In 2016, the IPS began a process to deliver a standalone facility for female prisoners in Limerick to replace the 19th century facilities that had been used for almost 300 years.
The new women’s facility would be designed for the particular needs of women with a clear focus on normalisation and rehabilitation.
Designers were asked to think about what “Architecture of Hope” would look like and to imagine that a female relative of theirs was to be accommodated in the facility.
Opened in 2023 and with a light, bright, open reception area, spacious living spaces and no bars on any of the large windows, the new facility is nothing like the old Limerick prison where women were held in dark austere cells built in 1821.
Moving away from the traditional security-centred design the architects have has delivered a facility that provided for a normative environment.
The facility provides a mix of accommodation types from single bedroom, apartment style accommodation and mother and baby units.

Limerick Women’s Prison, A Design for Hope (PID024)

Moderator

Speakers

Mark McGoldrick