Crumlin Road Gaol

Discover the stories of Ireland’s most notorious criminals, see the gallows where murderers were executed or take a ghost tour to connect to those who never made it out.

Belfast’s former main prison saw over 25,000 inmates ‑ men, women and children ‑ during its 151-year history. The prison was the site of 17 executions, and 15 of the bodies were buried in unmarked graves within the prison grounds.

In 1996 the prison closed, and for over a decade it remained in a state of neglect until renovations were completed in late 2012. Today, the jail looks like it did in the 1800s and it has become one of the city’s most popular attractions.

Take a guided tour to get the most out of your visit to this historic jail. Learn about the history of the inmates and hear the morbid stories of killers. Find out how it was to be a prison guard here and walk between the cells as they used to do.

The tour takes you to all parts of the Crumlin Road Gaol, including the underground tunnel to the old courthouse, the Governor’s Office and the prison hospital with padded cell.

A wall near the prisoners’ graves is marked with the initials of those who were executed, including the dates. In the Condemned Man area, see the original noose used for hangings and visit the drop cell, where the unfortunate men were left hanging until they were most certainly dead.

Rumours exist about the presence of ghosts here and if you want to see if they spook you, join a paranormal activity chase after dark. Each evening, the paid tour operates as a serious ghost hunt for adults only.

Crumlin Road Gaol is located in the centre of Belfast. Secure parking is free and the jail is also served by bus. The prison is open daily and is largely wheelchair accessible. Tours last just over an hour and are offered daily, but book ahead to secure a spot.