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Kilmainham Gaol

• Family friendly
• Pre-booking essential

Dublin's Kilmainham Gaol held some of the most famous political and military leaders in Irish history such as Robert Emmet, Charles Stewart Parnell, the 1916 Rising leaders and Eamon de Valera.

If for no other reason, Kilmainham Gaol in Dublin would be remarkable for being the biggest unoccupied gaol in these islands. As such, it gives the visitor a dramatic and realistic insight into what is was like to have been confined in one of these forbidding bastions of punishment and correction between 1796 when it opened and 1924 when it closed. It offers a panoramic insight into some of the most profound, disturbing and inspirational themes of modern Irish history. Leaders of the rebellions of 1798, 1803, 1848, 1867 and 1916 were detained and sometimes executed here. The Gaol also played a role during the harsh Famine times.

The visit includes a 1 hour guided tour and exhibition. It is a very busy site. Pre booking online is essential. You don't need to print out tickets, just retain your order number.

Only the ground floor is wheelchair accessible and a ground floor tour can be organised if needed; please email (don't book online in this case).

Buggies are not permitted on the tour and it is not really appropriate for younger children under 6 years.

Information leaflets are available online in English, Gaeilge, Español, Italiano, Deutsche, and Français.

Please see the website for information on temporary exhibitions.

Paid parking is available at the nearby IMMA for a small fee.

If you are unable to do a tour, you are free to visit the museum section and to enjoy the café on site.

The Kilmainham Gaol Tour: One Of The Best Tours In Dublin (All You Need To Know)

By Author James March

Posted on Last updated: December 31, 2023

A visit to Kilmainham Gaol (Jail) is arguably one of the best things to do in Dublin .

Built back in 1796 and initially known as the ‘new gaol’ in order to differentiate it from the dungeon it was replacing, the Kilmainham Gaol Museum is a fascinating place to explore.

Over the course of its life as a working prison, it housed many a notable name while also playing witness to the executions of several leaders of the 1916 Rising.

Below, you’ll get the lowdown on the Kilmainham Gaol tour, where to grab parking, how to get there via public transport and more handy info.

Table of Contents

Some quick need-to-knows about Kilmainham Gaol 

Although a visit to the Kilmainham Gaol Museum is fairly straightforward, there are a few need-to-knows that’ll make your visit that bit more enjoyable.

1. Location

As you might have guessed by its name, Kilmainham Gaol is located in Kilmainham… It’s a 15-minute walk from the Irish Museum of Modern Art and a 25-minute walk from both the Phoenix Park and the Guinness Storehouse .

2. Opening hours

The Kilmainham Gaol opening hours differ slightly, depending on what time of year you visit (though the time differences are so small that they shouldn’t affect your itinerary too much).

• September to June: 9:30 – 17:15
• July & August: 9:30 – 17:30 

3. Admission

Not only is Kilmainham Gaol one of the best museums in Dublin – it’s one of the most fairly priced, too (especially as the tour is guided). Kilmainham Gaol tickets will set you back:

• Adult: €8
• Senior 60+): €6
• Student: €4
• Child (12-17): €4
• Family (Two adults & 2-3 children 12-17): €20

Though there are no car parking facilities at Kilmainham Gaol, parking is available at the nearby Irish Museum of Modern Art/Royal Hospital Kilmainham. Access is via East Gate on Military Road. The car park is just a 5-minute walk to the Gaol.

5. Getting there by public transport

There are four Dublin buses that drop you close to the Kilmainham Gaol museum so consider jumping on any of these:

• No. 69, 79 from Aston Quay, Dublin 2
• No. 13 & 40 from O’Connell Street , Dublin 1, or College Green Dublin 2
• If you’d prefer to go by the Luas Tram, then take the red line. Your nearest stop will be Suir Road

Kilmainham Gaol history

Photos via Shutterstock

Dublin’s infamous prison was built back in 1796 and was initially known as the ‘new gaol’ in order to differentiate it from the dungeon it was replacing.

Despite the new premises, conditions inside Kilmainham weren’t a whole lot better. With no segregation of prisoners, men, women and children were incarcerated together, with up to 5 in each cell and only a single candle for light and heat.

The poor conditions meant that most of the prisoners’ time was spent in the cold and dark, while each candle had to last for up to two weeks.

Things would eventually get a little warmer for certain adult prisoners who would be transported to Australia as convicts.

Irish Nationalism and 1916

From the beginning, the prison had powerful ties to Irish Nationalism and actually housed its first political prisoner in the same year that it opened!

Seven years later, the leader of the 1803 Irish rebellion, Robert Emmet, was incarcerated at Kilmainham before being hanged for high treason.

But Kilmainham is probably most famous for its role in the imprisonment and executions of the leaders of the 1916 Easter Rising . Of the 90 people sentenced to death, fifteen were executed at Kilmainham, including Proclamation of the Republic signatories Patrick Pearse, Thomas Clarke and James Connolly.

Restoration and life as a museum

Following the end of the Irish Civil War, the prison closed due to it being seen as the symbol of oppression and a difficult past.

While interest in re-opening the prison as a museum to Irish Nationalism was strong, over 40 years passed before Kilmainham was able to be restored, and it finally opened to the public in April 1966.

These days, Kilmainham Gaol is one of the biggest unoccupied prisons in Europe and it’s one of the most evocative symbols of Dublin and Ireland’s turbulent history.

Things you’ll discover on the Kilmainham Gaol tour

One of the reasons the Kilmainham Gaol tour is one of the most popular places to visit in Dublin is due to the sheer number of things there is to see and do.

Below, you’ll find info on the various corners of the building you’ll explore and the stories you’ll hear on the Kilmainham Gaol tour.

1. The building

Taking 10 years to build, construction began on the new gaol in 1786 and would cost the Grand Jury of the County of Dublin £22,000 by the time it was finished (a hefty sum of money in those days!).

The gaolers lived in the central front block, while the two wings contained cells for the prisoners. The interior buildings and yards are surrounded by a thick wall which measures between 30′ and 50′ depending on its location, while the main entrance was the formidable doorway (with the five snakes above it).

Just outside this entrance was where public hangings took place until the late nineteenth century and remains of the fixtures for the gallows can still be seen.

2. Prison life

Photo by matthi (Shutterstock)

As we touched on earlier, conditions at the prison were pretty squalid despite being billed as a higher quality replacement for the old gaol (not to mention the cost!).

The same problems that dogged the old gaol raised their ugly head again at Kilmainham, mainly thanks to the overcrowding, which led to disease and poor hygiene.

The famine years were particularly bad, and food rations during this period were particularly low. Yet amazingly, people were committing crimes to be allowed entry into the prison due to the small amount of regular food available.

Prisoners also worked within the Gaol. A sentence of hard labour for a man consisted of manually breaking stones in the Stonebreakers’ Yard, and for women meant working in the laundry.

3. The transportation of convicts

Ironically, the main reason the gaol suffered from overcrowding was due to people waiting to leave. From the time it opened until the early 1850s, Kilmainham Gaol was used as a depot for convicts from the northeast of Ireland who had been sentenced to transportation to Australia.

Here they would wait before being transferred to a port in either Dublin or Cork, where they would board great convict ships bound for Australian penal colonies.

Over 4,000 prisoners were processed through Kilmainham during this period, and most of them were either petty criminals or political prisoners.

4. The turbulent 1910 – 1924 period

The 14 years between 1910 and 1924 represented what Kilmainham would eventually become most famous for. From the height of overcrowding in the mid-19th century, the last two decades of the century actually saw a decline in the prison population, and Kilmainham was closed as a money-saving exercise by the government.

In 1910, those in Kilmainham were transferred to Mountjoy Prison, and a year later, Kilmainham Gaol was handed over to the military (the British Army) for their use from then on.

From the outbreak of World War I in 1914, they used it as living quarters for new recruits and as a military detention centre for soldiers.

5. The executions

Taking advantage of Great Britain’s resources being ploughed into the war, the Easter Rising of 1916 took place when the enemy was at its most distracted.

After six days of fighting, the Irish rebels eventually surrendered, and many were incarcerated in Kilmainham.

Between the 3rd and 12th of May 1916, fourteen men were executed by firing squad in the Stonebreakers’ Yard of Kilmainham Gaol.

Seven of them had been the signatories of the Proclamation and their names are all still significant today. They were Thomas Clarke, Seán Mac Diarmada, Thomas MacDonagh, Patrick Pearse, Éamonn Ceannt, James Connolly, and Joseph Plunkett.

Things to do near the Kilmainham Gaol Museum

One of the beauties of the Kilmainham Gaol tour is that, when you finish up, you’re a short walk from some of the best places to visit in Dublin .

Below, you’ll find a handful of things to see and do a stone’s throw from the Kilmainham Gaol Museum (plus places to eat and where to grab a post-adventure pint!).

1. Irish National War Memorial Gardens (12-minute walk)

Photo by Patrycja St (Shutterstock)

To learn about some more people (many more, in fact) who gave up their lives in the name of freedom and their country, make the short 12-minute walk over to the Irish National War Memorial Gardens. Designed by Sir Edwin Luytens, it’s a peaceful handsome spot featuring a domed temple and sunken gardens.

2. Irish Museum of Modern Art (15-minute walk)

Located in a renovated 17th-century hospital just 15 minutes from the Kilmainham Gaol tour, the Irish Museum of Modern Art is home to the National Collection of Modern and contemporary art, with over 3,500 artworks by Irish and International artists. The mix of vivid modern art within the historic walls of the old hospital is a clash of the senses and makes for a really interesting visit.

3. Phoenix Park (23-minute walk)

If you want some fresh air after the tour or if your head needs a little clearing, there’s no better place to do that than Phoenix Park . One of the largest city parks in Europe, it’s a pleasant 23-minute walk away just across the Liffey and there are a bunch of interesting sights inside, such as the Wellington Monument and Dublin Zoo .

4. Guinness Storehouse (22-minute walk)

Courtesy Diageo Ireland Brand Homes via Ireland’s Content Pool

If you’d like to raise a glass to Pearse and Connolly at Ireland’s most iconic brewery, then make the 22-minute walk east over to the Guinness Storehouse . While learning about the history, the brewing process and the legendary adverts is great. It’s the rooftop bar that really makes the Storehouse a cracking visit.

FAQs about Kilmainham Gaol in Dublin

We’ve had a lot of questions over the years asking about everything from ‘Why is Kilmainham Gaol famous?’ (for its historical significance) to ‘Is the Kilmainham Jail tour worth doing?’ (it is!).

In the section below, we’ve popped in the most FAQs that we’ve received. If you have a question that we haven’t tackled, ask away in the comments section below.

How long is the Kilmainham jail tour?

You’ll want to allow around 1.5 hours to get through the entire Kilmainham Gaol museum tour. This includes checking in time.

How much does it cost to visit Kilmainham Gaol?

Kilmainham Gaol tickets are €8 for adults, € for seniors (60+), €4 for students and kids aged 12 to 17. There’s also a family ticket for €20.

Is the Kilmainham Gaol Museum really worth going to?

Yes – the Kilmainham Gaol tour is absolutely fantastic and it’ll grip you from start to end. Expect many tales, legends and Kilmainham Gaol facts.

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Monday 6th of May 2019

OMG YES!! I can't stress enough how absolutely AMAZING this tour was, perhaps even the best of my entire trip which included other wonderful places in Ireland, as well as Scotland and France. It was a sort of last minute decision and I was the only one in my group who knew any of the history surrounding the Kilmanhaim Gaol but every single person in my group LOVED the tour and learned so much from the extremely knowledgeable tour guides. At the end there is a small museum, don't miss the letter from a 17 yr old young man to his mother before he is executed. It haunts me to this day and I have such enormous respect and admiration for every brave soul that fought tirelessly for their beloved free Ireland.

Tuesday 7th of May 2019

Glad you enjoyed it Karen. It's been a couple of years since I last did it. Thinking about visiting the weekend after next! Great spot!

Heritage Ireland

Kilmainham Gaol Museum

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Please note that no third-party organisations are authorised to sell tickets to Kilmainham Gaol. Tickets bought from other sites, including ticketing resale platforms, will not be valid and such ticket-holders will be refused entry. Furthermore, we are aware that there are fraudulent websites purporting to www.kilmainhamgaolmuseum.ie . These websites and domain names look similar, but have no connection whatsoever to the Office of Public Works or Kilmainham Gaol. We urge extra vigilance, as any tickets purchased from fraudulent sites cannot be honoured.

The only legitimate website to purchase tickets from for this site is www.kilmainhamgaolmuseum.ie.

ADULT: €8 SENIOR (60+): €6 CHILD (12-17): €4 CHILD (under 12): FREE but require a ticket STUDENT (valid student ID required): €4 FAMILY (Two adults & 2/3 children 12-17): €20

Pre-booking tickets online is essential.Please note that no third-party organisations have authorisation to sell tickets to Kilmainham Gaol. Tickets bought from other sites- including ticketing resale platforms -will not be valid and such ticket-holders will be refused entry.           

For wheelchair users or visitors who require special assistance please email [email protected] in advance of booking. Group bookings (10 tickets+) please email [email protected]

Getting here

Inchicore Road, Kilmainham, Dublin 8 D08 T2X5

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Kilmainham Gaol is one of the largest unoccupied gaols in Europe. It opened in 1796 as the new county gaol for Dublin and finally shut its doors as such in 1924. During that period it witnessed some of the most heroic and tragic events in Ireland’s emergence as a modern nation.

Among those detained – and in some cases executed – here were leaders of the rebellions of 1798, 1803, 1848, 1867 and 1916, as well as members of the Irish republican movement during the War of Independence and Civil War.

Names like Henry Joy McCracken, Robert Emmet, Anne Devlin and Charles Stewart Parnell will always be associated with the building. Not to be forgotten, however, are the thousands of men, women and children that Kilmainham held in its capacity as county gaol.

Kilmainham Gaol is now a major museum. The tour of the prison includes an audio-visual presentation.

Opening Times

Open All year .

Closed 24, 25,26 and 27 December

Daily access by guided tour only. Pre-booking is essential. Please allow 90 minutes for your visit. As part of the tour is outdoors, visitors should dress appropriately for the weather.

Please note that this is a very busy site all year round and visitors may experience delays at certain times. During winter months the interior of the Gaol is very cold — please dress appropriately.

01 453 5984

[email protected]

By Car – Public car park close to site.

By Bus – Take the X8 to Cashel and walk 500m from the centre of Cashel town off the Dublin Road.

By Train – The nearest train station is Thurles.

Click the relevant icon below to open Maps directions

Getting Here

3.5km from centre of Dublin.

Open location in Google Maps

Facilities Restrictions

• Baby Changing
• Bicycle Parking
• Card Accepted
• Guided tours

Restrictions

• Access by Guided Tour Only
• Assistance dogs only
• Hold hand rail
• Uneven walkways

Social Guide

Download, print and read our social guide (PDF) about visiting Kilmainham Gaol. This will help first-time visitors, families and people with developmental and learning disabilities to prepare for a visit to Kilmainham Gaol.

Download the Social Guide (Covid-19)

Nearby sites to visit

Irish national war memorial gardens.

Relax and reflect in this beautiful garden monument

Approx. 0.5 km from Kilmainham Gaol Museum

Royal Hospital Kilmainham

One of Dublin's most iconic buildings and Ireland’s foremost example of fine 17th century architecture

Approx. 0.7 km from Kilmainham Gaol Museum

Phoenix Park – People’s Flower Gardens

Enjoy Victorian floriculture at its best

Approx. 1.1 km from Kilmainham Gaol Museum

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Ionad Cultúrtha an Phiarsaigh Conamara- Pearse’s Cottage and Visitor Centre

A cottage steeped in revolutionary history and Gaelic culture

Pearse Museum – St. Enda’s Park

An enthralling chapter in the story of 1916

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Kilmainham Gaol

For a hauntingly vivid look back through key events in Ireland’s history, a trip to Kilmainham Gaol is a must. Kilmainham Gaol has played an important part in Irish history, as many leaders of Irish rebellions were imprisoned and some executed in the jail. It is now an award-winning museum, and one of Dublin's most popular attractions.

History of Kilmainham Gaol

When it was first built in 1796, Kilmainham Gaol was called the 'New Gaol' to distinguish it from the old jail it was intended to replace - a building not too different to a dungeon, just a few hundred metres from the present site. Over the 140 years it served as a prison, its cells held many of the most famous people involved in the campaign for Irish independence. The leaders of the 1916 Easter Rising were held and executed here, and the last prisoner held in the jail was Eamon de Valera.

Kilmainham Gaol was abandoned as a jail in 1924, it now houses a museum on the history of Irish nationalism and offers guided tours of the building.

Who was imprisioned at Kilmainham Gaol?

The history of modern Ireland is soaked into the walls of Kilmainham. Political prisoners were kept here (and sometimes executed) from the rebellion of 1798 to the Irish Civil War of 1922-23. Beside them were thousands of ordinary people from all over Ireland, jailed for all sorts of crimes and waiting to be transported to Australia. Children were sometimes arrested for petty theft, the youngest said to be a seven year-old boy.

Kilmainham Gaol Tours

The guided tours at Kilmainham Gaol offer an insight into some of the most defining and inspirational events of modern Irish history. Leaders of the rebellions of 1798, 1803, 1848, 1867 and 1916 were detained and sometimes executed here. The Gaol also played a role during the harsh Famine times.

Guided tours last approximately 1-hour, and this includes the exhibition.

Exhibitions and Displays

Now this powerful and absorbing place is one of the most popular sights in Dublin – so popular that you should book your tour in advance. On the top floor you’ll find exhibitions linked to the world’s political prisoners; recent examples include a display on Nelson Mandela, and another about the struggles of the suffragette movement.

Step out into the fresh air again, overlooking Phoenix Park and Dublin, and take a deep breath. Nearby, you’ll find the Royal Hospital, home to the Irish Museum of Modern Art, or you can remember the spirits of the past while enjoying coffee in the more contemporary surrounds of the Lime Tree Café or Storyboard in Islandbridge.

Kilmainham Gaol Tickets

Tickets are limited and during busier times it can be hard for guests to gain access on selected dates. For that reason, pre-booking online from Kilmainham Gaol is highly recommened.

Kilmainham Gaol in the Movies

The prison is a popular location for many films. Movies filmed at Kilmainham Gaol include The Quare Fellow (1962), The Italian Job (1969), and The Last Remake of Beau Geste (1977) In the Name of the Father (1993), Michael Collins (1996), The Escapist (2008), and the Rebellion drama by RTÉ was shot within the prison too. It is also the scene for this haunting rendition of Grace by Dubliners Róisín O, Aoife Scott, Danny O'Reilly

Getting to Kilmainham Gaol

Kilmainham Gaol Museum is located 3.5km from Dublin City. Other attractions close to Kilmainham Gaol include Dublin Zoo and Guinness Storehouse .

By Hop-On Hop-Off Tour

The DoDublin Hop-On Hop-Off Tour  no longer stops outside Kilmainham Gaol but it is a short walk away from the stop at the Irish Museum of Morern Art (IMMA)

Dublin Bus Routes 69 & 79 from Aston Quay, or Routes 13 & 40 from O’Connell St or Dame St. Visit the Dublin Bus website to plan your trip.

Kilmainham Gaol is on the outskirts of the city, and is 3km from Temple Bar. If you choose to walk, it's a great chance to see some lovely parts of Dublin, and some iconic buildings. If you walk along the Liffey, check out the Four Courts, Heuston Station, and Collins Barracks' Buildings. Take a stroll through Royal Hospital Kilmainham you'll be rewarded with some of the city's most beautiful gardens on the way. Exiting on the Kilmainham side of the Gardens will bring you to Kilmainham Gaol.

There is a Dublin Bike  station right outside the museum. If you are cycling in the area, it's a good opportunity to explore the vast Phoenix Park nearby!

Suir Road on the Luas Red Line is the closest Luas stop - this is 750 metres away.

Kilmainham Gaol Museum: A Visitor’s Guide to Dublin’s Historic Prison

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 Kilmainham Gaol Museum: A Visitor’s Guide to Dublin’s Historic Prison

Kilmainham Gaol Museum stands as a powerful testament to Ireland’s turbulent history and the fight for independence. This former prison, located in Dublin, has witnessed the incarceration of many notable figures who played pivotal roles in shaping Ireland’s destiny. 

Today, it stands as a museum, offering visitors a poignant and immersive experience. In this guide, we will delve into the history of Kilmainham Gaol, highlight its key features and provide practical information to help you make the most of your visit.

A Brief History of Kilmainham Gaol:

Kilmainham Gaol has a rich and poignant history that spans over two centuries. It was first built in 1796 and served as a county jail until its closure in 1924. The prison played a central role in Ireland’s struggle for independence, housing many political prisoners during pivotal moments in Irish history, including the 1916 Easter Rising. Today the museum preserves the memory of these events and offers visitors a glimpse into the past.

Exploring the Museum:

As you step inside Kilmainham Gaol Museum, prepare to be transported back in time. The museum provides guided tours that lead visitors through the prison’s halls, cells and exercise yards. Knowledgeable guides share captivating stories and provide insights into the prison’s historical significance. The preserved interior of the gaol offers a stark reminder of the harsh conditions endured by its prisoners.

Key Highlights:

During your visit, be sure to explore the following key highlights of Kilmainham Gaol Museum:

a. Stone Breaker’s Yard: This somber area served as the site of many executions, including those of the leaders of the 1916 Easter Rising. It stands as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by those who fought for Irish independence.

b. East Wing: The East Wing houses the restored cells where you can witness the cramped and bleak conditions in which prisoners were held. The walls bear witness to the stories of those who were imprisoned within them.

c. Chapel: The prison’s chapel is a testament to the resilience and faith of the inmates. Its austere beauty and the stories of religious persecution create a poignant atmosphere.

d. Exhibition Areas: The museum features informative exhibits that provide a comprehensive overview of the prison’s history, the political climate of the time and the stories of the men, women and children who were confined within its walls.

Planning Your Visit:

To ensure a smooth and enriching experience at Kilmainham Gaol Museum, consider the following tips:

a. Booking: Due to its popularity, it is advisable to book your tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons. This will help you secure your preferred tour time and avoid long queues.

b. Guided Tours: The museum offers guided tours only and they are included in the ticket price. The knowledgeable guides enhance the experience by providing context, answering questions and bringing the prison’s history to life.

c. Duration: The guided tour usually lasts approximately 60 minutes but allows extra time for browsing the exhibition areas and reflecting on your experience.

d. Accessibility: The museum is committed to providing accessibility for all visitors. It offers facilities for individuals with disabilities, including wheelchair access and accessible restrooms.

e. Photography: Photography is not permitted during the tour, as it can disrupt the experience and respect for the historical significance of the site. However, you can capture memories in designated areas outside the prison.

Reflecting on the Experience:

After your visit, take a moment to reflect on the significance of Kilmainham Gaol and its place in Irish history.

Getting to Kilmainham Gaol Museum:

Located in Dublin’s western part, Kilmainham Gaol Museum is easily accessible by various means of transportation. Here are a few options to consider:

Public Transport: 

Dublin Bus operates several routes that pass near Kilmainham Gaol, including bus numbers 13, 40 and 79. Check the Dublin Bus website or inquire at the nearest bus stop for the most convenient route based on your location.

Luas Tram:  

The red line of Dublin’s light rail system, known as the Luas, has a stop called ‘James’s’ which is within walking distance of Kilmainham Gaol. Simply disembark at James’s stop and follow the signs directing you to the museum.

Taxi or Ride-Sharing Services: 

Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are readily available throughout Dublin. Simply provide the driver with the address of Kilmainham Gaol Museum (Inchicore Road, Kilmainham, Dublin 8) and they will drop you off at the entrance.

Self-Driving:

 If you have access to a car, you can easily reach Kilmainham Gaol Museum by following the N4 or N7 roads towards the city center. The museum provides on-site parking, although availability may be limited during peak times.

Walking or Cycling:  

For those staying in central Dublin, walking or cycling to Kilmainham Gaol Museum is a viable option. It’s approximately a 30-minute walk from the city center and there are designated bike lanes in certain areas.

Note: It’s always advisable to check public transport schedules or use navigation apps to plan your journey in advance, as this will ensure you arrive at the museum on time and without any unnecessary stress.

Nearby Attractions:

While visiting Kilmainham Gaol Museum, consider exploring other attractions in the surrounding area. Some notable places of interest within proximity include:

a. Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA): 

Located adjacent to Kilmainham Gaol, IMMA houses a vast collection of modern and contemporary art in a stunning 17th-century building.

b. War Memorial Gardens:

 Situated along the banks of the River Liffey, these beautifully landscaped gardens commemorate the Irish soldiers who lost their lives during World War I.

c. Phoenix Park: 

As one of the largest enclosed parks in Europe, Phoenix Park offers picturesque landscapes, historical landmarks and the opportunity to see wild deer roaming freely.

d. Guinness Storehouse:  

Just a short distance away, the Guinness Storehouse allows visitors to discover the history and brewing process behind Ireland’s most famous stout.

Visitor Amenities:

Kilmainham Gaol Museum provides essential visitor amenities to enhance your experience, including:

a. Visitor Center: 

The museum has a visitor center where you can purchase tickets, obtain information and browse a selection of books and souvenirs related to Irish history.

b. Restrooms: 

Clean and accessible restrooms are available on-site for visitor convenience.

 Should you wish to grab a bite or enjoy a hot beverage, a café is located within the museum premises, offering refreshments to visitors.

d. Gift Shop: 

At the end of your visit, consider exploring the gift shop which offers a range of books, souvenirs and mementos related to Kilmainham Gaol and Irish history.

With this comprehensive visitor’s guide, you are well-equipped to embark on a memorable and insightful journey through Kilmainham Gaol Museum.

Exploring Kilmainham Village, Dublin: A Fascinating Private Walking Tour

Dublin’s oldest suburb, Kilmainham, holds a wealth of historical significance and intriguing stories waiting to be discovered. Offering a unique perspective on the city’s past, a private walking tour in Kilmainham Village allows visitors to immerse themselves in centuries of settlement, uncovering hidden gems and gaining insight into the area’s evolution. 

Led by an accredited tour guide and published historian, this 2.5-hour stroll unveils the rich tapestry of Kilmainham’s history, from its early Christian origins to its present-day status as a vibrant urban village.

An Expert Guide and Historical Context:

Embark on this private walking tour with Frank, a knowledgeable guide and accomplished historian holding a PhD in Irish history. With his expertise and passion, Frank brings the past to life, sharing captivating stories and providing valuable historical context throughout the tour. Prepare to be enthralled by his insights and deep understanding of Kilmainham’s development over the centuries.

Unveiling Centuries of Settlement:

As you traverse the streets and narrow lanes of Kilmainham and Inchicore, prepare to delve into centuries of settlement and uncover the layers of history embedded within this ancient suburb. Frank will guide you through the footsteps of early Christian monks, highlight Viking burial grounds and reveal the presence of an ancient order of crusader knights, among other fascinating points of interest. Each step paints a vivid picture of Kilmainham’s diverse past.

Notable Individuals and Contributions:

One of the highlights of the tour is learning about the individuals and groups who played pivotal roles in shaping Kilmainham’s long-term growth. Frank will regale you with stories of those who established important buildings and sites throughout the centuries, shedding light on their contributions and the impact they had on the community. Through their endeavors, Kilmainham transformed from a historical settlement into a vibrant Victorian railway village in the 1800s .

Victorian Railway Village to Trendy Urban Village:

Discover the transformation of Kilmainham from a bustling Victorian railway village to its present-day status as one of Dublin’s coolest urban neighborhoods. Frank will share the evolution of the area, highlighting its architectural heritage, Victorian-era charm and the unique blend of trendy boutiques, cafes and coffee shops that now grace its streets. Experience the vibrant atmosphere and immerse yourself in the contemporary allure of Kilmainham Village.

Practical Information:

To embark on this private walking tour, it is recommended to book in advance to secure your preferred date and time. The tour typically lasts 2.5 hours, offering ample time to explore Kilmainham’s historical sites and engage in meaningful discussions. Wear comfortable shoes and dress appropriately for the weather, as you will be walking through the streets and lanes of the village.

How to spend 24 hours in Dublin

Welcome to  MyLocalDublin , where we share the best things to see and do in Ireland’s vibrant capital city. If you only have 24 hours to spend in Dublin, we’ve got the perfect itinerary for you. Follow our guide to make the most of your time in the city as recommended by  Tourism Ireland .

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Kilmainham Gaol

Top choice in Dublin

If you have any desire to understand Irish history – especially the long-running resistance to British colonial rule – then a visit to this former prison is an absolute must.

Why you should go

An imposing grey building, built in 1796, it's played a role in virtually every act of Ireland's painful path to independence, and even today, it still has the power to chill. Sometimes referred to as "The Bastille of Ireland", Kilmainham Gaol was decommissioned in 1924 and is now a museum with an enthralling exhibit on the history of Irish nationalism. 

Browsing the museum will give you excellent context and access to some of the former prisoners' personal belongings and letters. The enthusiastic guides provide a thought-provoking tour of the eerie prison, the largest unoccupied building of its kind in Europe. The highly memorable tour takes about 90 minutes and finishes in the yard where the leaders of the failed 1916 Easter Rising were executed. 

Ireland’s struggle for independence was a bloody and tempestuous journey, and this forbidding prison on the western edge of the city, which opened in 1796, played a role in it for nearly 150 years, as the forced temporary home of many a rebel and revolutionary. 

The uprisings of 1798, 1803, 1848, 1867 and 1916 ended with the leaders' confinement in Kilmainham Gaol. Robert Emmet, Thomas Francis Meagher, Charles Stewart Parnell and the 1916 Easter Rising leaders were all visitors, but it was the executions in 1916 that most deeply etched the jail's name into the Irish consciousness. Of the 15 executions that took place between 3 May and 12 May after the revolt, 14 were conducted here. As a finale, prisoners from the Civil War were held here from 1922. The last prisoner, Éamon de Valera, was released in July 1924. He went on to serve as Taoiseach (Prime Minister) of Ireland on three separate occasions, and eventually became President.

But it’s not just political prisoners whose stories are shared here. Kilmainham Gaol offers a great, and at times uncomfortable, insight into the conditions in Ireland in the 18th, 19th and early 20th-centuries, and the lives and struggles of its people. Registers show just how easy it was to get on the wrong side of the law back then, particularly during the Great Famine (1845–49) when starvation forced people to steal and beg for food, or deliberately break the law in order to have a roof over their heads. Many of those who did leave the prison ended up being deported to the other side of the world, never to return home. Some 4000 convicts, many petty thieves, were held in Kilmainham Gaol before being shipped to the British colonies in Australia.

The Kilmainham Gaol Restoration Society was established in 1958 to restore the former prison, transforming it into the most important historical monuments in the country with the help of voluntary labor, free materials and donations - such was the desire to preserve the site. Ahead of the centenary of the 1916 Rising, the Office of Public Works invested €5 million in refurbishing the site.

Tickets and other practicalities

Entrance is by guided tour and is managed through timed tickets. Online booking is required. Book as far in advance as possible to get your preferred visiting time. If you're planning a trip on short notice, cancellation tickets for the day are released online between 9:15am and 9:30am. Group bookings (10 or more people) can be arranged by emailing  [email protected] . Wheelchair users, visitors with additional needs and carers are advised to email the museum in advance to arrange a visit.

Kilmainham Gaol is located 3.5km from Dublin city center; a number of bus routes have stops nearby and the nearest Luas stop (red line) is Suir Road. Entrance is via the Kilmainham Courthouse next door.

What's nearby?

While in this part of the city you can visit the fine collection at the  Irish Museum of Modern Art  (don’t forget to visit the gardens too), which is about a 15-minute walk from Kilmainham Gaol. If the weather is good, enjoy a stroll in War Memorial Gardens. Slightly further afield is the Phoenix Park.

For lunch, try Storyboard , LimeTree Cafe or the Kilmainham Gaol Cafe.

Inchicore Rd

Get In Touch

01-453 5984

https://​www​.kilmainhamgaolmuseum​.ie​/

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Even though it has been closed to prisoners for nearly 100 years, approaching the grey bulk of Kilmainham Gaol still sends a shiver down the spine.

It opened in 1796 as the County Gaol for Dublin,  but it was also used to hold political prisoners during Ireland’s struggle for independence. It closed in 1924, but by then had witnessed many key political events, and housed some icons of Irish history.

In fact, Kilmainham almost didn’t survive at all; the memories were just too painful. Luckily, some far-sighted historians argued its case and Kilmainham Gaol was saved. Now this powerful and absorbing place is one of the most popular sights in Dublin – so popular that you should book your tour in advance.

Kilmainham Gaol, Dublin city

The history of modern Ireland is soaked into the walls of Kilmainham. Political prisoners were kept here (and sometimes executed, too) from the rebellion of 1798 to the Irish Civil War of 1922-23. Beside them were thousands of ordinary people from all over Ireland, jailed for all sorts of crimes and waiting to be transported to Australia.

These poor souls were held in one of two wings. The older one, the West Wing, survives in its original state, and it still has the power to chill to the bone. This was home to political prisoners and the poorest criminals – often jailed for stealing food during the Famine – and life was hard.

Kilmainham was also a debtors’ prison, and stuffed full to bursting after the Great Famine. National Geographic

The East Wing is light-filled and airy by comparison – but by no means luxurious. Its metal walkways and clanging cell doors are a classic jail set-up where guards can watch inmates at all time. Perhaps it looks familiar? That’s because you’ll have seen it in many films – In the Name of the Father, Michael Collins, even Paddington 2.

You’d think that going outside would come as a relief, but the Stonebreakers’ Yard gave little respite. Here the male prisoners sentenced to hard labour would toil, breaking stones. Bleaker still, it was here that the leaders of the Easter Rising were executed in 1916.

The enthusiastic guides provide a thought-provoking tour of the eerie prison, the largest unoccupied building of its kind in Europe. Lonely Planet

For the prisoners’ spiritual refreshment there were two chapels, one Catholic and one Protestant, but even here tragedy lurks. It was in the Catholic chapel that Joseph Plunkett, a leader of the Easter Rising, married his fiancée Grace Gifford just hours before execution.

L-R: The East Wing; exterior of Kilmainham Gaol; outside the gaol with the gates of the Royal Hospital (Irish Museum of Modern Art) in the background; the courtyard of the gaol

Nowadays, the Gaol has a more hopeful air – and not just because you’re allowed to leave! On the top floor you’ll find exhibitions linked to the world’s political prisoners; recent examples include a display on Nelson Mandela, and another about the struggles of the suffragette movement.

Step out into the fresh air again, overlooking Phoenix Park  and Dublin, and take a deep breath. Nearby, you’ll find the Royal Hospital , home to the Irish Museum of Modern Art , or you can remember the spirits of the past while enjoying coffee in the more contemporary surrounds of the Loaf Café Kilmainham or Storyboard in Islandbridge.

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The 1916 Rising was the most dramatic event in the history of Ireland's struggle for independence. Authors and historians will walk you to the sites of the Rising explaining the events of the revolutionary period.

• Top Attractions

Tourist attractions

Kilmainham gaol.

Established in 1796, Kilmainham Gaol is a former prison in Dublin where numerous revolutionaries were locked up and executed.

Old Kilmainham Gaol, which opened in 1796, was the home of many of those involved in the Irish independence struggle for over 100 years. Today you can see the cells and communal areas that remained untouched by the countless executions.

Kilmainham Prison continues to hold a very special place in the memory of the Irish people because it was through the struggle of the brave patriots who were imprisoned and killed that Ireland gained its independence.

Life in Kilmainham Gaol

All types of prisoners were imprisoned at Kilmainham prison, including women, men and small children accused of robbery. The damp, cold and dark cells were only lit up and heated by a small candle.

When the Irish Potato Famine hit the country in 1845, thousands of people stole food to survive and this deteriorated the conditions in the jails since the cells were packed with people. Nevertheless, many preferred to stay in prison than being free and starve to death .

The Irish Free State closed the Gaol in 1924, previously releasing Éamon de Valera, who years later would become President of Ireland.

Guided tour

The guided tour of Kilmainham Gaol starts off at the prison’s chapel, where Joseph Plunkett married Grace Gifford shortly before being executed for participating in the Easter Rising.

Next, follow your guide to visit the cells, still gloomy and dank and continue to the patio where the prisoners were executed . Once the guided tour comes to an end, you can visit the museum that features various objects that once belonged to the prisoners.

Indispensable 

Kilmainham Gaol remains a historic building, a symbol of years of brutality and suffering . In our opinion, visiting the Gaol is an interesting way to explore Ireland’s history.

The entrance ticket includes a 1-hour guided tour.

Inchicore road 8

Every day from 9:30 am - 5 pm (depending on the month, the closing time may be slightly later).

Adults: € 8 ( US$ 8.60) Over 60s: € 6 ( US$ 6.40) Students and children 12 - 17: € 4 ( US$ 4.30) Children under 12: Free entry 

Buses :  Old Kilmainham , lines 78A and 206;  Emmet Rd. (Kilmainham Cross) , lines 51B, 51C, 78A and 206

Nearby places

Irish Museum of Modern Art (657 m) Guinness Storehouse (1.5 km) Decorative Arts & History Museum (1.8 km) Phoenix Park (2.1 km) Jameson Distillery Bow St (2.3 km)

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Guinness Storehouse

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Crumlin Road Gaol Experience, Events, Weddings & Venue Hire

Visitor Attraction Northern Ireland

CRUMLIN ROAD GAOL TOURS

SELF-GUIDED GAOL EXPERIENCE

Discover over 150 years of history and follow in the footsteps of over 25,000 prisoners as you make the journey through Northern Ireland’s only remaining Victorian Era prison. The interactive self-guided tour will allow you to explore the building’s colourful past and gain a unique and memorable insight into the daily lives and routines of both prisoners and prison officers over the Gaol’s existence, learning about the Gaol’s history including when women and children were imprisoned, the executions that were carried out, its more recent history and learn about why the decision was taken to close the prison.

“Self-Guided Crumlin Road Gaol Experience” is a unique self-guided tour, which includes video, audio, and holograms throughout the site.

As part of your visit, you will have the opportunity to explore different areas of the Gaol including:

• The Tunnel.
• Historic Holding Cells.
• Gaol Circle.
• Condemned Cell.
• Hangman’s Cell.
• Sanger / Matrons House.
• Wessex Helicopter

You will gain a unique and memorable insight into the daily lives and routines of both prisoners and staff.

View Experience Map

Opening / Closing Times 

First Admission: 10:00am

Last Admission: 4:00pm

AUDIO GUIDES AVAILABLE IN: FRENCH, GERMAN, MANDARIN & SPANISH

English also available, however is not essential for the self-guided tour.

Please note when using the audio guides, card details will be required on arrival.

SIGN LANGUAGE VIDEO GUIDES AVAILABLE IN: BSL

Sign Language guides are free of charge for anyone who needs them.

Please note when using the sign language guides, card details will be required on arrival.

INFORMATION AND TERMS

• Suitable warm clothing and flat shoes must be worn.
• The main entrance to the Gaol is via the Gate House on the Crumlin Road.
• Coaches & Cars may enter the site via the Summer Street entrance and follow the appropriate traffic management signs.
• Admission tickets can be purchased on the day but we advise pre-booking to avoid disappointment.
• We recommend that you arrive at least 10 to 15 minutes prior to the tour time, to enable tickets to be checked or to be purchased (non-groups).

*60-90 minute duration based on visitors exploring all areas of the Gaol, reading the information boards and watching the videos around the site.

For groups of 15 people or more, please email our group booking team at [email protected] or contact their office on 02890741500

Please note all tickets are non-transferable and non-refundable 

Watch CBS News

Inside the Bureau of Prisons, a federal agency plagued by understaffing, abuse, disrepair

By Cecilia Vega

June 16, 2024 / 7:00 PM EDT / CBS News

This is an updated version of a story first published on Jan. 28, 2024. The original video can be viewed  here . 

The United States federal prison system has 158,000 inmates in its custody and locks up some of the most dangerous and high-profile criminals in the world.

Serial killers and terrorists are among those inside its 122 prisons, which include supermax penitentiaries and minimum security camps. The cost to American taxpayers is more than $8 billion a year.

Tonight, we will take you inside the Federal Bureau of Prisons, an agency in crisis.

A series of government investigations has found the bureau's workforce is dangerously understaffed and, as we first reported in Janiary, inside its women's prisons, there is an alarming pattern of abuse.

Colette Peters is in charge of fixing the Bureau of Prisons. She's the sixth director in six years. 

This is Aliceville – a low-security women's prison in rural Alabama where more than 1,400 inmates are serving time. 

Colette Peters: People drive past prisons every day.

Cecilia Vega: Yeah, they're terrified of them.

Colette Peters: Or they don't think about them at all. Right, it's kind of like this forgotten zone. I don't want people to forget about this place. 

Colette Peters became director of the Bureau of Prisons in August 2022.

After a 20-year career in corrections, she's built a reputation as a reformer – before becoming director, she was credited with shaping Oregon's state prison system by prioritizing staff mental health support and advocating for the compassionate treatment of inmates.  

Colette Peters: I have this very early memory in kindergarten where an individual came in with a pocket knife and was marched to the principal's office. And I just remember in that moment saying, "I wanna help him."

Cecilia Vega: Many people in your custody are there because of horrific crimes. Why do they deserve compassion?

Colette Peters: Because 95% of them are gonna come back to our community someday, and I want them to be productive, tax-paying citizens who no longer commit crimes. 

But the Bureau of Prisons is so inadequately staffed it is struggling to fulfill its mission: rehabilitating inmates and keeping its prisons safe.

Government watchdogs have documented disrepair in all of its institutions – requiring more than $2 billion in fixes.

And employees rank the Bureau of Prisons the worst place to work in the federal government.

Cecilia Vega: It's very rare for the media to be allowed inside a federal prison. Why are we here?

Colette Peters: I truly believe in transparency. Are we perfect? No. Do we have issues we need to resolve? Absolutely. But I want people to see the good stuff.

We toured Aliceville with Director Peters… 

And saw where inmates live... learn new trades...and work... on this day, sewing sleeping bags for the military -- a coveted job because it pays $1.15 an hour.

This ceremony is for inmates graduating from a faith-based program preparing them for life on the outside by connecting them with community leaders and teaching them life skills — like anger management. 

But the reality is nearly half of federal inmates will end up back behind bars or arrested within three years of getting out. 

Cecilia Vega: A lot of those faces in there, who have so much promise and hope today, could end up right back in here.

Colette Peters: Yeah. You know, I think we have a lot of work to do to dial down that recidivism rate. We have to send fewer people to prison for shorter periods of time. And then when they're here do things like this.

Cecilia Vega: You also have a major staffing issue, and people can't get these classes that they need.

Colette Peters: Right. Staffing was a problem before the pandemic, and so tha– those recruitment efforts and those retention efforts have gotten hard.

Cecilia Vega: How many correctional officers do you need on staff to get you out of this staffing crisis?

Colette Peters: So we hope to have that real number for-- you and the public-- very soon.

Cecilia Vega: That seems like a critical number. How was that not on your desk when you s-- took this job on day one, and-- and still not there a year later?

Colette Peters: So the good news is this was a problem the bureau was trying to solve before I got here, and we're in the process of solving it.

Director Peters says she expects to have the number of officers needed by October – more than two years after taking office. 

But Shane Fausey, the recently retired president of the federal prison employees union, says he knows what that number is now – 

Shane Fausey: We're short about 8,000 positions nation-wide. 

Cecilia Vega: How bad is it?

Shane Fausey: It results in one of us losing our lives. And it's that bad. We can't continue with this course.

By the union's count, the Bureau of Prisons is down about 40% of the correctional officers it needs…

Shane Fausey: The less supervision you have, the more bad things happen. 

Shane Fausey: Misconduct increases.

Shane Fausey: Violence increases.

And because there are not enough officers, the bureau relies on other prison staff to step in. It's a controversial practice called augmentation.

Shane Fausey: Teachers, nurses-- doctors, food service people, the people that maintain facilities,

Cecilia Vega: They're doing what now?

Shane Fausey: They're in a housing unit, supervising offenders.

Cecilia Vega: Do they have training in that?

Shane Fausey: They do. But I can tell you I'm no better a plumber than they are a correctional officer. 

Shane Fausey: I can walk into a housing unit and tell you something's right or somethin's wrong. You develop that over years of experience. 

Cecilia Vega: Let's break this down. We are talking about HVAC repairmen and accountants who are now guarding inmates. That doesn't sound safe.

Colette Peters: So it is. So they have the exact same training as the correctional officers.

Colette Peters: Now what I will say is augmentation should only be l-- used in the short-term. We've used this now to solve a long-term retention and recruitment problem. And that isn't right.

On this point the union and management agree: prison staff – like teachers and doctors – need to be able to do their jobs so that inmates don't lose access to critical services and programs.

Shane Fausey: Their buzz phrase is, "Everybody's a correctional officer first." That sounds good on paper. But if you take the teacher out of the classroom, and nobody's teaching the offender the skills to go back out to society, we're just back to warehousing people.

While we walked the halls of Aliceville, classrooms were packed but several inmates told us that much of what we saw on our tour was staged.

Cecilia Vega: Am I getting a real look at what life is like in here today? 

Female Voice: Absolutely not.

Female Voice: Unh-uh (negative).

Female Voice: No definitely not.

Female Voice: The staff is very disrespectful here.

Female Voice: Even though we made mistakes-- when we're out here, we're not treated with respect.

Cecilia Vega: Do you feel safe here?

Female Voice: Sometimes.

Female Voice: I mean, prison is prison. You see what I'm sayin'?

Cecilia Vega: Tell me about staffing.

Female Voice: They're short staffed all the time.

Female Voice: There's times where you don't know if you're gonna be able to go outside because somebody didn't come to work.

Cecilia Vega: And if you were to speak up about some of these issues that you're telling me about, what would happen?

Female Voice: You'd go into the SHU.

Female Voice: You're goin' to jail.

Female Voice: You're goin' to the SHU.

The SHU, short for special housing unit, is the jail inside a prison – where inmates are segregated from the general population and seldom let outside of their cells… 

Cecilia Vega: Make you nervous to talk to me right now?

Female Voice: Little bit.

Cecilia Vega: The director is coming today. What does she need to know about Aliceville?

Female Voice: Fix it.

Female Voice: We need more education, more, like, opportunity to grow and rehabilitate. Cause we don't have that here.

Cecilia Vega: I've talked to a handful of inmates here today, and they say, "Look, you're gettin' a cleaned up version of what life is really like." 

Colette Peters: I've been doing this work for a long time-- so I can see when things have been swept under the rug, if you will. I'm not naïve. And when anybody comes to your house you clean it up.

Of all the issues plaguing the Bureau of Prisons- perhaps none is more disturbing than the rampant sexual abuse of female inmates by the male officers who are supposed to protect them. 

Women are housed in nearly a quarter of federal prisons.

And a 2022 Senate investigation found that bureau staff have sexually abused female prisoners in at least two-thirds of those facilities over the past decade.

Aliceville is no exception. Three officers have been convicted of sexual abuse since 2020; including one who pleaded guilty earlier this year.

Cecilia Vega: Those are just the cases that we know about. How does this keep happening?

Colette Peters: You can't predict human behavior. But what I can tell you is the things that we're putting in place to manage to that misconduct I think are the right things, and sending a clear message that this type of behavior is egregious, horrendous, and unexcusable.

But female inmates at a women's prison in Northern California accuse Director Peters and the Bureau of Prisons of failing to protect them

Its official name is Federal Correctional Institution, Dublin. But it's known by inmates and staff as "the rape club."

Seven Dublin officers, including the warden and the chaplain, have been convicted of sexually abusing nearly two dozen inmates from 2018-to-2021. 

And, this past August, eight inmates filed suit claiming "sexual abuse...continues to this day."

Tess Korth: These are mothers, they're daughters, they're sisters. 

Tess Korth worked as a correctional officer at Dublin for 25 years. She resigned in 2022 after she says she was retaliated against for whistleblowing. 

Tess Korth: They train us in the red flags to look for. And then when we report, "Hey, they're-- every red flag, this guy meets. You need to go deal with this," they don't do anything.

Cecilia Vega: What was the chaplain doing that made you suspicious?

Tess Korth: One time I came in on a weekend. He didn't know I was there. His office was dark. And he had an inmate in there with him. And I don't know what they were doing…

Cecilia Vega: That's a red flag.

Tess Korth: Oh, definitely.

Former Officer Korth says she reported the chaplain and other officers who she suspected of sexually abusing inmates to an Internal Affairs investigator but was ignored for years – until federal investigators stepped in. 

Cecilia Vega: What happened to the officers that you accused?

Tess Korth: Most of 'em-- have been or in the process of being convicted. And a lot of 'em are-- named in lawsuits right now.

Cecilia Vega: How's that make you feel?

Tess Korth: Good. 

The Bureau of Prisons has a backlog of nearly 8,000 open misconduct investigations – hundreds of which contain allegations of sexual abuse.

Director Peters hired more staff to tackle the backlog, but she says it will take two years to clear those cases. 

In response to the Dublin lawsuit, Bureau of Prisons' lawyers say inmates' claims have been investigated and that "no threat remains." 

Colette Peters: We've done a tremendous job in the last year rebuilding that culture and creating-- a institution that is more safe, where individuals feel comfortable coming forward and reporting claims

Cecilia Vega: You just used the phrase, "tremendous job" in Dublin. Eight inmates have filed a class action lawsuit, and they've got testimony from more than 40 current and former Dublin inmates who say that the abuse is ongoing.

Colette Peters: That means the-- the process is working, that they have the ability to come forward. They have the right to bring that class action lawsuit together.

Cecilia Vega: These Dublin inmates say that they are facing retaliation for speaking out.

Colette Peters: I have been very clear that retaliation will not be stood on my watch. And so when allegations of retaliation come forward, they are investigated, and we will hold those people accountable.

Cecilia Vega: It's one thing for you to say that retaliation is not tolerated, but it sounds like it's actually still happening.

Colette Peters: Again, I would say those are allegations. I would like to be more grounded in fact around proven retaliation.

The fact is that an additional 19 staff members have been accused of abusing inmates.

The bureau says those staff members were put on leave, new management was brought in, and working security cameras were installed in areas where inmates were abused.

Cecilia Vega: What are these victims owed?

Colette Peters: To have individuals who are in our care, who rely on us for their safety and security, and to have that be violated, I don't know that you can-- bring anything-- that-- that would undo that wrong.

Cecilia Vega: What about an apology? The victims in Dublin say they've never received an apology.

Colette Peters: Well, I will tell you—that is our mission to keep them safe. That is our job.

Cecilia Vega: Is your job to apologize for what happened in Dublin?

Colette Peters: I don't know that my job is to apologize. Is it heartbreaking and horrendous to have something like that happen-- when you are proud of your profession, as a corrections professional? Absolutely.

After our report first aired, the FBI raided FCI Dublin and, in April, the Bureau of Prisons shut it down. There are now more than 65 former Dublin inmates who have filed lawsuits alleging sexual abuse by Bureau of Prisons staff.

Produced by Natalie Jimenez Peel. Associate producer, Matthew Riley. Broadcast associate, Katie Jahns. Edited by Daniel J. Glucksman.

Cecilia Vega is an Emmy Award-winning journalist and "60 Minutes" correspondent who joined the CBS newsmagazine in 2023.

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Golf updates scorecard rule by allowing extra 15 minutes to fix errors and avoid disqualification

Jordan Spieth watches his tee shot on the 15th hole during the second round of the U.S. Open golf tournament Friday, June 14, 2024, in Pinehurst, N.C. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

Hideki Matsuyama, of Japan, hits from the bunker on the 12th hole during the final round of the U.S. Open golf tournament Sunday, June 16, 2024, in Pinehurst, N.C. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

Jack Nicklaus, front right, presents Scottie Scheffler, front left, with the trophy after the final round of the Memorial golf tournament, Sunday, June 9, 2024, in Dublin, Ohio. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

Bryson DeChambeau celebrates with fans and the trophy after winning the U.S. Open golf tournament Sunday, June 16, 2024, in Pinehurst, N.C. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

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PINEHURST, N.C. (AP) — The temptation would be to refer to a change in the scorecard procedure as the “Jordan Rule,” only because Jordan Spieth was the most recent example . Players now have an additional 15 minutes to correct their scorecard before it is deemed to have been returned.

Players were informed at the U.S. Open of the change. The USGA adopted the amended definition of when a card is “returned” at the U.S. Women’s Open two weeks earlier. It now goes into effect on most major tours this week.

The PGA Tour said the goal was “minimizing penalties or disqualifications related to scorecard errors.”

Spieth was at Pinehurst No. 2 on the Sunday before the U.S. Open. He said Scott Langley, the USGA’s director of player relations, approached him and said: “This isn’t because of you. But this is what we’re doing here.”

The scorecard previously was considered “returned” when the player left the scoring area.

Spieth was battling stomach issues at Riviera when he made double bogey on the last hole for a 73, rushed up the hill to scoring, signed his card and hustled off to the bathroom. He inadvertently wrote down a 3 instead of a 4 on the par-3 fourth hole, and therefore signed for an incorrect score and was disqualified.

Under the new rule, he would have had 15 minutes to fix the mistake or for an official to find him and alert him to the error.

“For an honest mistake that I guess could be the difference in the tournament, I think it’s great,” Spieth said. “I don’t think it’s a skill of the game, especially at the professional level. If somebody plugged in a wrong score, they can go back and re-plug it in.”

As for the 15 minutes, there is a time stamp when a card is accepted, and the 15 minutes is not down to the second. It doesn’t happen very often, especially on the PGA Tour where scores are checked against a computer.

And there are exceptions. If a player stays in scoring for 15 minutes (Phil Mickelson was known to linger there), the scorecard would be considered returned when that player leaves the area. Also, the 15-minute rule could be affected by a playoff, or by tee times having to be posted immediately after a cut.

U.S. Open alternate Manke spends week getting Canada status

R.J. Manke moved up to the first alternate at the U.S. Open after Jon Rahm had to withdraw with a foot infection. In most cases, players have to wait around until the final tee time on Thursday before packing their bags and leaving.

Manke had been through that before.

He was the first alternate from the main allotment list at Torrey Pines in 2021, waited three days and no one withdrew. Oddly enough, his best chance that week was Rahm, who had to pass a COVID-19 test to be cleared to play. Rahm passed the test and won the U.S. Open.

This time, Manke wasn’t even at Pinehurst. He was 3,100 miles away in British Columbia playing a Q-school tournament for PGA Tour Americas with hopes of getting full status for the second half of the season in Canada.

“I had a number of flights to head out there at the last minute,” Manke said. “I was following the alternate closely.”

No one withdrew. Manke stuck with his plan to play in Canada.

He said if he had known he was the first alternate, it would made for an “interesting decision.” But a misunderstanding led to him actually being the first alternate.

“Once the entire reallotment came out, I was No. 7,” he said.

Manke knew the USGA was holding six spots for anyone who would have become exempt at the last minute through the world ranking. Two ranking spots went to Robert MacIntyre and Adam Scott, and four spots were distributed to alternates.

Scott, if he had not made it through the ranking, would have been ahead of Manke on that alternate list.

But when the updated list was sent to Manke on Monday, one alternate who already had been added to the U.S. Open field was still listed. That would explain why Manke thought he was the second alternate when Rahm withdrew.

It ended well for Manke, who had been playing mini-tours. He made it through the Q-school tournament and now has a place to play for the rest of the PGA Tour Americas season.

Olympic qualifying

This week’s Women’s PGA Championship is the final chance for women to earn a spot in the Olympics this summer in Paris. The Americans and South Koreans are not assured of having the representation they had the previous two times.

In the most glaring example of how much South Korea has fallen off in women’s golf, only two players are likely to make it to Paris.

Countries can get a maximum of four players if they are among the top 15 in the women’s world ranking. Jin Young Ko (No. 7) and Hyo Joo Kim (No. 12) have locked up spots. But the next South Koreans are Jiyai Shin (24) and Amy Yang (25). They would need a top finish at the Women’s PGA to move into the top 15.

The Americans had four players for the Tokyo Games held in 2021. They have three among the top 15 — Nelly Korda and Lilia Vu are Nos. 1 and 2, and Rose Zhang is at No. 9.

Megan Khang is at No. 16, a fraction behind Lydia Ko of New Zealand at No. 15. The Americans also have more possibilities with Alison Lee (18) and Ally Ewing (19).

Memorial moving back

Jack Nicklaus agreed to work with the PGA Tour on its new schedule, which meant moving the Memorial Tournament off Memorial Day — that’s what it was named for — and a week before the U.S. Open.

Now it’s going back.

Nicklaus announced Monday that next year’s tournament would start on Memorial Day (May 26) and end on June 1, two weeks before the U.S. Open at Oakmont. That leaves U.S. Open qualifying after the Memorial, not before.

“We were willing to work with them and move the 2024 date to a week before the U.S. Open,” Nicklaus said. He said after several conversations, they determined it was best for the Memorial to move back.

Hideki to Boston

In a move that might finally dampen speculation about Hideki Matsuyama going to LIV Golf, the Japanese star is joining the tech-infused TGL indoor league that debuts in January.

The former Masters champion has joined Boston Common Golf, the four-man team that includes Rory McIlroy, Keegan Bradley and Adam Scott. He replaces Tyrrell Hatton, whom the PGA Tour suspended for joining LIV earlier this year.

Fenway Sports Group owns the Boston team, also known as the Ballfrogs.

“Together, I hope we can push the boundaries of golf and create an unforgettable new experience for fans around the world,” Matsuyama said in a statement.

Angel Cabrera won the Paul Lawrie Match Play on the European Legends Tour last week, his first victory since being released from prison in Argentina last summer for gender violence. ... A week after the PGA of America hired caddie-turned-NBC reporter John Wood as a Ryder Cup manager for the U.S. team, Europe added former Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley as “strategic adviser” for the 2025 matches at Bethpage Black. ... Bryson DeChambeau and Xander Schauffele are the only players with top 10s at all three majors this year. ... Adam Schenk was the only player to miss the cut in all three signature events that had a 36-hole cut.

Stat of the week

The last six majors have been won by six different Americans. That’s the longest streak of American winners since Jack Nicklaus at the 1975 PGA Championship through Hubert Green at the 1977 U.S. Open.

“They say every five years somebody’s life changes and it couldn’t be more true. I’m a completely different person than I was back at Winged Foot. There’s remnants. I’ve still got a lot of the same cells, but I’m definitely different in the brain for sure.” — Bryson DeChambeau going into the U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2.

AP golf: https://apnews.com/hub/golf

Congressman DeSaulnier, Senator Butler, and Chair of Senate Judiciary Committee Durbin Lead Members in Demanding Answers from Bureau of Prisons about Abuse at FCI Dublin

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10), Senator Laphonza Butler (D-CA), and Chair of Senate Judiciary Committee Dick Durbin (D-IL) joined by Senator Peter Welch (D-VT) and Representatives Cori Bush (MO-01), Judy Chu (CA-28), Anna Eshoo (CA-16), John Garamendi (CA-08), Jared Huffman (CA-02), Sheila Jackson Lee (TX-18), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37), Barbara Lee (CA-12), Ted Lieu (CA-36), Zoe Lofgren (CA-18), Doris Matsui (CA-07), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL), Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Adam Schiff (CA-30), Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (VA-03), Melanie Stansbury (NM-01), and Eric Swalwell (CA-14), sent a letter to the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) requesting information about the botched closure of FCI Dublin, mistreatment of inmates while they were being transferred to other facilities, and BOP’s management of investigations into the staff-on-inmate abuse at FCI Dublin and other federal BOP facilities.

“We write to express our concerns regarding the recent closure and transfer of adults in custody (AICs) from the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) facility Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) Dublin. To ensure that the constitutional rights of AICs are not further violated and that oversight into the abuses at the facility continues in earnest, we request information about BOP’s plans to close the facility and the oversight of that process, and your agency’s efforts to investigate staff-on-AIC abuses at FCI Dublin and other federal BOP facilities.”

The members are seeking answers related to the decision to close the facility.

“In the weeks since BOP announced the closure of FCI Dublin on April 15, we have heard from former AICs who were recently released, family of AICs who have since been transferred from FCI Dublin, and advocates—all of whom have told us about shocking abuses that allegedly took place during the mass AIC transfers. The alleged abuses, some of which are described in the Temporary Restraining Order filed on April 19, include whistleblower retaliation, inhumane treatment, and withholding of necessary medical care. These abuses have also been widely reported in the press. This level of disregard for human dignity cannot be tolerated. Additionally, the frantic nature of the closure of FCI Dublin reflects a lack of adequate planning and proper safeguards to protect the rights of AICs.”

The members have also asked that BOP provide answers on their efforts to investigate the reports of abuse.

“Further, as you know, there has been a tragic and unacceptable history of long-term abuse of AICs at FCI Dublin. Up until weeks before the closure of FCI Dublin, BOP leadership and their counsel repeatedly asserted that conditions and care at FCI Dublin were constitutionally adequate, and repeatedly denied allegations of staff misconduct and retaliation. On April 5, Judge Gonzalez Rogers appointed Special Master Wendy Still, the first such appointment in the history of federal prisons in the United States, to oversee FCI Dublin’s compliance with federal law and constitutional requirements. We share a belief in the importance of Special Master Still’s mandate and are concerned that the closure of the prison will delay or deny much-needed accountability.”

Full text of the letter can be found HERE .

Office Locations

Prison Life

Although the New Gaol at Kilmainham was built as a response to the poor conditions of prisons in the eighteenth century, it was soon visited by the same problems which had visited the old gaol, mainly as a result of overcrowding. Through most of the nineteenth century, up until the 1860s at least, overcrowding led to disease, poor health and hygiene, and no full separation of adult and child (or male and female) convicts.

Overcrowding was caused by the use of the Gaol as a holding depot for convicts sentenced to transportation to Australia, by the onset of the Great Famine (and the massive increase in offences relating to the theft of food), and by the incarceration of those with mental illnesses as criminals. Insufficient accommodation meant that for this long period, cells which had been designed for one person, at one point held as many as five at a time. The Vagrancy (Ireland) Act of 1847, which compelled the arrest of beggars, worsened conditions further.

Numbers of these wretched creatures are obliged to lie on straw in the passages and dayrooms of the prison without a possibility of washing or exchanging their own filthy rags for proper apparel… Upon the necessity of passing this Act, it is not our place to pass an opinion, but of its effect upon the condition of the gaols we are painfully conscious. The committing of vagrants led to the introduction of fever and dysentery into a crowded prison and the sacrifice of many lives.

Food rations per prisoner were very low during the Famine years. They were decreased further when it became apparent that people were committing crimes purely to gain entry to the Gaol, and for the chance to avail of regular food. Once a staple, potatoes disappeared from the prison diet, as they did from everywhere else in Ireland. They were replaced by bread and meal, and would not be reintroduced until 1855. Different measures of food were allocated to men, women, and children. A typical daily diet for a male prisoner in the mid-nineteenth century consisted of Indian meal (corn) and milk for breakfast, and bread and milk or gruel (or soup) for dinner.

Inmates were separated for exercise. The transportation yard contained two circles for walking. One was shared by those condemned to execution with those condemned to transportation. The other was used by those whose sentences were temporary. Women exercised in a smaller yard nearby. The children’s small exercise yard was also close by, but separate. All inmates were allocated one hour of outdoors activity per day.

Prisoners also worked within the Gaol. A sentence of hard labour for a man consisted of manually breaking stones in the Stonebreakers’ Yard, and for women meant working in the laundry. After 1844, inmates also made and repaired their own prison uniforms. Other work involved cleaning the cells and common areas, providing care (of a sort) to the ‘lunatics’. Children whose sentences were longer than two weeks received weekly school lessons from the chaplain.

Throughout the history of the Gaol, the vast majority of its population were ordinary criminals rather than political prisoners. When the Gaol first opened, half of all prisoners were debtors. The other crimes were divided between robbery, assault, rape, murder, bigamy, illicit distilling, and counterfeiting coins. Those who were found to be mentally disabled were also jailed, as were beggars. Food-related theft rose dramatically during the famine years. The offences involved in most cases were very minor; the debt owed by so many early convicts generally consisted of a tiny amount of money.

Conditions for women remained persistently worse than those for men. If a woman was the mother of a baby under twelve months old, the baby often came with her and stayed for the duration of her sentence.  After the bright and airy new East Wing was built in 1861, men were transferred there, while women remained in the darker, older West Wing. Conditions were also different depending on the status of the prisoner. While poorer inmates were fully subject to the Gaol system, rich and prominent prisoners such as Charles Stewart Parnell could comfortably furnish a number of cells with their own possessions, and interact freely with visitors.

The details of those who were incarcerated in Kilmainham Gaol are contained in twenty-four large volumes. These are now located in the National Archives of Ireland .

Read what happened to those prisoners who were sentenced to transportation.