Crumlin Road Gaol Experience Belfast Travel Guide
Written by Murat Yilmaz
Last updated: January
The Crumlin Road Gaol is a historic prison that opened in 1846 and served as a fully operational prison for 150 years. It is now open to the public for tours, concerts and events. Experience all aspects of the Gaol from the tunnel linking the courthouse on the other side of Crumlin Road to the hanging cell, hospital and graveyard.
This Grade A listed jail has been witness to escapes, executions, hunger strikes and riots, as well as births, deaths and marriages. Children from impoverished families, suffragettes, and political prisoners were among those incarcerated within its walls.
Crumlin Road Gaol captures the imagination and is now a thought-provoking and memorable visitor attraction and a popular venue for conferences, concerts, and events. Hear stories of escapes, executions, deportations and WWII bombings at this historic Belfast Gaol. Visit our website for more information.
Table of Contents
Crumlin Road Gaol - HM Prison
HM Prison Belfast, also known by its colloquial name, the Crum, is steeped in history and architectural significance. It is located on Crumlin Road in the north of Belfast, Northern Ireland and has been standing since the Victorian era.
As the only remaining prison of its kind in Northern Ireland, it has been granted Grade A listed building status by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency, which recognizes its unique and important contribution to the country’s cultural heritage.
In addition, situated across the street stands the Crumlin Road Courthouse – an abandoned structure since the closure of the prison – connected by an underground tunnel that was utilized in the past for the transfer of prisoners between both edifices.
The rich history and unique features of the Crum and the courthouse make them important landmarks in Northern Ireland’s past, present, and future.
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Crumlin Road Gaol History
Constructed between 1843 and 1845, the notorious prison, which was designed by Sir Charles Lanyon, required £60,000 for its creation. It was launched as the County Gaol for Antrim to replace the previous County Gaol situated on Antrim Street in Carrickfergus.
The facility occupies ten acres of land at the base of Crumlin Road, made of black basalt rock, and it comprises four wings that stretch up to four levels in height. Based on HM Prison Pentonville, it was one of the most advanced prisons of its era.
The Circle, its central area, is where the wings fan out. The original plan was to accommodate 500 to 550 prisoners in individual cells measuring 12 x 7 feet (365 cm x 213 cm), using “The Separate System” to keep prisoners apart with no contact.
In the early 1970s, three inmates were often crammed in one cell. In October 1971, International Red Cross Evaluators witnessed 864 prisoners/internees in a building constructed to house only 475 people.
Crumlin Road Jail Belfast Executions
Crumlin Road Gaol, originally designed by Lanyon, was an infamous prison that witnessed a significant number of executions throughout its history. Initially, the prison lacked a gallows, leading to executions being conducted in public view.
However, in 1901, an execution chamber was constructed within the prison walls to provide privacy for the executions. Over the years, seventeen prisoners were executed in the prison, with the final hanging taking place in 1961 when Robert McGladdery was executed for Pearl Gamble’s murder.
The cells in which the condemned prisoners stayed were relatively spacious, with enough room for two guards to reside as well. The dead inmates’ bodies were buried inside the jail in unconsecrated land next to the prison hospital’s back wall.
Tom Williams’ execution, an IRA member, is one of the more well-known executions that took place in the prison, with his hanging being carried out by Thomas Pierrepoint, the prison’s most regular hangman, who conducted six.
Crumlin Road Gaol Tours and Tickets
Discover the fascinating history of Crumlin Road Gaol on a self-guided tour.
Travel back in time and experience life from the perspective of over 25,000 inmates who were once imprisoned within its walls. Relive their stories as you walk through the gaol following their footsteps and pass through the tunnel that connects the gaol to the courthouse.
Delve into the past with a visit to C-Wing, where you can gain a deeper understanding of what life was like in prison throughout the ages, and uncover the dark secret within its walls.
Pay your respects to the 17 men who spent their final days in the Condemned Man’s Cell before being executed and visit the gravesite of the 15 men whose remains still lie within the gaol today.
The Crumlin Road Gaol is open seven days a week, all year round, with hours extending up to 4:30 pm. Specialised evening or night tours may be included, giving you even more opportunity to appreciate the rich history of this iconic location.
Crumlin Road Gaol Tickets ➔Book online
Crumlin Road Gaol Visitor Attraction and Conference Centre
The Gaol has come a long way and evolved into an exceptional and diverse space. It has transformed into a multi-purpose venue that hosts various functions such as conferences, concerts, exhibitions, events and daily tours.
With over 70 dedicated staff, the site is always buzzing with activity. Besides its primary functions, the place serves as a perfect setting for films, competitions, and civic events.
The Visitor Attraction & Conference Centre had a grand opening to the public on 19 November 2012 and has since welcomed over one million guests.
It’s no surprise that Cuff’s Bar & Grill, a fully licensed restaurant, opened its doors in 2016, given the overwhelmingly positive reception from visitors. In recognition of their incredible standards, the Gaol Visitor Attraction and Conference Centre have been awarded the prestigious ***** visitor attraction rating, a fantastic recognition for their outstanding performance.
Last but not least, their historic education program, “A Day in the Life of a Victorian Child Prisoner,” received the Sandford Award for its excellent provision of heritage education, a remarkable achievement.
Opening Times
Opening time: 10:30
Last admission April to August: Sunday – Thursday 15:00, Friday & Saturday 16:30
Last admission September to March: Sunday – Saturday 15:00
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