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Historic prison · Belfast, Irlanda do Norte
Crumlin Road Gaol
The Victorian prison of 1845 in north Belfast, in use until 1996, with guided tours of the radial wings, the cells, the execution room and the tunnel that led to the courthouse across the street.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Crumlin Road Gaol
Crumlin Road Gaol is a prison built between 1843 and 1845 in north Belfast, designed by architect Charles Lanyon in a Victorian style, with four wings radiating from a central hub so few guards could watch all the corridors. It operated for about 150 years, until 1996, and held ordinary prisoners, suffragettes, prisoners of war and, during the Troubles, detainees from both sides of the conflict.
The guided tour, lasting around 1 hour 15 minutes, begins in the underground tunnel that linked the prison to the courthouse across Crumlin Road, through which prisoners were taken for trial. It then visits the cell wing with cells reconstructed from different periods, the governor's room, the observation centre, the condemned cell and the execution chamber; 17 men were hanged there between 1854 and 1961. The guide tells stories of escapes and of famous inmates.
The courthouse opposite, also by Lanyon, lies in ruins and is not part of the tour. The prison also hosts shows, events and a gin distillery in the former building.
Tours are usually guided at set times and advance booking is recommended. Some parts deal with executions and the conflict in an informative manner.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About a 1 hour 15 minute guided tour.
Best time
Any day, with a booking in advance. It's a good option for a rainy day.
How to get there
It's on Crumlin Road, about a 20-minute walk from Belfast city centre or 10 minutes by bus. Many taxi mural tours stop outside.
Tip
Combine it with a taxi tour of the murals in the west Belfast neighbourhoods, which is nearby. Book the time in advance in summer.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Crumlin Road Gaol
Until when did Crumlin Road Gaol operate?
From 1845 to 1996.
Is the visit guided?
Yes, at set times, lasting about 1h15, including the tunnel to the courthouse and the execution chamber.
Is it far from the centre?
About 20 minutes on foot or 10 minutes by bus.