Wicklow's Historic Gaol is a major visitor attraction open in Wicklow Town.

The concept of developing the Old Gaol which is situated at the southern end of Wicklow Town, beside the Courthouse, (where many of the inmates were tried and sentenced), and adjacent to Market Square.as a visitors centre’ emerged in 1985 when a Gaol advisory group was established by Wicklow County Council. A recommendation from that group to turn the Gaol into a heritage centre was positively adopted by the members of the County Council.

Efforts to fund the restoration began immediately and assistance was granted by Bord Failte through EU structural funds.

A £2 million restoration and interpretative plan was carried out by Wicklow County Council to develop the old County Gaol.

The restoration of Wicklow’s Historic Gaol was carried out in two phases. Phase one involved the physical renovation of the building which commenced with the re-roofing of the cell block in the early 1990s. this work was carried out by the Council’s own Direct Labour Construction Unit. This phase was completed in 1994.

Phase two, the fitting out of the interpretive elements, began in September 1997 and was finished in April 1998.

There has been a Gaol on this site since 1702 and it remained active until 1924. During this time thousands of prisoners, young and old, men, women and children, guilty and innocent passed through its doors. The story of Wicklow's Historic Gaol is their story.

The interpretative design relates the history of the Gaol through the eyes of its inmates. Key periods covered the 1798 Rebellion, the Famine, Life in Gaol during the 18th and 19th Centuries and Transportation to the Penal Colonies of Australia.

The exhibition uses a unique combination of audio-visual material, interactive displays, reconstruction and drama. Visitors to the Gaol will meet characters from the Gaol's past who bring history vividly to life and involve them in the amazing stories of these turbulent times.