Walk in the footsteps of thousands of prisoners at Crumlin Road Gaol – Northern Ireland’s only remaining Victorian-era prison.
Since its opening in 1846, these foreboding walls have confined murderers, suffragettes and political rebels alike. Although Crumlin Road Gaol closed in 1996, it has since been transformed into a thought-provoking and memorable visitor attraction, as well as a unique venue for conferences, concerts and events. Inside the gaol, you’ll visit the places where prisoners endured a harsh regimen of hard labour, isolation and corporal punishment. Men, women and children were imprisoned here for crimes ranging from petty theft to murder, and 17 men executed by hanging between 1854 and 1961.
Crumlin Road Gaol, Belfast
Courtesy of Tony Pleavin for Tourism Northern Ireland
You can explore Crumlin at your own pace on a self-guided tour, which takes you through the sprawling C-Wing, the Condemned Man’s Cell and the chilling execution cell. Video, audio and hologram elements – along with interviews with former prisoners – bring the gaol’s gripping history sharply into focus. For a more immersive experience, try the guided tour. The 90-minute experience covers more areas of the prison than the self-guided tour, with an expert guide sharing unique insights into the building’s turbulent past.
Mural, Falls Road, Belfast
Courtesy of Tony Pleavin for Tourism Northern Ireland
To discover more about Belfast’s fascinating past, pair your gaol visit with a Black Taxi Tour. You’ll travel across the city in the comfort of one of Belfast’s iconic black taxis, taking in many of the famous murals that offer a powerful insight into Northern Ireland’s history. Your guide will talk you through the stories behind each mural, bringing context and perspective to everything that you see. You’ll also have opportunities to stop, take pictures and sign your name on the Peace Wall – a memorable way to mark your visit.
