“We are delighted to have been entrusted with the operation of Wicklow Gaol,” said Edward Horgan of Coredale Limited, as the historic site prepares to welcome visitors again.
The historic Wicklow Gaol is due to reopen its doors this month following a programme of refurbishment and the appointment of a new operator. Wicklow County Council announced that Coredale Limited secured a two-year lease to manage the popular tourist attraction in Wicklow town after completing a public procurement process.
Originally opening its doors as a tourist attraction in 1998 following a major 1990s restoration, the physical complex carries a grim lineage stretching back to 1702 before finally ceasing operations as a functioning prison in 1924. Over the past year, the local authority poured substantial investment into future-proofing the aging structural fabric.
“Wicklow County Council has invested heavily in future-proofing this site, ensuring that the structural fabric, emergency management systems and sustainable infrastructure match the highest modern standards,” said Emer O’Gorman, Chief Executive of Wicklow County Council.
Upgrades to the sprawling property include an overhauled electrical grid, fire safety enhancements, window repairs, and a brand-new roof covering the main tower and flat roof sections. Workers also installed an eco-friendly heating boiler running on Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil, alongside a dedicated courtyard event space featuring a new access door from the upper car park, a built-in toilet block, and a dedicated electrical supply.
The phased reopening schedule begins on the grounds before unlocking the interior cells. A Christmas market will launch in the outdoor courtyard on November 21, running every weekend through December 20, while guided tours of the gaol itself kick off on November 27 to operate seven days a week.
Exhibitions inside the facility chronicle major milestones in Irish history, including the 1798 Rebellion, the Great Famine, the Irish War of Independence, and the Civil War. Management intends to pair these educational offerings with commercial hospitality.
“Our plans include tours, monthly markets and a varied programme of summer and seasonal events, beginning with Christmas at Wicklow Gaol,” Horgan told RTÉ, adding that the Governor’s Table Café will open shortly after the holiday market gets underway.
The newly outfitted courtyard event space is designed to host weddings and private celebrations alongside public gatherings. Wicklow County Council stated that the refreshed layout is specifically positioned to reinforce the site’s status as a regional economic driver.
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