Wicklow Gaol to be shut for Halloween with reopening date not set

By Hugh O'Farrell Walsh, The Wicklow People

Wicklow County Council has confirmed that Wicklow Gaol will not reopen before the end of the year.

The amenity has closed its doors to facilitate essential renovations and upgrades that will help to ensure that the gaol remains a key tourism and heritage attraction in the county.

As the contract with the current operator, Wicklow Historic Gaol CLG, under the guidance of Wicklow Enterprise Park, comes to an end, council officials have commissioned a Conservation Management Plan that will inform a schedule of improvement works at the site.

Initial efforts will address leaks and essential repairs, along with some external maintenance.

Currently, Wicklow County Council is engaged in a procurement process to select a new operator to manage the building, who will aim to update the current exhibition and create new themed events for seasonal activities such as Halloween and Christmas.

The plan also involves maximising food and drink opportunities, as well as retail options.

Following the procurement process and improvement works, it is anticipated that Wicklow Gaol will reopen within a few months, ready for the next summer tourist season. This rules out any reopening in time for Halloween, or the pre-festive period.

Emer O’Gorman, chief executive of Wicklow County Council says the short break is an opportunity for Wicklow County Council to give extra focus and attention to the gaol

“On behalf of Wicklow County Council, I would like to thank Wicklow Enterprise Centre for looking after the gaol over the last years."

“We are now working to have the gaol ready to maximise its various opportunities to the benefit of the community, the town and the county.”

Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council, Cllr Melanie Corrigan also welcomed the changes to Wicklow Gaol and paid tribute to the community and various stakeholders, including Wicklow County Tourism, Wicklow Chamber of Commerce and Wicklow Historic Gaol CLG, for their “ongoing support during this transitional period”.