Wicklow Gaol re-opens to the public after being forced to close for three months

WICKLOW’S Historical Gaol is back open to the public and once again welcoming visitors.

There has been a gaol located on the Wicklow town site since the late eighteenth century.

Prisoners were held at Wicklow Gaol during the 1798 Rebellion and the Great Famine, as well as many held there prior to penal transportation.

Wicklow Gaol was forced to close in March after the outbreak of Covid-19 but the lifting of phase three restrictions on Monday, June 29, allowed the gaol to open its doors to the public for the first time in months.

Colleen Taylor, Supervisor, said: ‘Things are a little different but we are delighted to be back open again.

The same opening hours apply, 10.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m., and we have all the Covid-19 precautions are in place, including hand sanitizers.

‘Families can stick to themselves and won’t be put in other groups. A family of four can go to the waiting room where they will be informed of the gaol’s history for around 15 or so minutes.

‘They can then take their own tour by following the numbers, which is how we operated before lockdown anyway. Our ‘Gates of Hell’ virtual experience is back running again as well.

‘If people could book through the website, that would be great as it would do away with the need to handle cash, but we won’t be turning anyone away and people can simply walk in.

‘We also have plenty of free parking for anyone taking part in our tours.’

The Jailer’s Rest Cafe, Wine Bar and Bistro located in Wicklow Gaol also welcomed back customers from Monday, June 29.