City Gaol

It is always unusual when a prison is considered as a sight. This relates to Cork.

Looking at the beautiful building in Georgian style with Gothic features, it is hard to imagine that the thieves, killers, and frauds were imprisoned there. The walls are made of red sandstone. The Gothic building and the park around seem to be a home of knights than prisoners. 

The authorities build the new prison instead of the former one. To the end of the 18th century, it was overloaded, and those who were condemned there lived in unsanitary conditions. Surprisingly, that building was placed in the center of the city. In 20 years, a new prison was built on the outskirts.

Though the prison was new and was not functioning too long, people feel ill at ease there. It is quite terrifying, but also interesting to know, which mysteries are locked in inside. 

People were sent to the new prison for crimes made in the city. If a man stole a wallet in the village – “Welcome to the county prison!”. 

At the end of the 19th century, the prison became more comfortable and convenient for living if we can use these adjectives for describing that place. The western wing was rebuilt. It became more spacious and brighter, and the authorities decided to make it a women’s prison.

It was open for just 100 years, and then became abandoned. No one was expecting, but in 1927 in place of City Goal, the Museum of Radio appeared. But it also was not open for a long time. Some citizens assume that it was because of prisoners’ ghosts. The guides tell that the voices of convicts, jingle of chains and jailers' keys are still can be heard in the prison’s corridors.

People say they appear at night. That is why you are recommended to take a night excursion!