Kilmainham Gaol is one of the largest unoccupied gaols in Europe, covering some of the most heroic and tragic events in Ireland's emergence as a modern nation from 1780s to the 1920s, including the execution of 14 leaders of the 1916 Rising.

The gaol is currently undergoing extensive renovations in advance of the Centenury of the 1916 Rising and, as some areas will be closed to visitors,  admittance is at a reduced rate of only €4.

Attractions include a major exhibition detailing the political and penal history of the prison and its restoration. The tour of the prison includes an audio-visual show. Tours may be arranged for visitors with special needs by prior arrangement.

Access is by guided tour only and take about one hour. It gets very cold in the winter so wear warm clothes.