Mountjoy Prison (founded as Mountjoy Gaol) is a closed medium security prison located in Phibsboro in Dublin city centre, Ireland.

It was designed by military engineer Joshua Jebb and opened in 1850. Some Irish leaders during the Anglo-Irish War were held there. Kevin Barry was among those executed at the prison.

On October 31 1973 it was the scene of a spectacular escape by helicopter by three Provisional IRA prisoners, including Seamus Twomey. ^*

The prison governor is John Lonergan.

In 2005 the Minister for Justice Michael McDowell announced that the prison was to be closed and replaced with a new prison complex in Thorntown, County Dublin. However the new site and plans have been beset with planning and other problems.

see also

Helicopter prison escapes from Mountjoy Prison

External links

• Mountjoy Prison
• Minister announces site for new Mountjoy complex — from the official Irish Prison Service website
• Ariel view with Google Maps

Buildings and structures in Dublin | Prisons in the Republic of Ireland | 1850 establishments