Crumlin Road Gaol is the only Victorian-era prison existing in North Ireland (in Belfast) and is one of the most macabre attractions in Europe commanding immense tourist interest!! This grade-A listed building of immense architectural and historical importance has been under the Office of First Minister and deputy First Minister since August 2003.
For years the beautiful building with a sordid history has captivated tourists from across the world who were in awe of the high profile trials, executions, burials and ghost sightings that were reported by the media. The gaol was witness to multiple bombings, protests and escapes and was home to many important political prisoners.
It is not surprising to see that the gaol tours are extremely popular; the guides simply brim over with stories as they walk visitors through the interconnected rooms.
History
There is a lot to see and understand about the A-listed beautiful building that is the Gaol… it is lauded as one of the best looking punitive buildings in Europe. The tours won’t tell you that it’s designed i.e. the 5 walled enclosed sites containing the 4 winged structures radiating from a central area (called the Circle), is a copy of the Pentonville Radial Cellular System (London). Designed to bring in maximum security, this structure was reproduced in 54 other prisons.
Its construction (between 1843 to 1845) caused exorbitant expense … almost 60,000 pounds. The Crumlin Road Gaol went on to become the Irish prison to have the Separate System of Confinement. Many children from poor families were imprisoned here for crimes as simple as stealing food. Ulster suffragettes like Dorothy Evans and Madge Muir were imprisoned here besides IRA political prisoners many of who managed to escape.
Belfast was an unfortunate epicentre of criminal activities during the last few years of the 20th century and most hardcore criminals of North Ireland were tried for the trial here. Locals started calling this gaol ‘the Crum’ around then. In 1983 a historic group of trials took place and 22 IRA suspects were jailed for 4000 total years.
The Shankill Butchers trial in which 11 members of the murderous gang got 42 life sentences in total still holds the record for maximum life sentences awarded in a single trial!! Many executions took place inside and the same rope used for the last execution (1961) still stands here today.
In 1991 a provisional IRA bomb hit the prison killing 2 prisoners This rather macabre attraction has been closed as a prison since 1996 after which the entire premise was renovated in 2003 before being opened as a tourist attraction.
The Highlights
Given that there were 17 executions in the prison premises and 15 of the dead were buried in the unconsecrated prison grounds… the haunted reputation of the prison is not surprising. Don’t miss looking at the large backyard with its rows of unmarked graves; it is a place for quiet contemplation.
Gradually the Crumlin Road Gaol began to gather the reputation of the spookiest attraction in Belfast and some say it’s the scariest place in Ireland. It was only in 2012 that the prison started offering ‘Paranormal Tours’ to visitors but they are already hugely successful. Post-1998 homeless youth and vagrants took occupancy in the gaol and in the next 19 years, about 40% of the premises were destroyed by arson. Even if you don’t take the paranormal or the ghost tour in the gaol, the surroundings will literally leave you ‘spooked’!!
The gaol rooms now hold a lot of interesting paper clippings, note boards and pictures that tell stories of its past. For example, the hanging of Tom Williams for political instigations remains one of the most emotional and turbulent stories in the history of the European judiciary system. Tom Williams was only 19 years old and for his hangman Thomas Pierrepoint, his would be the last execution undertaken.
There are other poignant stories of suicide in the jail, such as Patrick Magee (13-year-old) who hung himself from the ceiling within a few hours of getting transferred to this prison. This adolescent guy was convicted for his third offence; stealing clothes from a washerwoman. Back in those days, the 1868 rule of children being sent to reform schools and not to jail was not yet enforced. Incidentally, this law was enforced in the same year as Patrick’s suicide. It is said that his ghost still haunts the building.
Though the new execution chamber at the bottom of the C wing is usually the one shown in tours, earlier executions used to take place in the open. There were open Gallows at the end of the D wing and the public would come to view the executions.
Don’t miss out on the stories of colourful escapes from the Crumlin Road Gaol. Most of the successful escapes were executed by IRA prisoners during the last months of 1971 and in January 1943. Out of the escapees Belfast republican Jimmy Steele was particularly famous. There are pictures of famous inmates and political prisoners inside the gaol apart from other pictures of the prison’s activities.
Take a good look at the Crumlin Road Courthouse as this beautiful building was the venue of many infamous and startling verdicts. Signature Living has taken over the property and soon it will be converted into the ultra-luxurious and immersive hospitality project ‘The Crum Hotel’.
To walk through the tunnel that connects the courthouse to the Crumlin Road Gaol is an unforgettable experience. Enquire beforehand to know which tour (usually the daily guided tour of Crumlin Road Gaol) allows you to do so as the rules keep changing!!
There are cells inside the prison that used to measure 12 x 7 feet and these were used to hold individual prisoners according to the ‘separate system’. However, during the 1970s when crime rates shot up, as many as 3 people were crammed into one cell. Just looking at these cells often fills visitors with equal parts of pity and horror as they imagine how life would have been for inmates.
The Crumlin Road Gaol is of immense interest to architects and designers who are often in awe of the way the place has been remodelled into a smart functional event space yet keeping much of its Victorian macabre feel intact. The erstwhile prison chapel is now christened as ‘Lanyon Suite’ – a swanky multi-purpose function room with bar facilities.
The administrative headquarters of the prison is now named the ‘Forbes Boardroom’ while the Governor’s corridor (the Governor used to walk here to inspect inmates) is now named the ‘Pierrepoint Boardroom’ (named after the most experienced executioners ever). The Governor’s Office is also converted into a breakout space but the iron bars on the windows and photos from the prison’s past transports visitors back in time.
The Gaol Circle and C Wing was once a steel-encased high-security area that oversaw 500 cells and housed guards. This is now restored with its Victorian-style kept intact and outdoor events, dances, concerts etc keep happening here.
The basement of the gaol contains the matron’s gallery that housed female guards and the matron who kept watch over the 125 female prisoners. This space still has the original stonework from its prison days and provides an eclectic ambience for the private events and cocktail parties that keep happening here. The Tunnel suite (also in the basement) uses a part of the famous underground tunnel as a training and breakout room.
The first lot of prisoners (106 people including females and kids) walked to Crumlin Road Gaol from Carrickfergus prison clad in chains. Memorabilia from that dreaded walk is still put on display inside the gaol.
Cuffs Bar and Grill opened in July 2016 and is headed by star Chef Damian Blaney who is seriously focused on local sustainability in food. Therefore fish is sourced from Ewings (oldest fishmongers of Belfast) and meat from Dromore/ Carnbrooke Meats (another ancient part of Belfast’s food heritage).
The Cuffs Bar and Grill is open from 10.00 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 10.a.m to 6 p.m. on Sunday to Thursday. Food is well presented and served in generous portions by attentive staff. Special mention must be made of the pulled pork, fish and chips and the steaks. And if you arrive on a Sunday then the juicy Sunday roast beef is a must before finishing off with chocolate truffle cake.
There is a little café inside that serves soups, sandwiches, coffee and fresh bakes. Drop-in if you are looking for light refreshment.
Weddings and other events can also be organised at Crumlin gaol. You are sure to get some out of the box pictures when you shoot for an event here. Their catering service is pretty good and there is a fully equipped coach park outside making the venue perfect for an event. The combination of the gaol’s 150-year-old history, advanced audiovisual technology and architecturally brilliant exteriors makes it perfect for the bespoke event.
Note: if you are visiting in the colder months then wearing warm clothes is advised as the execution chamber and many other prison areas don’t have central heating. Also, some of the areas of the gaol are damp and dark and elders may find it difficult to navigate some of these. Though the building has been restored, some of the areas are questionably maintained… holes are patched with duct tape and underground tunnels have leakages.
Tours and Ticketing
Viator offers a very nice and detailed Crumlin Gaol tour that’s led by Grace… a cheerful and erudite local guide. This 1-hour 15-minute tour takes the visitors to all gaol and courthouse areas and presents a mixture of facts and myths besides the account of many unsavoury prisoners who lived here. Book this Viator tour here.
Crumlin Road Gaol is an important city attraction and almost all Belfast tours have a stop here including the Belfast Hop on Hop off sightseeing bus tour. If you have only one day in Belfast and like to see the city in luxury and solitude then sign up for the private full-day Belfast Sightseeing tour that starts right from the cruise terminal. This includes a 20 minute stop at Crumlin Gaol besides 10 more attractions. Book this Viator 8-hour tour here.
The Crumlin Road Gaol itself offers a varied bunch of tours. You can book these tours at the gate (higher priced) or online from their official website. You might be confused as to what to pick? The answer lies in your preferences and demographics. Take the Paranormal tour if you are interested in the occult or the history tour if you have an avid interest in history. If you love walking tours then the ‘Troubles Tour’ will appeal to you. Here are those tours:
Daily Guided Tours
The daily guided tour is a mash-up of history, trivia and the judiciary system of yesteryears. All sections of the punitive and judiciary system are covered and visitors are walked through the Court House, Hanging Cell, Holding Cell, Centre Circle, C-Wing and Graveyard. At the end of this tour, visitors will have a thorough idea about all aspects of the Gaol including its recent history and events leading to the closure of the prison.
The 75-minute tour is offered from 10 a.m to 4.30 p.m. every day.
The Troubles Tour
Aimed at educated and matured audiences, the Troubles tour is aimed at sensitising visitors to the harrowing ‘Troubles’ period in North Ireland when conflicts tore apart the country. The infamous Shankill and Fall Roads, clippings from ex-prisoners who narrate their stories and the Peace Wall that has divided the Republican and Loyalist communities since ages are all part of the tour.
The tour ends at Alcatraz of Europe i.e. the Crumlin Gaol. A lot of information is shared about the respective roles of RUC, RAF, British Army and Prison Service during the tour and their transport vehicles.
This 4.5-hour long tour spreads over 3.5 miles and is a guided experience.
There is also a shorter 1.5-hour version of the tour called ‘Troubles at Crumlin Gaol’ and it focuses only on Crumlin Gaol and its role in the Irish conflict-ridden periods. available from Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 11.45 a.m.
Paranormal Tour
The newest and much-hyped tour offering from Crumlin Gaol focuses solely on sightings, haunted activities and ghost stories and the aim are to blatantly induce ‘the fear factor’. It’s a spine chilling experience to see the spots where paranormal activities have been spotted and then to hear the stories behind it.
This hour-long tour is available from Monday to Friday outside working hours. The guided tour is conducted in low light and is not for the faint-hearted or kids!!
Historical Evening Tour
Aimed strictly at history lovers this tour explores almost every corner of the gaol and focuses on its long and intriguing tour. The guided tour will need visitors to walk on uneven surfaces so good footwear is advised. This 75-minute long tour is available from Monday to Friday outside opening hours. Prebooking is required.
Ghost Walk Tour
A guide walks visitors through the 150-year-old history of the Gaol and includes some creepy ghost stories to induce a few chills. This 75-minute long tour is available from Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 4.45 p.m.
Victorian Tour
The Victorian tour’s focus is on child prisoners of the Victorian period so anyone with a special interest in that era will like this experience. The condemned cell and execution chambers are not included in this tour but the blockhouse/ watchtower is covered. The mild content and interesting presentation make this tour suitable for kids and indeed many Belfast schools take their students on the Victorian tour in the Crumlin Gaol.
This hour-long tour is available from Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 11.45 a.m.
Open Hours & Tour Timings
Crumlin Road Gaol is open 7 days a week. The first tour starts at 10 am and the last tour at 4:30 pm.
How To Reach
The Crumlin Road Gaol has easy access via all major transport systems of the city. The Translink Metro Service 57 and 12 B will take visitors to the metro stop outside the Gaol but it is operational only from Monday to Saturday. On Sunday you can use 12 A service and get down at Carlisle Circus that’s at a comfortable walking distance from the Gaol. The Crumlin Road Gaol is only 1.7 km away from Belfast city centre and about 6 km away from George Best City Airport.
Crumlin Road Gaol
Visitor Attraction & Conference Centre
53-55 Crumlin Road, Belfast, BT14 6ST
Phone: 028 9074 1500; Email: [email protected]
Nearby Attractions
After visiting the Gaol, you can go for a walk on Shankill Road. After the Gaol, the road filled with flags of protestors and satire graffiti will let you have a clearer perspective about ‘Troubles’ in Irish history. You can also visit the beautiful Saint Patrick’s church or drop in to see the Clifton House. Afterwards drop in at the Coffee Den at Union Street for some coffee, snacks and hot chocolate… they serve afternoon tea too!!
A travel addict. Still celebrating the day when he quit his high-profile corporate job to pursue his passion for travel writing.