Tarbert Bridewell
Courthouse & Jail Museum
Step back in time with us at Tarbert Bridewell. Built in 1831, for more than 100 years Tarbert stood as the county’s courthouse and jail. Symbolic of the harsh inefficiently cruel justice system of 19th Century Ireland, Tarbert now houses an informative and immersive showcase of what is was like to live in 1800s Kerry.
Understand Irish history through Tarbert Bridewell’s life-size re-enactments and new audio-visual experience. Be enraptured by the numerous tales of hardship, suffering and loss. Explore the jail cells of Tarbert where people slept and the courthouse where they were trialled. Hear the stories of our past. We dare you not to learn something new!
the trial of
Thomas Dillon,
unjustly sentenced
under British Rule
the trial of
Thomas Dillon,
unjustly sentenced
under British Rule
“On the way from Tralee to Limerick we visited this
little gem. Restored after a local initiative and taken
care of by volunteers this gives a good impression of
these kind of prisons in Ireland and their context.”
Don’t just take our word for it, see what others have said
Jeroen, Rotterdam
"What a different world we live in - 7 days in prison for trespass or
sent to Australia for minor theft - how times have changed -
very educational and great for children"
Don’t just take our word for it, see what others have said
Kenneth, Southhampton
"Really well restored building and interesting
interactive displays of the prisoners, jailkeeper,
and court house. Worth the stop, and only takes
about 45 mins to see everything"
Don’t just take our word for it, see what others have said
Bradford S, New York
“On the way from Tralee to Limerick
we visited this little gem. Restored
after a local initiative and taken care of
by volunteers this gives a good
impression of these kind of prisons
in Ireland and their context.”
Don’t just take our word for it,
see what others have said
Jeroen, Rotterdam
"What a different world we live in
- 7 days in prison for trespass or
sent to Australia for minor theft
- how times have changed -
very educational and great for children"
Kenneth, Southhampton
Don’t just take our word for it,
see what others have said
"Really well restored building and
interesting interactive displays of the
prisoners, jailkeeper, and court house.
Worth the stop, and only takes
about 45 mins to see everything"
Bradford S, New York
Don’t just take our word for it,
see what others have said