Wicklow's Historic Gaol

25/09/2025

Wicklow's Historic Gaol is closed from the 26th September 2025 until further notice.

For further information contact [email protected]

10/09/2025

Dear Valued Customers,

After 16 years of welcoming thousands of Local, National & International visitors to Wicklow Historic Gaol, our time operating the Gaol for the community draws to an end.

We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you. Your support, curiosity, and enthusiasm have made our journey truly unforgettable.

From all of us at Wicklow Gaol, goodbye and thank you for being part of our story & the Gaol’s history.
🧡💛 The Wicklow Gaol Team 🧡💛

but we’re still here until 26th September! Don’t miss your chance to step inside history one last time with us. We can’t wait to welcome you!

05/09/2025

🇮🇪 Billy Byrne of Ballymanus – local hero of the 1798 Rebellion – was imprisoned in Wicklow Gaol

05/09/2025

04/09/2025

Prison Reform - The Bell System
Wicklow Gaol’s bell system indicated which prisoners required the attention of staff. It was another improvement resulting from prison reform.

The system consisted of a network of cables running over the cell doors via a metallic conduct and feeding into the side of each door. A lever inside each cell connected to the cable network and triggered the main bell hammer. This opened up a metallic flap outside the cell to indicate which cell required attention.

04/09/2025

Michael Dwyer talk returns at , Wed 10th September at 8:00pm!

Due to popular demand, we are delighted to announce that author and historian Chris Lawlor will once again present his fascinating talk, 'The Wicklow Chief: Captain Michael Dwyer of Imaal.'

Michael Dwyer’s guerrilla campaign in the Wicklow Mountains made him almost legendary. This bicentennial lecture on the famous Wicklow rebel and post-1798 leader examines both the reality and the folklore surrounding Dwyer and evaluates the legacy of the Wicklow Chief.

Chris first delivered this talk as part of the 200th anniversary commemoration of Michael Dwyer’s death—the event was so well-attended and enjoyed that we’re bringing it back!

Join us as Chris brings to life the story of Captain Michael Dwyer, the famed Wicklow Chief, exploring his role in history and enduring legacy.

29/08/2025

🔥 Gates of Hell – Ireland’s Premier Virtual Reality Tour 🔥
Step inside the Gaol… if you dare.

⏱️ 19 mins 45 secs of spine-tingling immersion
👻 3 true stories from the Gaol’s dark past
🎧 360° VR inside real prison cells

History comes alive like never before – feel every moment, see every shadow.

🎟️ Book your experience now – if you’re brave enough...

https://www.wicklowshistoricgaol.com/gates-of-hell-virtual-tour/

Gates of Hell Virtual Reality Tour Irelands Premier Virtual Reality experience, lasting 19mins 45secs. Guest are transported back in time & immersed 360 degrees in 3 unique stories from the Gaol history, set

28/08/2025

👻 Step into Wicklow’s Haunted History!
Visit Wicklow’s Historic Gaol for a fun, family-friendly day tour!

🔐 Meet Mary the Matron
🚪 Get locked in by the Gaoler
🚢 Board the convict ship HMS Hercules

Spooky stories, rich history & plenty of surprises await!

📍 Wicklow Town |
🎟️ Book now:

Step into the past with a tour of Wicklow’s Historic Gaol. Meet Mary Morris the Matron, for a picture of daily life in a Victorian prison. The gruff Gaoler will es**rt you to your prison cell before boarding the convict

28/08/2025

😍🌈

Celebrating the power of a single shot to capture nature’s magic – like this breathtaking moment in Wicklow 🌈

📸 [IG]

28/08/2025

22/08/2025

Visitors at the Gaol today, direct descendants of Vesty Byrne and Michael Dwyer

Kathy Blake and Geoff Sims with our Amazing Matron Sarah

22/08/2025

🎒 Summer holidays are nearly over – but there’s still time for one last adventure!
Bring the kids to Wicklow Gaol and step into 300 years of chilling history, fascinating stories, and interactive exhibits. 👻

👻 Head to Wicklow Gaol before the school term begins – history, mystery, and a whole lot of fun await!

⏰ Open daily | 🧭 Located in the heart of Wicklow Town | 🎟️ No booking required for day tours

👉 Don’t miss your chance to experience one of Ireland’s most haunted historic sites before the school bell rings!

https://www.wicklowshistoricgaol.com/tickets/