Introduction
Sligo Gaol was open in 1823.
Sligo Gaol could hold 200 inmates.
The prison has its own hospital wing, surgery, dispensary, cookhouse, furnace, clothing store and school.
It was a polygon shaped building until one half was knocked down.
FUN FACTS
While the Gaol has been unoccupied by humans for many years there are still some Jail Birds. The roof space is infested by pigeons.
The county council bought the Gaol to build a Fire Station. The people across the road protested about the destruction of the building so half the gate and building is left.
Famous Inmate
Michael Collins was a soldier and politician who was a leading figure in the struggle for Irish independence in the early 20th century.
In 1918, Michael Collins complained he could not sleep because of the hardness of the mattress during his brief stay in Sligo Gaol.
Family Connections
Kate’s Great Grandfather was called John Francis Moody. He was the last Governor of Sligo Gaol. He was known as “Pops” to his family. Pops was born on 30th June 1898 to Parent James Moody and Ellen Hawkins. He was baptised on 4th July 1898 in the parish of St Michael in Limerick.
As a young prison officer he was sent from Port Laois to work in Sligo Gaol. He stayed in Sligo town and met Christina Cawley. They married and had a family. The family including Kates Grandad Gerry, lived in the Governors house at Sligo Gaol.
Last changed: Jun 20 2017 at 10:28 PM
