Q1. How can I purchase tickets to visit Kilmainham?
The only location for purchasing tickets is at the reception. You can however send a reservation request via email to the link provided at our ‘tickets section’.
Q2. How far in advance should I reserve my tickets?
In order to avoid disappointment you should reserve your tickets as soon as possible.
Q3. How can I purchase tickets for others?
The same as above (Q.1)
Q4. I want to book dates that are not available. What do I do?
Unfortunately when a group has reached its capacity of 50 people then the only other option for any potential visitor is to reserve a ticket for the next tour that is available.
Q5. Can I use the Heritage Card or Dublin Pass to visit Kilmainham?
Yes.
Q6. Do you offer any discounts for tickets to Kilmainham?
Yes. A ticket priced at just €2.00 is available for students with a valid student ID and for children younger than 18 years of age.
If you are a senior citizen or over 60 years of age you can purchase a ticket at a cost of €4.00.
Q7. I am a travel agent/tour operator trying to book tickets for clients. How do I get started?
Bookings for large groups are not permitted over the internet. Please contact the main desk and one of the assistants will aid you in your booking request.
Q8. Can groups go on Night Tours?
No, currently night tours are not available.
Q9. What constitutes a group?
A party consisting of 15+ is considered to be a group and needs to be booked in advance.
Q10. What are the rules about chaperoning youths?
Anyone under the age of 18 needs to be accompanied by an adult.
Q11. Is it possible for an individual or a private tour guide to conduct their own guided tour of the Gaol?
No, the only possible way to view the gaol is with the assigned Kilmainham Gaol tour guide.
Q12. Can I print my eTickets?
No. You must collect your tickets at the reception desk.
Other Companies Selling Kilmainham Tickets
Q13. What should I know about people who are "scalping" Kilmainham Gaol tickets?
Tickets are not transferable. Any individual that is not a member of Kilmainham Gaols staff does not have permission to sell tickets to the site. An individual that purchases a ticket in this fashion is not guaranteed entry and the ticket can not be refunded.
Q14. Are there other companies that will take me around Kilmainham Gaol?
No
Q15. Several tour companies offer packaged tours that include Kilmainham Gaol tickets. Is this a legitimate way to get a ticket?
Yes, if you wish to visit the gaol through a third party like a tour operator please contact the third party directly for information.
Q16. What’s the best time of year to visit the Gaol?
Kilmainham Gaol is open 362 days of the year and any time you visit you can receive a totally different experience. However within the off-season between the months of October and January, the crowds are less and it is easier to turn up and get a place on the tour without any delay.
Q17. How much time should I allow for my visit?
A tour of the gaol will last for approximately an hour, but please be advised that there is an extensive museum space that is self guided and is well worth a visit either before or after your tour of the gaol. The average visit for both the tour and the museum is 2 hours.
Q18. What can I see and do at Kilmainham Gaol?
The guided tour and visit the museum.
Q19. How should I dress when visiting the Gaol?
Please be advised that the interior of the Gaol is very cold, especially during the winter months and you are recommended to dress in both warm and comfortable attire.
Q20. How do I get to Kilmainham Gaol via public transport?
Dublin Bus routes No. 69 and 79 from Aston Quay Dublin 2 and No 13 & 40 from O'Connell St. Dublin 1 or College Green Dublin 2 stop at Kilmainham Gaol. The Luas Red line also has a stop, Suir Road, within walking distance of Kilmainham Gaol.
Q21. Where can I park?
There are Dublin City Council Pay-and-Display parking spaces available on the roadside immediately outside Kilmainham Gaol. Alternatively you can park your vehicle in the adjacent underground car park operated by the Hilton Hotel. There are also 3 designated coach-parking bays outside the Gaols entrance.
Q22. How are the morning and afternoon Tours differ?
There are no differences between either the morning or the afternoon tours.
Q23. Can I bring luggage/coolers/oversized backpacks or packages to Kilmainham Gaol?
No, for security reasons none of the above items are permitted in Kilmainham Gaol.
Kilmainham Gaol Legends & Lore
Q24. How long did the penitentiary at Kilmainham Gaol operate?
124 years – From 1796 to 1910 and from 1914 to 1924
Q25. How many cells were there?
There were approximately over 170 cells within the building.
Q26. What was the average convict's stay?
The average length of stay for any one prisoner in Kilmainham was around 2 months.
Q27. Did anyone ever escape from Kilmainham Gaol?
There have been numerous escapes from Kilmainham, many of which were aided by prison staff.
Q28. How long was DeValera imprisoned?
DeValera was imprisoned in Kilmainham on two separate occasions comprising over a period of a few months.
Q29. Was Michael Collins ever imprisoned at Kilmainham Gaol?
No
Q30.Is Kilmainham Gaol haunted?
It has been said that the gaol is haunted with both visitors and members of staff having seen or felt a presence within the gaol.
Q31. If I am unhappy with the tour, can I ask for a refund?
If an incident occurs while on tour and you feel unhappy with your visit, please inform a member of staff and assistance will be offered.