| Experience a Day in the Life of Cork
City Gaol Located 2km north west of Patrick Street, this magnificent
castle-like building is a major and unique visitor attraction in Cork City.
Despite its majestic appearance, the prison housed 19th century prisoners,
often in wretched conditions, and was also the unlikely setting for a broadcasting
studio in the early part of last century.
The main Gaol building is contained within an oval enclosure; the very
high retaining walls ensuring no escape.
Visitors taking the Gaol tour present themselves to the Governor, before
visiting cell wings furnished with amazingly life-like wax figures and with
fascinating sound effects and exhibitions, experiencing daily life for both
prisoners and Gaoler. Wandering through the wings of the Gaol, the atmosphere
suggests you are being accompanied by the shuffling feet of inmates, each
representing their particular period in Irish history, from pre-famine times
to the foundation of the State. Original graffiti on cell walls tell the
inner-most feelings of some inmates, while a very spectacular sound and
image presentation tells the social history and contrasting lifestyles of
19th century Cork and why some people turned to crime.
The Radio Museum is uniquely situated in the original Cork Broadcasting
Station, 6CK. In addition to seeing the magical artefacts of early broadcasting,
the areas surrounding the original studio house a permanent interactive
exhibition dealing with Marconi and the birth of radio, notable Irish and
World events and broadcasting personalities.
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