The proposal for a city gaol in Cork originated with an act of Parliament in 1804. The actual complex did not open to accept inmates until 1824.
Sir Thomas Deane, the gaol’s architect, fashioned the structure in Georgian Gothic style, and its appearance is more reminiscent of a castle than a prison complex
The Cork City Gaol housed a long list of inmates until it was closed in 1923
Inside the protective shell of its outer walls, the main building forms a shape like the letter H
Heritage Centre
The gaol building contains authentic furnished cells, complete with lifelike wax figures
Audiovisuals along the tour tell the stories of individual prisoners
It is said that some went mad because of the practices of isolating prisoners in an environment of complete silence, said to allow them more complete contemplation of their actions
The tour is available in 8 languages, and the museum offers tours and lectures for private and educational groups
Radio Museum
The Governor’s House, located in the center of the complex, now hosts the Radio Museum, the former headquarters of 6CK Cork Broadcasting System
The station opened in April of 1927 in the vacant gaol building, an optimal choice as it was secure and situated high upon a hillside
Another part of the building was occupied by Radio Eireann, the national public broadcaster , beginning in the 1950s
The proposal for a city gaol in Cork originated with an act of Parliament in 1804. The actual complex did not open to accept inmates until 1824.
