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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.

Fri, 31 May - Sun, 2 Jun

Richmond Barracks

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!

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Tourist Attractions

Kilmainham gaol.

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

Kilmainham Gaol continues to be an iconic symbol for most of the Irish population , as a symbol of their rebellion against British domination.

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$ 8.50) Over 60s: € 6 ( US$ 6.40) Students and children 12 - 17: € 4 ( US$ 4.20) Children under 12: Free

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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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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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.

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Kilmainham gaol museum.

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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.

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

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Pearse Museum – St. Enda’s Park

An enthralling chapter in the story of 1916

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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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Visit Kilmainham Gaol.

Behind these walls lie centuries of history and suffering. a place of great harshness, closely linked to the easter rising of 1916..

I make a reservation

Imagine windowless cells, unbearable freezing cold, and particularly harsh prison conditions… Such is the prison of Kilmainham Gaol in Dublin, Ireland, one of the most terrible prisons Europe has seen in recent centuries. And with good reason! Kilmainham Gaol has welcomed prisoners from all walks of life, from the unknown to the great historical figures who have shaped Irish history . Now closed and converted into a museum, the prison is now open to visitors, offering a poignant testimony to the living conditions to which its prisoners were subjected. A fascinating place, with a spine-chilling history!

History of Kilmainham Gaol

Particularly harsh prison conditions.

The Kilmainham gaol – © samjanssens

Opened in 1796, Kilmainham Gaol was at the time the most modern prison in the country. The newly-constructed buildings housed over a hundred individual cells, as well as a courtyard where inmates could stroll during the occasional daily outing.

Despite the prison’s apparent modernity, prison conditions were extremely harsh: prisoners were locked in unheated cells with no windows.

The only light they had was a candle distributed every 15 days, and their diet consisted of soup, bread and milk… (which is to say, not much.) At the time, some of these prisoners were at risk of execution by hanging, as well as deportation to penal colonies in Australia. (At the time, some of these prisoners faced execution by hanging, as well as deportation to penal colonies in Australia. Offenses recorded at the time ranged from simple begging to felonies.

The Great Famine causes prison overcrowding

The Great Famine of 1845-1848, however, caused the prison to become overcrowded, with many Irish citizens stealing food and begging. One cell held 5 inmates instead of one! And in deplorable conditions (many prisoners suffered from illnesses ranging from malnutrition to pneumonia…). Aware of this problem, in 1861 the prison authorities decided to build an east wing. In pure Victorian style, this building consisted of 96 new cells on 2 floors, each with a window.

The dark days of the 1916 Uprising…

Easter Uprising – Public domain

The Easter Rising of 1916 was, however, a troubled time for Dublin Prison: many of the men and women involved in the revolt were incarcerated at Kilmainham Gaol, and 14 men were shot there between May 3 and 12, 1916. Among them were the movement’s main leaders, including Patrick Pearse, James Connolly and Joseph Plunkett…

A few years later, the War of Independence (1919-1921) and the Civil War (1922-1924) led to the imprisonment of numerous political figures (including Eamon de Valera) until 1924, when Kilmainham Gaol was finally closed.

It wasn’t until 1960 that a volunteer restoration committee decided to save the prison as a historic monument. After more than 30 years of restoration, the prison is now open to the public, welcoming thousands of visitors every year.

Kilmainham Gaol’s most famous inmates

Inner courtyard where the leaders of the Easter Uprising were executed – © Paulo Nabas

Kilmainham Gaol has been home to many political figures who have fought for Ireland. These include :

• Henry Joy McCracken (1767-1798)
• Robert Emmet (1778-1803)
• Charles Stewart Parnell (1846-1891)
• Patrick Pearse (1879- 1916): executed in 1916 for his part in the Easter Rising of 1916.
• Thomas J. Clarke (1857-1916): executed in 1916 for his part in the Easter Rising of 1916.
• Thomas McDonagh: executed in 1916 for his part in the Easter Rising of 1916
• Joseph Plunkett: executed in 1916 for his part in the Easter Rising of 1916.
• Edward Daly: executed in 1916 for his part in the Easter Rising of 1916.
• Michael O’Hanrahan: executed in 1916 for his part in the Easter Rising of 1916
• William Pearse: executed in 1916 for his part in the Easter Rising of 1916.
• John McBride: executed in 1916 for his part in the Easter Rising of 1916.
• Con Colbert: executed in 1916 for his involvement in the Easter Rising of 1916.
• Éamonn Ceannt: executed in 1916 for his participation in the Easter Rising of 1916.
• Michael Mallin: executed in 1916 for his part in the Easter Rising of 1916.
• Seàn Heuston: executed in 1916 for his participation in the Easter Rising of 1916.
• Seán Mac Diarmada (1883-1916): executed in 1916 for his part in the Easter Rising of 1916.
• James Connolly: executed in a chair, due to injuries sustained during the uprising. He was shot dead in 1916 following his participation in the Easter Rising of 1916.

Visit the prison

Kilmainham Gaol is open to guided tours. You’ll be able to explore the prison’s cells, main wing and inner courtyard. The setting is chilling, so you can identify with the prisoners and their harsh living conditions.

Your guide will show you a documentary on the site, and reveal some valuable secrets about the prison!

Kilmainham Gaol Practical informations

• 8€ per adult
• 6€ per senior citizen over 60
• 4 per student
• 4€ per child aged 12 to 17
• free for children under 12
• 20€ per family (2 adults + 2 children)
• Monday to Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Kilmainham Gaol on a map

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Dublin Prison Tour - Kilmainham Gaol Museum

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Dublin Prison Tour

It was really well done. There was a lot of history and the tour guide knew a lot. It was interesting how they centered the majority of the tour around the 1916 Easter Rising. I felt like I walked away learning more about Ireland rather than just the establishment.

I'm biased here as I'm irish and interested in history but this is the most atmospheric place to visit in Dublin. the tour is excellent and will give a visitor a very better idea of Ireland than an afternoon in temple bar. Best combined with the Guinness Storehouse which is a km away.

A very well-organised tour. One not to miss on a visit to Dublin. A century after the Easter Rising, an emotional centre for visitors with Irish roots....and of those with none! The tour guide, ex-army, was warm, interesting and non-political. He took plenty of time to explain events and the situation at that time, as well as describing the main characters and some personal information, which added colour to the story. Feeling the walls of the corridors and cells increased the reality of what the inmates felt. The court room and chapel were in beautiful order, freshly painted, and the little museum show-cased more details, including personal letters written by the inmates, some of whom were later executed.

Totally worth a visit. I had never been in a prison before. We made the free walking tours before and therefore already knew a lot about the history and the Rising and found it very impressive, but sad also, of course, to see how people were kept in prison in those days. The guide gave a lot of interesting facts. Be sure to book ahead, it was very busy and it is not worth going down there and not getting in. I found it very moving, how the Irish people try to keep the sad memories of the history alive, how they teach it further to their children, for them to understand, what was once done for the freedom they live in today.

This jail or Gaol is amazing! I wanted to cry hearing the stories and seeing the words carved into the walls. It was very historic and definitely worth the visit. It is something you will not regret checking out!

We pre-booked a tour and were glad we did, as when we arrived on the morning, there was a sign stating that all tours were full for the day – although there were some people who did not book waiting outside. The entrance was not the easiest to find and although there was some seating in the general area of a set of big grey doors, they were firmly shut and there was no door handle on the outside of it. It was purely by chance that a man exited from these doors and as we walked up the road to try and find the entrance, asked him for directions and he pointed back to the door that he had come out of. At 9:15, the doors were opened and we were ushered into to book in. We were greeted by David O’Neill, who turned out to be our guide. Our tour commenced at 9:30 and it was fabulous. David told the story of the convicts in such a way that it was both inspiring and captivating. He was extremely knowledgeable and told the stories, combined with the history of the Gaol with extreme professionalism and we could have listened to him for hours. We moved through the Gaol at a very good pace and had the opportunity to ask questions at every stop. The tour lasted about an hour and ended up in the stone breakers yard, a very sombre place where the executions of the convicted took place. This was the highlight of our trip to Dublin; we visited most of the main tourist sites, the Guinness Storehouse (somewhat expensive for a self guided tour and a pint of Guinness with a view), the Book of Kells and Trinity library (totally overpriced although my husband thinks that the library is majestic) and Trinity College itself. We also went on a guided walking tour (Sandemans, extremely good, again with a knowledgeable guide - John) to name a few and the Goal tour was by far the best of them all. It was amazing value for money €7 for an adult and only €3 for a student and I would have paid far more than this for the enjoyment factor (notwithstanding the lack of joy derived from its original purpose). Our thanks must go to David, as I do not think it would have been half as enjoyable without his input. This is a must see place to visit in Dublin.

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.

Kilmainham Gaol

Kilmainham Gaol (Irish: Príosún Chill Mhaighneann) is a former prison, located in Kilmainham in Dublin, which is now a museum. It has been run since the mid-1980s by the Office of Public Works (O.P.W.), an Irish Government agency.

Kilmainham Gaol has played an important part in Irish history, as many leaders of Irish rebellions were imprisoned and some executed in the jail. The jail has also been used as a set for several films.

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 noisome dungeon, just a few hundred metres from the present site. It was officially called the County of Dublin Gaol, and was originally run by the Grand Jury for County Dublin. 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.

Children were sometimes arrested for petty theft (as in the UK), the youngest said to be a seven year-old boy[citation needed], while many of the adult prisoners were deported to Australia.

There was no segregation of prisoners; men, women and children were incarcerated up to 5 in each cell, with only a single candle for light and heat, most of their time was spent in the cold and the dark.

Kilmainham Gaol was abandoned as a jail in 1924, by the government of the new Irish Free State. Following lengthy restoration, it now houses a museum on the history of Irish nationalism and offers guided tours of the building.

An art gallery on the top floor exhibits paintings, sculptures and jewelry of prisoners incarcerated in jails all over contemporary Ireland.

Victorian Optimism: The New East Wing.

At Kilmainham the poor conditions in which women prisoners were kept provided the spur for the next stage of development. Remarkably, for an age that prided itself on a protective attitude for the 'weaker sex', the conditions for women prisinors were persistently worse than for men. As early as his 1809 report the Inspector had observed that male prisoners were supplied with iron bedsteads while females 'lay on straw on the flags in the cells and common halls.' Half a century later there was little improvement. The women's section, located in the west wing, remained overcrowded.

Kilmainham Gaol's historic importance was assured by those heroic men and women who were held or died here for their nationalist ideals. The Gaol's history as a prison, the fate of the common man and women as convict, is a compelling story in its own right. Their story gives a unique insight into convict transportation and the Great Famine, two major events in the social history of modern Ireland.

Kilmainham Gaol is one of the biggest unoccupied gaols in Europe. Now empty of prisoners, it is filled with history. It has aptly been described as the 'Irish Bastille'.

When the Gaol was first built public hangings took place at the front of the Gaol. However, from the 1820s onward very few hangings, public or private, took place at Kilmainham.

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Visiting Schedule

Notice about visiting hours.

These visiting hours are displayed in an easy to read format for your convenience. They represent the most typical visiting hours at this facility but may not cover all cases; for example, inmates confined to a special housing unit will usually have a modified visiting schedule.

For this reason, you should confirm these visiting hours and other important visiting information by referring to this facility's official policy about these matters: Visiting Regulations

Additionally, the Warden may restrict or cancel visiting for the sake of safety and security; for example, cases of severe weather or other incidents that will impact normal operations at facility. Therefore, it's recommended that you call the facility to confirm the visiting schedule before departing for your visit: 603-342-4000 .

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Do NOT send money to an inmate using this facility's address. All funds sent through the mail must be addressed to a processing center in Des Moines, Iowa. This applies to all Federal inmates, regardless of where they are incarcerated.

Learn more about sending funds to an inmate

Use the following address when shipping freight & non-USPS parcels:

Use the following address when sending correspondence and parcels to staff:

Admissions and Orientation (A&O) Handbook

This document provides you with general information about the institution, programs, rules, and regulations that you will encounter during your confinement. Familiarizing yourself with this information and knowing your responsibilities will help you adjust to institution life.

• Admissions & Orientation Handbook Also available in Spanish: Gu�a de Admisi�n y Orientaci�n
• Camp Admissions & Orientation Handbook Also available in Spanish: Camp Gu�a de Admisi�n y Orientaci�n

Commissary List

In 1930 the Department of Justice authorized and established a Commissary at each Federal institution. The Commissary provides a bank type account for your money & for the procurement of articles not issued regularly as part of the institution administration. Funds deposited by your family, friends, or other sources are stored in your commissary account that we maintain.

• List and prices of items sold at the commissary in
• List and prices of items sold at the commissary in Special Housing Unit

Legal Activities

This document outlines the procedures for access to legal reference materials and legal counsel, and the opportunities that you will be afforded to prepare legal documents while incarcerated.

Inmate Legal Activities

PREA Report

This report, posted on March 21, 2022, as required per 28 CFR �115.403, details the findings of an audit that was conducted by an outside contractor to determine the Federal Bureau of Prisons' (BOP) compliance with the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA). As the work product of independent auditors subcontracted by PREA Auditors of America (PAOA), the BOP is not responsible for grammatical or typographical errors. Additionally, any questions or comments regarding the discrepancies or inaccuracies found within this report should be directed to PAOA at (713) 818-9098, or to the subcontracted independent auditor (name and email address can be found on page one of the report), for explanation and resolution.

Other facilities at the Federal Correctional Complex

Visit a Prison

Visiting Terms and Conditions

• New Directions – Supporting Families of People in Prison
• Request Video Call
• Arbour Hill Prison
• Castlerea Prison
• Cloverhill Prison
• Cork Prison
• Dóchas Centre
• Limerick Prison
• Loughan House
• Midlands Prison
• Mountjoy Prison
• Training Unit
• Portlaoise Prison
• Shelton Abbey
• Wheatfield Place of Detention
• Arbourhill Prison
• The Irish Prison Service will ensure that Prisoners who request a visit will receive at least one physical family or virtual visit per week of not more than 30 minutes for physical visits & 20 minutes for virtual visits.
• Physical visits will be limited to a maximum of  3 adult visitors. There is no limit on the number of children who can accompany them but must be within reason and admittance of same is at the discretion of the prison management.
• Children may only attend if accompanied by at least 1 adult 

Visit entitlements per week/month

Prisoners will be entitled to receive any of the following options:

• At least 1 visit per week which may be physical or virtual

VERY IMPORTANT – PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING:

• Photo ID  is required  for all adults.

Cash and prisoner property

There will be  no money accepted  from visitors on visits. Visitors should continue to use the electronic means of sending money. In addition, there will be  no exchange of prisoner property  on visits. We will continue to keep this under review.

We hope that you and your visitors have an enjoyable visit and we are grateful for your continued support as we try to reduce the restrictions while keeping you all safe.

The operation and frequency of visits will be kept under ongoing review guided both by HSE, Public Health advice and a desire to support as much contact as possible between prisoners and their families.

What can you bring into a prison

• View the Family Information Booklet in English,  Irish,  French,  Spanish,   Russian,  Polish,   Romanian,   Cantonese

The Irish Prison Service has created a Family Information Booklet to inform you about recent and future changes made in relation to day-to-day activities in our prisons and the impact they have and will have on friends or relatives of yours in our care. As you know, all our lives have changed dramatically over recent months because of the spread of Covid-19. We have experienced the challenges of adhering to the Government restrictions and public health advice over this time. In Section two, Physical Visits in the Family Information Booklet you find information on what you cannot bring into prison.

Irish Prison Service, IDA Business Park, Ballinalee Road, Longford, Co. Longford Tel: 043 333 5100 Fax: 043 333 5371 Email:  info@irishprisons.ie

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Irish Prison Service

The purpose of this Privacy Policy is so that individuals understand how we process their information.

We will process any personal information provided to us by individuals, whether it be provided through our website ( www.irishprisons.ie ), customer application form, telephone, email or by any other means, or otherwise held by us in relation to you in the manner set out in this policy.

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The information about you that we may collect, use and store (process) includes:

• Information you provide to us by filling out any forms on the website or by way of emailing us.
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Information Storage

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The Process

When visiting a Prison, you will be required to pass the security screening process which will include some or all of the following:

• X Ray machine
• Walk through metal detector
• Narcotic / explosive swab detection
• Canine screening
• Pat down search

Should you fail any part of the screening process, a pat down search will then be conducted. Prior to commencing a pat down search, the officer will activate their body worn camera, to record visual and audio footage at that time.

Please note the onus is on the visitor to pass all aspects of the screening process.

Should staff feel it necessary at any point during the screening process, they will also activate the body worn camera for incidents such as threatening and abusive behavior

In order to assist with the screening process:

• Please do not bring any personal belongings or items with you (place all such items in the lockers provided in the waiting room)
• You should only have your photo I.D and locker key on your person when proceeding to the screening area
• Be mindful of the clothing you wear. Clothing with high volume of metal is likely to activate the walk through metal detector & this may lead to restrictions on the type of visit offered or even cancellation of a visit
• Please familiarise yourself with the information and instructional video available on the screen in the waiting room prior to entering the prison.

Prisoner Property

All private/personal property delivered to the prison on behalf of individual prisoners is done so entirely at the prisoner’s own risk. Neither the Governor nor the Irish Prison Service will accept liability for any such property lost, damaged or stolen whilst in transit, in delivery in storage, or in the possession of the prisoner. The Irish Prison Service can accept prisoner property at prison entrances, during family visits to the prison or by post.

The following table outlines a list of authorised items that can be delivered to a prison on behalf of individual prisoners:

The following items are prohibited and will not be accepted by the Irish Prison Service:

• Any clothing that resemble staff uniform items
• No hooded tops
• No steel toe-cap footwear
• Limited belt buckle size
• No ties, braces, sunglasses, hats, caps.
• No clothing with offensive logos (sexist, racial. drug, gang related) etc.
• Large rings
• Long or heavy neck chains
• Only one musical instrument is permitted per prisoner
• Toiletries – can be purchased via prison tuck shop
• No radios – in cell radios are in place
• Reading materials – these are provided by the library service in the prison

It is important to note that all items of private/personal property are subject to Governors permission. Different prisons have differing policies in relation to items a prisoner can have in their cell. This is a matter decided by the Governor of each prison taking into account the security environment in each prison. All items received into the prison will be subject to the necessary security screening.

If you have been approached or put under pressure to smuggle contraband into a prison, please inform an officer or make contact using the confidential phone line (1800 855 717)

All such instances will be treated in the strictest of confidence.

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Visiting someone in prison

Introduction, covid-19 updates, how to arrange a visit, how visits work, money transfers to prisoners’ accounts, rights and entitlements of prisoners, further information.

If a member of your family is in prison, visits can help you stay in contact and maintain a healthy relationship. You can also keep in touch by letter and your family member can contact you by telephone.

Prison visits are important to maintain relationships and support the prisoner's mental wellbeing. Stable family relationships and community ties have also been recognised as important factors in helping with the resettlement and reintegration of prisoners in civil society.

The rules governing prison visits in Ireland are set out in sections 35-50 of Prison Rules, 2007 .

You can find out more about the process of requesting a professional visit to a prisoner on the Irish Prison Service website.

The Irish Prison Service has reintroduced physical visits . Prisoners can have a video visit instead of a physical visit if they prefer.

A maximum of 5 persons are allowed per visit with a maximum of 3 adults. You must wear a face covering.

You can continue to arrange video visits using the Irish Prison Service website.

A minimum of 48 hours’ notice must be given when requesting a visit to any prison in Ireland.

Visits can be requested online , over the phone or, in some cases, in person at the visitors’ centre. You can read the Irish Prison Service’s Family Information Booklet for information (pdf) about how visits work.

When submitting an online request for a visit, you must provide:

• The name and PRIS number of the prisoner you wish to visit, and whether you wish to visit in person or online
• Your name, date of birth, address, email and telephone number
• Details of any extra visitors coming with you (if any)
• Up to 2 proposed visit times and dates
• The number of children you will bring (if any)

A visit is not confirmed until a formal email is received confirming the date and time of the intended visit from the prison. This should be printed off and brought with you to the prison when visiting.

In most cases, a prisoner can nominate at least 6 people who may visit them. If you are not on the list, it is unlikely that you be able to arrange a visit. This is the case irrespective of your relationship to the prisoner, and a prisoner does not have to meet with a visitor.

Identification

You must bring valid photo identification to the prison, such as a current passport or driver’s license. If you don’t, you may be refused entry.

You must also identify the prisoner you are visiting and provide details of your relationship to them.

Airport-style walk-through detectors and x-ray scanners are installed in every closed prison in Ireland, and sniffer dogs from the Garda Canine Unit may also be present for the purposes of detecting banned substances.

You may be searched to ensure that you are not in possession of prohibited materials upon entering the prison. The search must be carried out with due regard to your decency and it must be conducted by at least 2 prison guards of your gender.

If you do not consent to be searched, the governor can refuse you entry to the prison.

What can I take into a prison?

Visitors are required to deposit their phones and any personal items in the area provided at the visitors centre before entering the prison.

If you want to give something to your family member, you must check that it is permitted by the prison in advance. Anything you take in must be handed to the officer in charge of visits.

You will not be allowed to enter a prison if you are carrying any of following items:

• Mobile phones or chargers
• Any item which could be used as a weapon, particularly sharp items
• Medicines and drugs, including prescription drugs

All prisons implement certain measures to regulate and monitor visits in the interests of health and safety. Most visits are supervised in sight, but not in hearing.

For example, while prisons must provide facilities to allow a prisoner and visitor to see and talk to one another, the visit may be screened with the use of glass, or other types of screens, to prevent physical contact.

It is at the discretion of the prison governor to allow physical contact between a prisoner and a visitor when they are satisfied that such contact will not facilitate the entry into the prison of controlled drugs or other prohibited articles or substances.

The Irish Council for Prisoners Overseas has published a guide (pdf) on how to get the most out of a prison visit, including advice on planning visits and respecting prison rules.

Children visiting a prison

In most cases, anyone under the age of 18 who is visiting a prison must be accompanied by an adult.

Due to prison security measures and the regulated nature of visits, it can often be a stressful experience for a child to visit somebody in prison. It can be beneficial, therefore, to prepare a child on what to expect when visiting a prison.

You can read the Irish Prison Service’s Family Information Booklet (pdf) for information about how visits work.

You can transfer funds to people in prison. All transactions should be completed within 2 to 5 working days.

For general queries about lodging money into a prisoner’s account, you can email [email protected] .

An Post BillPay Card

Your relative or friend in prison must nominate you as a person who can receive An Post BillPay card (pdf) from the Irish Prison Service.

Once you receive the BillPay Card, you can call in to any post office in Ireland, hand the BillPay Card in at the counter and lodge funds in cash or by debit card.

You will be given a receipt, which you should keep as proof of payment. The maximum transaction is €200. The card may be shared by family members to send funds to the person in custody.

Bank transfer

You can also transfer funds from your bank account to that of a friend or relative in prison by bank transfer (pdf) .

You can do this through your bank’s website or app, or by calling into your bank. The maximum transaction is €200 and any payment over this amount will be returned.

To make the transfer, you will need:

• The Irish Prison Service’s BIC and IBAN (pdf) , and
• The prisoner ID number, which should be entered into the reference box for the transaction (if not entered or entered incorrectly, the person in custody cannot receive the funds)

The visitation entitlements of prisoners vary based on their custodial status.

The Irish Prison Service also operates an Incentivised Regimes Policy, rewarding prisoners for good behaviour with increased visitation and other entitlements. You can read more about the Incentivised Regimes Policy (pdf) .

You can also learn more about prisoners’ rights and entitlements in our page on prison conditions .

Physical or online visits

Prisoners are entitled to receive at least one family visit per week, which can be either online or in person. If the visit is online, it can last up to 20 minutes.

The following rules apply for physical visits:

• A sentenced prisoner who is 18 or over is allowed a minimum of one 30 minute visit from relatives or friends each week
• A sentenced prisoner who is under 18 is allowed a minimum of 2, 30 minute visits from relatives or friends each week
• A remand prisoner is allowed one visit per day from relatives or friends for at least 15 minutes a minimum of 3 times a week

A remand prisoner is someone who has yet to be convicted of a criminal offence and is remanded in custody while awaiting trial. You can read more about the rights of remand prisoners .

The governor of a prison can allow for additional or longer visits where circumstances permit. They may also prohibit a prisoner from receiving visitors.

Telephone calls

Subject to the availability of facilities:

• A convicted prisoner who is 18 or over is entitled to make at least one telephone call per week to a family member or friend
• A convicted prisoner under 18 is entitled to make at least 2 telephone calls per week to a family member or friend
• A remand prisoner is entitled to make at least 5 telephone calls per week to a family member or friend, and as many telephone calls as are reasonably necessary for the purpose of managing their property or business affairs

In strictly limited circumstances, where a governor has grounds to believe that a phone call may compromise the health and safety of a prisoner or member of the community, they may order that a call be monitored, recorded or prematurely terminated.

A prisoner is entitled to send letters to their family and friends, and to receive as many letters as are sent to them.

However, any prisoner who sends more than 7 letters in a single week may have to pay for postage and writing materials for any more letters they send.

Examination of letters

The governor can open, examine and confiscate:

• A letter being sent by a prisoner if its contents are suspected of undermining the safety and welfare of others (this does not apply to a letter to a professional recipient, such as a legal advisor or court official)
• A letter that has been sent to a prisoner if there are grounds to believe that its contents may compromise secure custody in prison, or would facilitate or hamper an investigation into a criminal offence

Foreign nationals

The following rules apply if you are a foreign national:

• A foreign national is entitled to receive a visit from their consul
• A stateless person is entitled to receive a visit from the consul of a state of their choosing
• An asylum applicant is entitled to receive a visit from a consul of a state of their choosing, as well as any national or international organisations deemed appropriate by the Minister for Justice

Unless the governor otherwise directs, all such visits to foreign nationals will take place in the hearing and view of a prison officer.

Irish Prison Service

IDA Business Park Ballinalee Road Longford Co. Longford Ireland

Related documents

• Prison system in Ireland This document provides practical information about the structure and operation of the prison system in Ireland. 1126.1406
• Prisoners' rights The main source of prisoners' rights is the Prison Rules 2007. Find out more. 938.44055
• Irish prisoners overseas Irish prisoners overseas face significant difficulties and in some jurisdictions prison conditions and safety can be a major cause of concern. 924.24634

If you have a question about this topic you can contact the Citizens Information Phone Service on 0818 07 4000 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 8pm).

You can also contact your local Citizens Information Centre .

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Crime and public safety | tech layoffs jolt bay area economy with hundreds of new job cuts, crime and public safety, crime and public safety | federal officials challenge authority of court-ordered special master at fci dublin women’s prison, the pushback came just a day after federal prison officials announced the closure of the facility.

The Federal Bureau of Prisons appears unwilling to allow a court-appointed special master to have broad oversight of its closure of the scandal-plagued FCI Dublin women’s prison, according to a recent court filing.

The agency’s challenge to the prison’s first-of-its-kind special master comes the same week the prisons bureau announced it would close the troubled women’s facility , which has been repeatedly rocked by allegations of a reputed “rape club” among its staff. Several corrections officers at the prison, including a warden , have been convicted of sexual assault in recent years, even as inmates have complained of continued retaliation for reporting more alleged abuses.

Specifically, the prisons bureau took aim at an order issued by U.S. District Court Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers just hours after the pending closure became public Monday. Her order mandated the prison system intricately involve a special master Gonzalez Rogers ultimately picked in the decision-making process for transferring inmates out of the facility to other prisons or to different locations, such as halfway houses.

The judge’s order “is a de facto requirement” for the prisons bureau to keep the facility open — a prospect that’s becoming increasingly untenable, the bureau’s motion said. Many staff have refused to show up to work in the wake of the agency’s closure announcement, and complying with the special master’s demands only risks delaying medical care for inmates, according to the filing.

“The Court not only lacks jurisdiction to impose such a requirement, but it is also antithetical to the overall objective of safeguarding inmate safety and welfare,” attorneys wrote in the court documents.

The motion, which was filed Tuesday and first reported by KTVU, marks the latest salvo in an ongoing legal battle with increasingly little precedent, given that a special master has never previously been appointed to oversee a federal prison.

Gonzalez Rogers appointed the special master last month at the request of inmates’ attorneys, who argued that the prison’s leadership appeared unable to fix a pervasive culture of sexual abuse and retaliation among its staff despite  leadership changes at the facility . At least five wardens have led the prison over the last three years and last month the FBI raided the facility. In March, Gonzalez Rogers called the jail “ a dysfunctional mess ,” citing a rare, daylong personal visit she made to get a first-hand look at conditions.

It all comes in the wake of a sprawling lawsuit filed in August accusing prison managers of ignoring decades of warning signs and providing insufficient mental and physical health care. The legal action recently received class-action status after more than 60 other lawsuits were filed against the Bureau of Prisons.

On Wednesday, Gonzalez Rogers issued an order offering “guidance relative to the closure of the facility and transfer of inmates,” though the details of those instructions, as well as the topics discussed during a private meeting held earlier Wednesday, were sealed. It was not immediately clear how many of the prisons bureau’s concerns were addressed in the latest order.

Oren Nimni, legal director for Rights Behind Bars, a nonprofit that joined several groups in suing the federal agency last year, declined to comment on the prison system’s motion. Calls to other attorneys representing the inmates were not immediately returned.

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Bureau of Prisons to close California women's prison where inmates have been subjected to sex abuse

LOS ANGELES — The beleaguered federal Bureau of Prisons said Monday it will close a women’s prison in California known as the “rape club” despite attempts to reform the troubled facility after an Associated Press investigation exposed rampant staff-on-inmate sexual abuse.

Bureau of Prisons Director Colette Peters said in a statement to the AP that the agency had “taken unprecedented steps and provided a tremendous amount of resources to address culture, recruitment and retention, aging infrastructure and — most critical — employee misconduct.”

“Despite these steps and resources, we have determined that FCI Dublin is not meeting expected standards and that the best course of action is to close the facility,” Peters said. “This decision is being made after ongoing evaluation of the effectiveness of those unprecedented steps and additional resources.”

The announcement of Dublin’s closure represents an extraordinary acknowledgement by the Bureau of Prisons that its much-promised efforts to improve the culture and environment there have not worked. Many attempts to stem the problems at Dublin have come after the AP investigation revealed a pattern of abuse and mismanagement that crossed years, even decades.

Just 10 days before the closure announcement, a federal judge took the unprecedented step of appointing a special master to oversee the prison .

ADVOCATES WANT PRISONERS FREED

FCI Dublin, about 21 miles (34 kilometers) east of Oakland, is one of six women-only federal prisons and the only one west of the Rocky Mountains. It currently houses 605 inmates — 504 inmates in its main prison and another 101 at an adjacent minimum-security camp. That figure is down from a total of 760 prisoners in February 2022.

The women currently housed at the prison will be transferred to other facilities, Peters said, and no employees will lose their jobs.

Advocates have called for inmates to be freed from FCI Dublin, which they say is not only plagued by sexual abuse but also has hazardous mold, asbestos and inadequate health care.

Last August, eight FCI Dublin inmates sued the Bureau of Prisons , or BOP, alleging the agency had failed to root out sexual abuse. Amaris Montes, a lawyer for the plaintiffs, had said inmates continued to face retaliation for reporting abuse, including being put in solitary confinement and having belongings confiscated.

Montes said she and her clients had suspected closure might be a possibility, but the suddenness of the decision so quickly after the special master appointment came as a shock. “It’s a signal that the prison knows that they are not meeting constitutional standards to keep people safe from sexual assault and sexual harassment,” Montes said Monday.

Montes said timing on the closure and transfer of inmates was still being worked out, but she hoped it would be done in a measured way.

“I think that the BOP is quick to try to transfer accountability and move accountability elsewhere as the way to remedy the issue. And that would mean, you know, moving people quickly without addressing people’s needs right now.” Many of the incarcerated women have physical and mental health issues that need to be dealt with, she said, while other inmates might be considered for release.

A former Dublin inmate who is a whistleblower in the civil lawsuit said Monday that the abruptly announced closure “just feels wrong” because it undermines the long process of getting justice for the women who endured abuse and appalling conditions.

“We’ve worked so hard to get a special master in there to clean house, so to speak,” said the woman, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of her status as a whistleblower in an ongoing lawsuit. The AP doesn’t name victims of sexual abuse without their consent. “And pretty much the minute after that happened, they say they’re just going to close it down.”

She said it would be inhumane to transfer hundreds of inmates to prisons across the country, away from their families. “What the women have gone through at this facility, the abuse they suffered, that was punishment,” she said. “They’re all low security. Send them home, send them to supervised relief. Let them be productive members of society.”

On Monday, two buses moved around the parking lot of FCI Dublin. Prison staff moved baggage and carts of supplies between the buildings and buses. An AP reporter did not see any inmates leaving the facility.

A HISTORY OF ABUSE ALLEGATIONS — AND CONVICTIONS

Last month, the FBI again searched the prison and the Bureau of Prisons again shook up its leadership after a warden sent to help rehabilitate the facility was accused of retaliating against a whistleblower inmate . Days later, a federal judge overseeing lawsuits against the prison, said she would appoint a special master to oversee the facility’s operations .

An AP investigation in 2021 found a culture of abuse and cover-ups that had persisted for years at the prison. That reporting led to increased scrutiny from Congress and pledges from the Bureau of Prisons that it would fix problems and change the culture at the prison.

Since 2021, at least eight FCI Dublin employees have been charged with sexually abusing inmates. Five have pleaded guilty. Two were convicted at trial, including the former warden, Ray Garcia . Another case is pending.

All sexual activity between a prison worker and an inmate is illegal. Correctional employees have substantial power over inmates, controlling every aspect of their lives from mealtime to lights out, and there is no scenario in which an inmate can give consent.

Inmate advocates worry that some of the safety concerns at FCI Dublin could persist at the other women’s prisons. “The problem isn’t solved by shipping these girls to new facilities,” said another former Dublin inmate and whistleblower who spoke on condition of anonymity. “These facilities still have the same issues.”

Montes said the civil litigation will continue despite the imminent closure.

“The BOP is the defendant in the case. It’s not FCI Dublin,” she said. “And so we are in the mindset that this did not end our case — that they still have a responsibility to our clients to keep them safe.”

Sisak and Balsamo reported from New York. Follow Sisak at x.com/mikesisak and Balsamo at x.com/MikeBalsamo1 and send confidential tips by visiting https://www.ap.org/tips/ . Associated Press journalist Terry Chea in Dublin, California, contributed to this report.

California women's prison where inmates have been subjected to sex abuse will close

LOS ANGELES — The beleaguered federal Bureau of Prisons said Monday it will close a women’s prison in California  known as the “rape club”  despite attempts to reform the troubled facility after an Associated Press investigation exposed rampant staff-on-inmate sexual abuse.

Bureau of Prisons Director Colette Peters said in a statement to the AP that the agency had “taken unprecedented steps and provided a tremendous amount of resources to address culture, recruitment and retention, aging infrastructure and — most critical — employee misconduct.”

“Despite these steps and resources, we have determined that FCI Dublin is not meeting expected standards and that the best course of action is to close the facility,” Peters said. “This decision is being made after ongoing evaluation of the effectiveness of those unprecedented steps and additional resources.”

The announcement of Dublin’s closure represents an extraordinary acknowledgement by the Bureau of Prisons that its much-promised efforts to improve the culture and environment there have not worked. Many attempts to stem the problems at Dublin have come after the AP investigation revealed a pattern of abuse and mismanagement that crossed years, even decades.

Just 10 days before the closure announcement, a federal judge took the unprecedented step of appointing a special master to oversee the prison.

Advocates want prisoners freed

FCI Dublin, about 21 miles east of Oakland, is one of six women-only federal prisons and the only one west of the Rocky Mountains. It currently houses 605 inmates — 504 inmates in its main prison and another 101 at an adjacent minimum-security camp. That figure is down from a total of 760 prisoners in February 2022.

The women currently housed at the prison will be transferred to other facilities, Peters said, and no employees will lose their jobs.

Advocates have called for inmates to be freed from FCI Dublin, which they say is not only plagued by sexual abuse but also has hazardous mold, asbestos and inadequate health care.

Last August, eight FCI Dublin inmates sued the Bureau of Prisons, or BOP, alleging the agency had failed to root out sexual abuse. Amaris Montes, a lawyer for the plaintiffs, had said inmates continued to face retaliation for reporting abuse, including being put in solitary confinement and having belongings confiscated.

Montes said she and her clients had suspected closure might be a possibility, but the suddenness of the decision so quickly after the special master appointment came as a shock. “It’s a signal that the prison knows that they are not meeting constitutional standards to keep people safe from sexual assault and sexual harassment,” Montes said Monday.

Montes said timing on the closure and transfer of inmates was still being worked out, but she hoped it would be done in a measured way.

“I think that the BOP is quick to try to transfer accountability and move accountability elsewhere as the way to remedy the issue. And that would mean, you know, moving people quickly without addressing people’s needs right now.” Many of the incarcerated women have physical and mental health issues that need to be dealt with, she said, while other inmates might be considered for release.

A former Dublin inmate who is a whistleblower in the civil lawsuit said Monday that the abruptly announced closure “just feels wrong” because it undermines the long process of getting justice for the women who endured abuse and appalling conditions.

“We’ve worked so hard to get a special master in there to clean house, so to speak,” said the woman, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of her status as a whistleblower in an ongoing lawsuit. The AP doesn’t name victims of sexual abuse without their consent. “And pretty much the minute after that happened, they say they’re just going to close it down.”

She said it would be inhumane to transfer hundreds of inmates to prisons across the country, away from their families. “What the women have gone through at this facility, the abuse they suffered, that was punishment,” she said. “They’re all low security. Send them home, send them to supervised relief. Let them be productive members of society.”

On Monday, two buses moved around the parking lot of FCI Dublin. Prison staff moved baggage and carts of supplies between the buildings and buses. An AP reporter did not see any inmates leaving the facility.

A history of abuse allegations — and convictions

Last month, the FBI again searched the prison and the Bureau of Prisons again shook up its leadership after a warden sent to help rehabilitate the facility was accused of retaliating against a whistleblower inmate. Days later, a federal judge overseeing lawsuits against the prison, said she would appoint a special master to oversee the facility’s operations.

An AP investigation in 2021 found a culture of abuse and cover-ups that had persisted for years at the prison. That reporting led to increased scrutiny from Congress and pledges from the Bureau of Prisons that it would fix problems and change the culture at the prison.

Since 2021, at least eight FCI Dublin employees have been charged with sexually abusing inmates. Five have pleaded guilty. Two were convicted at trial, including the former warden, Ray Garcia. Another case is pending.

All sexual activity between a prison worker and an inmate is illegal. Correctional employees have substantial power over inmates, controlling every aspect of their lives from mealtime to lights out, and there is no scenario in which an inmate can give consent.

Inmate advocates worry that some of the safety concerns at FCI Dublin could persist at the other women’s prisons. “The problem isn’t solved by shipping these girls to new facilities,” said another former Dublin inmate and whistleblower who spoke on condition of anonymity. “These facilities still have the same issues.”

Montes said the civil litigation will continue despite the imminent closure.

“The BOP is the defendant in the case. It’s not FCI Dublin,” she said. “And so we are in the mindset that this did not end our case — that they still have a responsibility to our clients to keep them safe.”

The Associated Press

Federal women's prison in California plagued by rampant sexual abuse to close

A Northern California women's prison that has been under scrutiny and investigation over allegations of systemic sexual abuse will close despite efforts to reform the facility's culture of abuse, according to the Federal Bureau of Prisons.

The planned closure of Federal Correctional Institution, Dublin follows a string of criminal indictments of prison employees who have been accused of exploiting their authority and sexually abusing inmates in their custody. FCI Dublin, about 39 miles southeast of San Francisco, is one of the nation's 122 federal prisons and one of the few all-female prisons in the federal system.

In a statement to USA TODAY on Tuesday, Bureau of Prisons Director Colette Peters said the agency had "taken unprecedented steps and provided a tremendous amount of resources to address culture, recruitment and retention, aging infrastructure − and most critical − employee misconduct" at FCI Dublin.

"Despite these steps and resources, we have determined that FCI Dublin is not meeting expected standards and that the best course of action is to close the facility," Peters said. "This decision is being made after ongoing evaluation of the effectiveness of those unprecedented steps and additional resources."

An investigation by The Associated Press in 2022 found that FCI Dublin was dubbed the "rape club" by inmates and employees because of the persistent sexual abuse committed by those in power at the prison. For years, inmates had accused members of the mostly male staff of sexual misconduct and expressed fear of retaliation for making allegations against staff.

Plans for FCI Dublin's closure are ongoing, according to Peters, who noted that the closure may be temporary "but certainly will result in a mission change." The women now housed at the prison will be transferred to other facilities, Peters said, and no employees will lose their jobs as a result of the closure.

'A stunning turnabout': Voters and lawmakers across US move to reverse criminal justice reform

Numerous FCI Dublin employees charged with sexual misconduct

At least eight employees at FCI Dublin have been charged with federal crimes involving sexual misconduct since 2021. A 2022 Senate report detailing sexual abuse of female inmates in federal prisons found that employees at FCI Dublin − including the warden and chaplain − had repeatedly sexually abused inmates under their supervision.

Last month, former correctional officer Nakie Nunley was sentenced to six years in prison after he admitted engaging in sexual acts and other misconduct with multiple inmates, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. Nunley said that between March 2020 and November 2021, he engaged in sexual acts and contact with five inmates.

He also retaliated against inmates who spoke out about his misconduct, including threatening an inmate that she could get transferred to another facility and lose her job, according to Nunley's plea agreement.

In January, former recycling technician Ross Klinger was sentenced to five years of supervised release with one year of home confinement after he pleaded guilty to sexually abusing inmates, the Justice Department said. According to the factual statement in support of Klinger's guilty plea, Klinger had sex with three inmates between March and October 2020 who at the time were under his supervision.

Klinger later became a government informant in cases against other prison employees, including the former warden, KTVU reported .

Last November, former federal correctional officer Andrew Jones was sentenced to eight years in prison. Jones had sexually abused multiple female inmates and made false statements while he was a correctional officer at FCI Dublin, according to the Justice Department. Another former federal correctional officer, John Bellhouse , was sentenced to five years in prison last December, the Justice Department added.

The prison's former warden, Ray Garcia , was sentenced to six years in prison in March 2023. Garcia was convicted of sexually abusive conduct against three inmates and making false statements to government agents.

According to the Justice Department, Garcia abused inmates from December 2019 until July 2021 and tried to prevent his victims from coming forward by boasting that he could "never be fired." Garcia was allowed to retire from his position.

About two months later, former federal correctional officer Darrell Smith was charged with aggravated sexual abuse after he was accused of abusing three female inmates between May 2019 and May 2021. In 2022, former prison chaplain James Theodore Highhouse was sentenced to seven years in prison after he pleaded guilty to repeatedly sexually abusing an inmate and lying to federal agents about the misconduct, the Justice Department said.

Enrique Chavez, a cook supervisor, also pleaded guilty to sexually abusing an inmate in 2022, the Justice Department said. Chavez was sentenced to 20 months in prison in February 2023.

Sexual abuse in federal prisons across the country

Sexual abuse of adult inmates is a persistent problem in jails and prisons across the United States. Thousands of inmate-on-inmate and staff-on-inmate incidents were reported from 2016 through 2018, according to a  special report by the Justice Department released in 2023.

Over those three years, adult correctional authorities reported more than 2,600 incidents of inmate-on-inmate sexual victimization and more than 2,200 incidents by staff, the report says. "Most (62% or 1,643) inmate-on-inmate incidents involved abusive sexual contact, whereas most (69% or 1,549) staff-on-inmate incidents involved staff sexual misconduct," according to the report.

In the 2022 Senate report, officials said female inmates "endured ongoing sexual abuse for months or years" in at least four Bureau of Prison facilities. Four facilities in New York, Florida, and California − including FCI Dublin − had recurring cases of sexual abuse of female inmates by male employees between 2012 and 2022.

Contributing: Tami Abdollah

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Bureau of Prisons to close California women’s prison where inmates have been subjected to sex abuse

FILE - The Federal Correctional Institution stands in Dublin, Calif., Dec. 5, 2022. The federal Bureau of Prisons says it is planning to close a women’s prison in California known as the “rape club” despite attempts to reform the troubled facility after an Associated Press investigation exposed rampant staff-on-inmate sexual abuse. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu, File)

The Federal Correctional Institution is seen in Dublin, Calif., Monday, April 15, 2024. The beleaguered federal Bureau of Prisons said Monday it will close a women’s prison in California known as the “rape club” despite attempts to reform the troubled facility after an Associated Press investigation exposed rampant staff-on-inmate sexual abuse. (AP Photo/Terry Chea)

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LOS ANGELES (AP) — The beleaguered federal Bureau of Prisons said Monday it will close a women’s prison in California known as the “rape club” despite attempts to reform the troubled facility after an Associated Press investigation exposed rampant staff-on-inmate sexual abuse.

Bureau of Prisons Director Colette Peters said in a statement to the AP that the agency had “taken unprecedented steps and provided a tremendous amount of resources to address culture, recruitment and retention, aging infrastructure and — most critical — employee misconduct.”

“Despite these steps and resources, we have determined that FCI Dublin is not meeting expected standards and that the best course of action is to close the facility,” Peters said. “This decision is being made after ongoing evaluation of the effectiveness of those unprecedented steps and additional resources.”

The announcement of Dublin’s closure represents an extraordinary acknowledgement by the Bureau of Prisons that its much-promised efforts to improve the culture and environment there have not worked. Many attempts to stem the problems at Dublin have come after the AP investigation revealed a pattern of abuse and mismanagement that crossed years, even decades.

Just 10 days before the closure announcement, a federal judge took the unprecedented step of appointing a special master to oversee the prison .

ADVOCATES WANT PRISONERS FREED

FCI Dublin, about 21 miles (34 kilometers) east of Oakland, is one of six women-only federal prisons and the only one west of the Rocky Mountains. It currently houses 605 inmates — 504 inmates in its main prison and another 101 at an adjacent minimum-security camp. That figure is down from a total of 760 prisoners in February 2022.

The women currently housed at the prison will be transferred to other facilities, Peters said, and no employees will lose their jobs.

Advocates have called for inmates to be freed from FCI Dublin, which they say is not only plagued by sexual abuse but also has hazardous mold, asbestos and inadequate health care.

Last August, eight FCI Dublin inmates sued the Bureau of Prisons , or BOP, alleging the agency had failed to root out sexual abuse. Amaris Montes, a lawyer for the plaintiffs, had said inmates continued to face retaliation for reporting abuse, including being put in solitary confinement and having belongings confiscated.

Montes said she and her clients had suspected closure might be a possibility, but the suddenness of the decision so quickly after the special master appointment came as a shock. “It’s a signal that the prison knows that they are not meeting constitutional standards to keep people safe from sexual assault and sexual harassment,” Montes said Monday.

Montes said timing on the closure and transfer of inmates was still being worked out, but she hoped it would be done in a measured way.

“I think that the BOP is quick to try to transfer accountability and move accountability elsewhere as the way to remedy the issue. And that would mean, you know, moving people quickly without addressing people’s needs right now.” Many of the incarcerated women have physical and mental health issues that need to be dealt with, she said, while other inmates might be considered for release.

A former Dublin inmate who is a whistleblower in the civil lawsuit said Monday that the abruptly announced closure “just feels wrong” because it undermines the long process of getting justice for the women who endured abuse and appalling conditions.

“We’ve worked so hard to get a special master in there to clean house, so to speak,” said the woman, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of her status as a whistleblower in an ongoing lawsuit. The AP doesn’t name victims of sexual abuse without their consent. “And pretty much the minute after that happened, they say they’re just going to close it down.”

She said it would be inhumane to transfer hundreds of inmates to prisons across the country, away from their families. “What the women have gone through at this facility, the abuse they suffered, that was punishment,” she said. “They’re all low security. Send them home, send them to supervised relief. Let them be productive members of society.”

On Monday, two buses moved around the parking lot of FCI Dublin. Prison staff moved baggage and carts of supplies between the buildings and buses. An AP reporter did not see any inmates leaving the facility.

A HISTORY OF ABUSE ALLEGATIONS — AND CONVICTIONS

Last month, the FBI again searched the prison and the Bureau of Prisons again shook up its leadership after a warden sent to help rehabilitate the facility was accused of retaliating against a whistleblower inmate . Days later, a federal judge overseeing lawsuits against the prison, said she would appoint a special master to oversee the facility’s operations .

An AP investigation in 2021 found a culture of abuse and cover-ups that had persisted for years at the prison. That reporting led to increased scrutiny from Congress and pledges from the Bureau of Prisons that it would fix problems and change the culture at the prison.

Since 2021, at least eight FCI Dublin employees have been charged with sexually abusing inmates. Five have pleaded guilty. Two were convicted at trial, including the former warden, Ray Garcia . Another case is pending.

All sexual activity between a prison worker and an inmate is illegal. Correctional employees have substantial power over inmates, controlling every aspect of their lives from mealtime to lights out, and there is no scenario in which an inmate can give consent.

Inmate advocates worry that some of the safety concerns at FCI Dublin could persist at the other women’s prisons. “The problem isn’t solved by shipping these girls to new facilities,” said another former Dublin inmate and whistleblower who spoke on condition of anonymity. “These facilities still have the same issues.”

Montes said the civil litigation will continue despite the imminent closure.

“The BOP is the defendant in the case. It’s not FCI Dublin,” she said. “And so we are in the mindset that this did not end our case — that they still have a responsibility to our clients to keep them safe.”

Sisak and Balsamo reported from New York. Follow Sisak at x.com/mikesisak and Balsamo at x.com/MikeBalsamo1 and send confidential tips by visiting https://www.ap.org/tips/ . Associated Press journalist Terry Chea in Dublin, California, contributed to this report.

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US federal women’s prison plagued by rampant staff sexual abuse to close

Since 2021, eight employees of Federal Correctional Institution in Dublin, California, charged with assaulting female prisoners

The US Bureau of Prisons (BoP) is closing a federal women’s prison in California that has been plagued by rampant staff sexual abuse of incarcerated residents.

Colette Peters, the BoP director, said in a statement to the Associated Press on Monday that Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) Dublin was “not meeting expected standards and that the best course of action is to close the facility”.

The unusual closure announcement follows a series of criminal trials of former correctional officers found to have repeatedly sexually abused women in their custody at FCI Dublin, located 21 miles east of Oakland. A 2022 AP investigation also revealed that the facility was known among staff and residents as the “rape club” due to the widespread sexual violence by officers.

Peters said the BoP had “taken unprecedented steps and provided a tremendous amount of resources to address culture, recruitment and retention, aging infrastructure – and most critical – employee misconduct”. The decision to shutter the embattled prison, she said, was “made after ongoing evaluation of the effectiveness of those unprecedented steps and additional resources”.

FCI Dublin is one of six women-only federal prisons in the US, and the only one in the west. It currently incarcerates 605 people who will be transferred to other facilities, Peters said. No employees will be losing their jobs. “The closure of the institution may be temporary but certainly will result in a mission change,” she added.

Eight FCI Dublin employees have been charged with sexually abusing incarcerated women since 2021, according to the AP. Five have pleaded guilty and two were convicted at trial, including Ray Garcia, the former warden who ran the facility. One case is still pending.

Advocates for the incarcerated residents have said the abuse documented in the criminal proceedings does not capture the full extent of the extensive misconduct, and eight FCI Dublin residents sued the BoP last year. Their complaint alleged that incarcerated residents continued to face severe retaliation for reporting sexual misconduct, including being placed in solitary confinement.

Last year, the Guardian reported on the case of a former FCI Dublin resident who reported being sexually abused by multiple guards, but after completing her sentence was transferred to US immigration custody threatened with deportation. Advocates said last year that several survivors of sexual abuse in the prison were deported and that dozens more were threatened with removal from the US.

Susan Beaty, senior attorney for the California Collaborative for Immigrant Justice, who has represented survivors of FCI abuse, said the closure was long overdue, but that the news had caused a lot of stress and confusion inside the facility. The residents have been given a single bag for their belongings and were bracing for moves that could send them far away from their families, they said: “The BoP has already put the folks at Dublin through so much, and the scene unfolding right now in the prison is one of chaos and pandemonium.”

The news also comes after a US judge earlier this month appointed a special master to oversee FCI Dublin, the first time that has been done for the BoP. “[The] BoP was quite resistant to that and we’re concerned the closure is an attempt to evade that kind of accountability and oversight,” Beaty said. “The special master was on the ground last week and folks on the inside were encouraged and optimistic about the kinds of changes that might be coming.”

The judge on Monday ordered the BoP to halt any transfers until the bureau determined whether residents should be sent to another prison, released to home confinement or a halfway house or be granted compassionate release. The special master will review the transfer plans.

Beaty said they were further concerned that bureau would not be terminating any officers – “the same staff that have been running Dublin and participating in this really harmful culture”.

Peters said the BoP “for safety and security reasons” would not be sharing details about the timing of transfers, but that each woman’s “programming needs will be taken into account” and that the BoP would “endeavor to keep them as close to their release locations as possible and ensure that they have access to counsel at their receiving institution”.

One incarcerated Dublin resident, who requested anonymity for fear of retaliation, said on Monday that the uncertainty was causing significant anguish: “All of the sudden, they’re yelling at us to go to your cell, things are going to change, we’re going to take people out, pack up this one bag ... They’re not communicating with us, we’re just living in darkness.”

Another resident said she cried as she watched her best friend be driven away and that she feared people would be transferred to facilities with similar misconduct problems. She said: “[I wish] they would try to fix what’s going on here instead of not hearing us and taking us and putting us somewhere else … I feel like that’s re-traumatizing all of us.”

FCI Dublin is one of many women’s prisons in the US to be plagued with major sexual abuse scandals. The two state women’s prisons in California have also faced repeated controversies surrounding guards harassing and assaulting residents , and retaliating against those who speak out. One former state guard was charged last year with nearly 100 sexual abuse counts , accused of violating at least 22 women in custody.

In 2022, the US Senate reported that staff had sexually abused women in custody in at least two-thirds of BoP facilities, finding that some women were abused for months or years on end.

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• Rape and sexual assault

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