A former Dublin courthouse is to be transformed into a legal history museum and educational centre, the Irish Court Service has revealed.

The 19th century Kilmainham courthouse will undergo extensive renovations and conversion work to help "demystify" the justice system for school children.

The Court Service confirmed talks with the Office of Public Works had taken place, and that a feasibility study has now been sanctioned to ascertain the building's suitability and the volume of work required.

A spokesperson for the Court Service said: "It is hoped this planned facility will attract many visitors and enhance our schools programme, which accommodates thousands of students each year with tours, talks and educational packs, all of which help demystify the courts process."

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Plans are already afoot to link the new museum with the adjacent Kilmainham Gaol via an historic tunnel, previously used to transport prisoners, much like Belfast's Crumlin Road Prison.

The scheme has gained the backing of local representatives, who have also welcomed plans to link the two historic buildings.

However, the Chairman of Kilmainham Gaol, Damien Cassidy, has insisted, while he has no objections to the legal museum proposal, he expects the historic courtroom to remain untouched.

He said: "All we want is to make sure that courtroom is left untouched as it is sacrosanct in Irish history because of its association with such historical and political figures as the Invincibles, the Fenians and the 1916 Volunteers."

A functioning court since 1820, last week the seat of justice heard its last case, after being deemed no longer suitable for use.

The court's business has now been transferred to city centre locations and to the new Blanchardstown Courthouse.

(PR/JM)