Visit to Cork City Gaol Heritage Centre

Part 2 of our fact finding mission to Cork was a visit to Cork City Gaol Heritage Centre. The Gaol dates to the same period opening in 1824 a year after Sligo Gaol.

In 1870 the west wing was remodelled into a double sided cell wing & in 1878 under the General Prisons (Ireland) Act, the Gaol became an all female prison which it remained until male anti-treaty supporters were incarcerated in 1922/1923. The Gaol closed in August 1923 with all remaining prisoners either released or transferred to other Gaols.

Whilst Sligo Gaol is polygonal in plan both Gaols have the governors house situated in the centre with the male and female wings located on either side.

Thank you to our guide Siobhan for giving us a thoroughly informed and interesting tour. Thank you also to Elizabeth Kearns, the former manager of Cork City Gaol, who took the time to tell us about their experiences conserving the building and opening it to the public as a very successful visitor attraction.

See www.corkcitygaol.com for more details