Prison Visits Information
The Irish Prison Service is committed to making visiting a prison as easy as possible for visitors. The Prison Service understands the importance of helping prison maintain and develop relationships with family and friends and is committed to enhancing where possible, and subject to appropriate security considerations, the visiting facilities and regimes for prisoners. All visitors should note the following,
A minimum of 48hrs notice must be given when booking. A visit is not confirmed until a receipt email is received confirming date and time of intended visit from the prison. This should be printed off and brought with you to the prison when visiting.
Prisoners will be entitled to receive one physical family visit, or one virtual visit, per week.
Visiting Conditions:
- The number of adult visitors permitted on a physical visit is 3 adults plus children (under 18 years old). While there is no limit on the number of children permitted it has to be within reason and it is at the discretion of the Governor of the prison.
- Physical visits will be no more than 30 minutes in duration.
- Children may only attend if accompanied by at least 1 adult.
- Virtual visits will be no more than 20 minutes in duration.
- From Monday 3rd November 2025 all child visitors (persons under 18 years of age) will be required to produce a form of identification to enter a closed prison similar to the way adult visitors currently enter our prisons. Only immediate children son/daughter/step-son/step-daughter/grandchildren will be permitted to visit a person in prison.
- Visitors are required to arrive at the prison in appropriate time prior to their scheduled visit to allow sufficient time for security screening and entry into the visitor area. While every prison is different the general rule is to arrive, at least, 15 minutes before your visit is due to take place.
Cash and prisoner property
There will be no money accepted from visitors on visits. Visitors should continue to use the electronic means of sending money. Click here to lodge money to prisoner account.
VERY IMPORTANT – PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING: Photo ID is required for all adults.
Security Screening of Visitors:
When visiting a Prison, you will be required to pass the security screening process which will include some or all of the following:
- X Ray machine
- Walk through metal detector
- Narcotic / explosive swab detection
- Canine screening
- Pat down search
Should you fail any part of the screening process, a pat down search will then be conducted. Prior to commencing a pat down search, the officer will activate their body worn camera, to record visual and audio footage at that time.
Please note the onus is on the visitor to pass all aspects of the screening process.
Should staff feel it necessary at any point during the screening process, they will also activate the body worn camera for incidents such as threatening and abusive behavior
Advisory – In order to assist with the screening process:
- Please do not bring any personal belongings or items with you (place all such items in the lockers provided in the waiting room)
- You should only have your photo I.D and locker key on your person when proceeding to the screening area
- Be mindful of the clothing you wear. Clothing with high volume of metal is likely to activate the walk through metal detector & this may lead to restrictions on the type of visit offered or even cancellation of a visit
- Please familiarise yourself with the information and instructional video available on the screen in the waiting room prior to entering the prison.
All private/personal property delivered to the prison on behalf of individual prisoners is done so entirely at the prisoner’s own risk. Neither the Governor nor the Irish Prison Service will accept liability for any such property lost, damaged or stolen whilst in transit, in delivery in storage, or in the possession of the prisoner. The Irish Prison Service can accept prisoner property at prison entrances, during family visits to the prison or by post.
The following table outlines a list of authorised items that can be delivered to a prison on behalf of individual prisoners:
| Denim Jeans | Blue only |
| Trousers | Light coloured only |
| Shirts | No light blue |
| T-shirts – round neck | |
| T-Shirts – collared | |
| Tracksuits | Light coloured only |
| Jacket – overcoat | For winter use |
| Belt | Limited buckle size |
| Jewellery – neck chains | Limited |
| Musical instruments | Limited- one per prisoner |
| Flip Flops | For shower use only |
| Jumpers | |
| Sweat Shirts | |
| Shorts | For gym use only |
| Underwear | |
| Socks | |
| Footwear | Shoes- trainers (soft toe only) |
| Photos and pictures | |
| Wedding ring or plain ring | Limited |
The following items are prohibited and will not be accepted by the Irish Prison Service:
- Any clothing that resemble staff uniform items
- No hooded tops
- No steel toe-cap footwear
- Limited belt buckle size
- No ties, braces, sunglasses, hats, caps.
- No clothing with offensive logos (sexist, racial. drug, gang related) etc.
- Large rings
- Long or heavy neck chains
- Only one musical instrument is permitted per prisoner
- Toiletries – can be purchased via prison tuck shop
- No radios – in cell radios are in place
- Batteries
- Reading materials – these are provided by the library service in the prison
It is important to note that all items of private/personal property are subject to Governors permission. Different prisons have differing policies in relation to items a prisoner can have in their cell. This is a matter decided by the Governor of each prison taking into account the security environment in each prison. All items received into the prison will be subject to the necessary security screening.
If you have been approached or put under pressure to smuggle contraband into a prison, please inform an officer or make contact using the confidential phone line (1800 855 717)
All such instances will be treated in the strictest of confidence.
