Travel: Crumlin Road Jail, Belfast

crumlin road jail belfast

Do some time at Belfast’s historic jail

Once things have returned to normal and we’re free to travel again we recommend a visit to Crumlin Road Jail, also known as HMP Belfast for a lock-in rather than lockdown experience!

crumlin road jail belfast

A former prison situated on the Crumlin Road in North Belfast, Northern Ireland.  The building is Grade A listed due to its architectural and historical significance. Across the road from the jail is Crumlin Road Courthouse which is currently derelict however there are plans for a hotel.  You will also be able to visit the tunnel which links the two buildings on the tour.

crumlin road jail belfast


History

Crumlin Road Jail is based on the design of HMP Prison Pentonville by Architect Sir Charles Lanyon.  Constructed in 1845.  Built within a five-sided wall, the four wings are up to four storeys in height and fan off from the central area which was known as ‘The Circle’.

crumlin road jail belfast
The Circle

You might recognise the interior of the prison from TV. The Dublin murders was recently filmed here. If you see steel doors in a prison scene, the chances are that it was filmed here.

crumlin road jail belfast

crumlin road jail belfast

crumlin road jail belfast

crumlin road jail belfast

Originally built to hold between 500 and 550 prisoners, the cells measure 12 x 7 feet. By the time the 1970s arrived each cell held 3 people!

crumlin road jail belfast

 

crumlin road jail belfast

crumlin road jail belfast

crumlin road jail belfastA view of the tunnel which links the jail with the courthouse.

Executions

When the prison was originally constructed, there wasn’t an area for gallows, so executions were carried out in public until 1901 when an execution chamber was constructed.

crumlin road jail belfastRobert McGladdery was the last person to be hanged at the jail in 1961 for the murder of Pearl Gamble. The bodies of the executed were buried inside the prison in unconsecrated ground, against the back wall beside the prison hospital.

crumlin road jail belfast

Look out for the names on the wall showing where the bodies were buried.

crumlin road jail belfast

There are also two places to eat on you visit, Cuffs Restaurant serving full meals such as Irish Stew and a smaller cafe which sells snackable food.

crumlin road jail belfast

Where

Crumlin Road Jail
53-55 Crumlin Rd,
Belfast
BT14 6ST

Telephone 028 9074 1500
Email info@crumlinroadgaol.com
Link  http://www.crumlinroadgaol.com

Opening Hours

Monday 10:00-16:30
Tuesday 10:00-16:30
Wednesday 10:00-16:30
Thursday 10:00-16:30
Friday 10:00-16:30
Saturday 10:00-16:30
Sunday 10:00-16:30

Tickets

Click here to book a cheaper online ticket.

Transport

Click here for Journey Planner



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Crumlin Road Jail Belfast

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emma

Emma

Hello!

I am Emma and with my husband Mark write Foodie Explorers, which is a food and travel website.

I am a member of the Guild of Food Writers and British Guild of Travel Writers.

We have a wide range of judging experience covering products, hotels and have judged, for example, for Great Taste Awards and Scottish Baker of the Year.

Along the way Mark gained WSET Level 2 in Wine and I have WSET Level 2 in Spirits as well as picking up an award with The Scotsman Food and Drink Awards.    

Usually I can be found sleeping beside a cat.

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