the bus stop, walk towards Inchicore Road, and you will see Kilmainham Gaol directly ahead.
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LUAS Tram
From the city center, head to the nearest LUAS tram stop (e.g., Abbey Street). Take the Red Line tram towards Saggart and get off at the 'Blackhorse' stop. From there, it's about a 15-minute walk. Exit the tram station and walk towards the right onto the main road, then take the first left onto Inchicore Road. Continue straight until you reach Kilmainham Gaol.
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Walking
If you're staying near the city center, you can walk to Kilmainham Gaol. Start at Christ Church Cathedral and walk along the River Liffey towards the west. Cross the river using St. John's Road or the nearest bridge. Continue straight until you reach Inchicore Road. Turn right and walk until you see Kilmainham Gaol on your left. This walk takes approximately 30-40 minutes.
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Bicycle
You can rent a bicycle in Dublin and cycle to Kilmainham Gaol. From the city center, head towards the River Liffey and follow the cycle lanes out towards the west. Continue along the river until you reach the junction with Inchicore Road. Turn right onto Inchicore Road, and Kilmainham Gaol will be a short ride ahead on your left. The cycling distance is about 3 km and should take around 15-20 minutes.
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