Calls to open former Cobh prison

Historian says the almost forgotten underground facility could be a major draw for tourists, writes Sean O’Riordan

APLEA has been made to open up “a forgotten” underground prison built in a Co Cork town during the Famine which housed tens of thousands of prisoners, including many children under 12.

The formerly named Queenstown Bridewell Prison in Cobh, was opened in 1845, but forgotten by generations until its existence re-emerged in 1992 when it was discovered after a “sink hole” opened up on the public road outside St Coleman’s Cathedral.