Tarbert Bridewell Courthouse & Jail

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Step back in time with us at Tarbert Bridewell. Built in 1831, for more than 100 years Tarbert Bridewell stood as the county’s courthouse and jail. Symbolic of the harsh and inefficiently cruel justice system of 19th Century Ireland, Tarbert Bridewell now houses an informative and immersive showcase of what is was like to live in 1800’s 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! At Tarbert Bridewell, wander through prison cells, a 19th century court room and exercise yard. All are welcome to our exhibition which details the trials and tribulations of riveting moments in Irish history; the Famine, the rise of the Land League and the beginnings of Irish nationalism. Also a part of Tarbert is a room dedicated to Thomas Mac Greevey, the poety, art and literary critic and director of the National Gallery of Ireland, who was born in Tarbert. Learn of his life and many more.

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