Cork City Gaol Museum, County Cork

One visit to the historic Cork gaol and you’ll be glad you weren’t a lawbreaker in Victorian times. This historic prison building really puts you in the picture of the life of prisoners from 1824-1923, when the gaol closed due to high infection of vermin and the growing social awareness of prison conditions.

In 1993 the three floors of the west wing were opened for visitors to experience the conditions of the lawbreakers incarcerated here.






An interesting AV tour is provided. Models of real people are placed in the cells and sound is used, lending to the atmosphere of a functioning building. The reasons for the high incidences of crime are documented--the social conditions of the times playing a big part—in an AV presentation. On the tour visitors also see the governor’s office.

The "Radio Museum Experience", located in the original broadcasting studios of the former governor’s house, has equipment from the restored 6CK Radio Studio.


Visitor Information

Cork Gaol
Convent Avenue
Sundays Well
Cork city, County Cork
25 minute walk from Main Street; limited parking at the premises; best approached by car from the north-west of the city.
Tel. 021 4305022
Open: daily, March-Oct from 9.30am-6pm, rest of year from 10am-4pm.
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