Frequently Asked Questions
Please see below for answers to questions and queries frequently asked by visitors to Kilmainham Gaol.
How do I visit Kilmainham Gaol and should I book in advance?
Access to Kilmainham Gaol is by guided tour only. Pre-booking on-line is the only way to guarantee entry on the day and at the time of your choice. Please check the website for availability. Additional/cancellation tickets for the day are released on-line between 9:15am – 9:30am. Visitors with special needs or special requirements should contact us directly to arrange their visit. Please e-mail kilmainhamgaol@opw.ie
How far in advance can I book tickets?
Tickets can be purchased online 28 days in advance. Tickets are released at midnight (Irish time).
How do I make a group booking?
All groups with 10 or more people must be booked in advance by contacting kilmainhamgaol@opw.ie Please note that group bookings are allocated on a first come first served basis. Due to the high demand for group bookings it is not possible to facilitate all requests.
What should I do if I cannot print my tickets?
We can print tickets at the reception desk upon arrival. All we need is the booking reference number or the name or email address used to make the booking.
Can I transfer my ticket to another day/time or receive a refund?
Tickets are non-transferable and non-refundable. However, if you book a tour for an incorrect day/time, please inform us by e-mail within one hour of making the booking and we can refund your credit/debit card. Please see terms and conditions.
How long is the guided tour?
The guided tour of Kilmainham Gaol takes 1 hour. Visitors should allow an additional 30-45 minutes to explore the museum after the tour. Visitors with tickets for the final two tours of the day are welcome to visit the museum before the start of their guided tour.
I have a Heritage Card. Do I still need to buy a ticket on-line?
Please book a complimentary ticket on-line under the appropriate Heritage Card User link. You will need a Heritage Card to validate the ticket. Heritage Cards can be purchased on the day of your visit at Kilmainham Gaol Museum or at any other OPW site.
Is Kilmainham Gaol wheelchair accessible?
Yes. We can organise a ground floor tour for wheelchair users or visitors with mobility issues. Visitors should contact us in advance. kilmainhamgaol@opw.ie
Do you accept international student cards?
We accept all valid student cards. You must produce your card on arrival to validate your ticket. Please note visitors under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Is Kilmainham Gaol suitable for young children?
Due to the nature and duration of the guided tour, Kilmainham Goal is not recommended for children under the age of 6. Visitors should also note that children’s buggies/strollers are not permitted on the tour.
Are the guided tours in other languages?
Guided tours are currently offered in English and Irish. An information leaflet is available online in English, Gaeilge, Español, Italiano, Deutsche, and Français. http://kilmainhamgaolmuseum.ie/plan-a-visit/
Are there parking facilities at Kilmainham Gaol?
Kilmainham Gaol has no car parking facilities. Parking is available at the nearby Irish Museum of Modern Art/Royal Hospital Kilmainham – access via East Gate, Military Road. The car park is a 5 minute walk to the Gaol via West Avenue and Richmond Gate.
Is there a secure area to leave personal belongings?
Kilmainham Gaol currently has no secure lockers for luggage. However, there is a designated space in the entrance hall where visitors are welcome to leave large personal belongings. The area is covered by CCTV camera but Kilmainham Gaol accepts no responsibility for any lost or stolen items.