Kilmainham Gaol Tours and Tickets

Besides tours of Kilmainham Gaol in Dublin, there are several other ways to hear the history behind this famous landmark. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best options available right now:

• Big Bus Dublin Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour With Live Guide

• E-Bike and Bike Tour With a Local Guide in Dublin

• Éamonn's Top Rated Dublin City & Bay private tour, family-friendly

• The History of Dublin With Locals: 1916 Easter Rising Private Tour

• Guinness Storehouse Ticket and Big Bus Dublin Hop-On Hop-Off Tour

Tickets for tours of Kilmainham Gaol cost €8 for adults, €6 for seniors, €4 for students, and children aged 12 and under enter for free. If you miss out on a ticket to this popular place, consider a classic Dublin sightseeing tour instead, which may still touch on the gaol’s history as part of its itinerary. Sightseeing tours start from US$40.

Yes, Kilmainham Gaol is worth visiting for a cracking overview of modern Irish history in one place. While the former prison itself is a desolate place, the guides bring its dark history to life through a combination of adept storytelling and a grasp of the finer historical detail.

Per one customer who booked the Gravedigger 2-Hour Ghost Bus Tour From Dublin, "The Gravedigger Ghost Tour was one of the highlights of our short vacation in Dublin! Our two tour guides dressed as ghosts did an amazing job telling us about Dublin's past and showing us some of the scariest locations in the city, including Kilmainham Gaol."

Yes, it is recommended to book advance tickets. The jail is only accessible by guided Kilmainham Gaol tours, and they are limited to a maximum number of people. The prison is a popular site that sells out, though some tickets may be available at the last minute.

Guided tours of Kilmainham Gaol in Dublin last about one hour. It is recommended for visitors to arrive at least 15 minutes before their scheduled tour time (pre-booking tickets is advisable). Most people spend about 90 minutes to two hours at the jail, including a visit to the on-site museum.

Yes, Kilmainham Gaol is worth visiting. This Dublin site is one of the city’s top historical landmarks, and the guided tour provides an excellent overview of moments in Irish history, such as the 1916 Easter Rising. The jail is not recommended for children under 6, and strollers are not allowed.

Yes, Kilmainham Gaol is partly wheelchair accessible, but visitors should contact the jail in advance. A ground-floor tour can be arranged for wheelchair users or anyone with mobility issues. Some parts of this historic jail, with narrow hallways and steps, are not accessible to wheelchair users.

No, there are no designated parking facilities for Kilmainham Gaol. Parking is nearby at another landmark, the Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA). The museum's car park is approximately a 5-minute walk from the jail. It is possible to use public transportation to reach this site.

No, Kilmainham Gaol is not suitable for young children. It is not recommended for children under 6, and no strollers are allowed on the tours. The jail can also be cold during winter, which may not be suitable for families with young children.

When you're done visiting Kilmainham Gaol, Dublin has many other visitor attractions and history-steeped sites to check out. Per other travelers, here are some of the top options in Dublin: 

• Trinity College

• Guinness Storehouse

• Dublin Castle

• The Book of Kells

• Temple Bar    

View Viator's guide to all the best attractions in Dublin.