Crumlin Road Gaol

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Crumlin Road Gaol Open 7 days a week
Monday - Sunday: 10:00-16:00 Crumlin Road Gaol is an historic Victorian-era prison which was a working gaol for over 150 years.
(3019)

In that time it saw children as young as ten pass through the gates as inmates. It has housed prisoners through times of severe punishment, world wars, and political conflicts. Sixteen years after its closure, Crumlin Road Gaol opened to the public as a visitor attraction and conference centre. The Gaol is open 7 days with self-guided tours lasting approximately 90 minutes. If you'd like to book tickets you can call 028 9074 1500 for availability or use our website http://www.crumlinroadgaol.com/. Visitors start their journey in the reception area, where prisoners were first processed. You will then guided to the legendary Crumlin Road tunnel where inmates in Victorian times made their way into gaol to serve their harsh sentence, and prisoners during 'The Troubles’ met on their way to and from the courthouse. From there you make your way to the Gaol circle. When you enter the austere and darkly stunning Gaol, you will learn of the variety of inmates who served their time in each of the four wings. A walk down C Wing will be a journey through history as each of the cells change according to the various eras throughout time. You will discover the incredible events that led to the Gaol’s closure before following the footsteps of the condemned prisoner into his cell, the ex*****on room, and finally to the resting place of the prisoners who still remain. Done the historical tour? If you’re courageous enough, come back for our Paranormal Tours! A member of the N.I. Paranormal Society will take you into paranormally active areas of the gaol where you may experience the residents of the gaol who still stayed behind. Tours run in the evening. Check our website or call for availability. Planning a party? Crumlin Road Gaol now hosts events! From small gatherings to conferences and weddings, we can cater for all your needs. Call for pricing/availability.

👻 Paranormal Tours at Crumlin Road Gaol 👻This October, step inside one of Belfast’s most historic buildings after dark a...
15/10/2026

👻 Paranormal Tours at Crumlin Road Gaol 👻

This October, step inside one of Belfast’s most historic buildings after dark and discover its paranormal side.

Led by a paranormal guide, explore the Gaol and hear about the unexplained activity experienced within its walls.

🎃 October only – Halloween Special
👻 Ages 16+
🎟️ Spaces are limited – book early!

Book now at: www.crumlinroadgaol.com

👁️ The All-Seeing Eye at Crumlin Road GaolDid you know that the design of Crumlin Road Gaol was influenced by the ideas ...
14/10/2026

👁️ The All-Seeing Eye at Crumlin Road Gaol

Did you know that the design of Crumlin Road Gaol was influenced by the ideas of English philosopher Jeremy Bentham?

Bentham developed the concept of the Panopticon — a prison design centred around an observation point, allowing guards to monitor prisoners without them knowing whether they were being watched.

This idea of constant observation was designed to encourage prisoners to regulate their own behaviour — the feeling of being watched could be just as powerful as actually being watched.

At Gaol Circle, you can see how this concept influenced the design of Crumlin Road Gaol, with its distinctive circular layout and central observation point. 👀

Do you think you could live with the feeling of always being watched?

👻 GAOL OF HORROR IS BACK! 🎃This Halloween, Crumlin Road Gaol gets a terrifying transformation as the Gaol of Horror retu...
13/10/2026

👻 GAOL OF HORROR IS BACK! 🎃

This Halloween, Crumlin Road Gaol gets a terrifying transformation as the Gaol of Horror returns for another season!

Step inside the historic Victorian prison and make your way through a frightening experience where you never quite know what – or who – is waiting around the next corner... 😱
With scares, surprises and some of the Gaol’s most atmospheric spaces brought to life, are you brave enough to make it to the end?

⚠️ Ages 12+
🎃 Selected dates this Halloween
🎟️ Advance booking strongly recommended – spaces are limited

Book now at www.crumlinroadgaol.com

📸 Life Behind the WallsCrumlin Road Gaol wasn’t just a place of work for many prison staff — it was also home.Staff and ...
12/10/2026

📸 Life Behind the Walls

Crumlin Road Gaol wasn’t just a place of work for many prison staff — it was also home.

Staff and their families lived on site, meaning everyday family life existed alongside the daily operation of the prison. In this fascinating photograph, prison staff can be seen gathered outside, while the Governor’s children can be spotted looking out of the window behind them.

It’s a remarkable reminder that the history of the Gaol is not only about those who were imprisoned here, but also the generations of staff and families who lived and worked within its grounds.

Please note: this historic photograph has been digitally enhanced and cleaned up to improve its clarity.

🎄 Xmas at the Crum – Limited Availability! 🎄Our Christmas Party Nights at Crumlin Road Gaol are filling up fast, with se...
11/10/2026

🎄 Xmas at the Crum – Limited Availability! 🎄
Our Christmas Party Nights at Crumlin Road Gaol are filling up fast, with several dates already SOLD OUT!

We still have limited availability on selected nights, so if you’re planning your work Christmas party, now is the time to get booked in.

🍽️ Eat | 🍻 Drink | 🎉 Party
🎄 Three-course festive meal
🎧 DJ & dancefloor
📞 028 9074 1500
📧 [email protected]

Don’t leave it too late – once the remaining dates are gone, they’re gone!

Crumlin Road Gaol from aboveThis fascinating aerial photograph shows Crumlin Road Gaol while it was still in operation, ...
10/10/2026

Crumlin Road Gaol from above

This fascinating aerial photograph shows Crumlin Road Gaol while it was still in operation, giving a unique view of the wider prison complex as it once stood.

The image shows a number of external buildings which have since been removed from the site. Today, the remaining external prison buildings include the Prison Hospital, Dentistry and the Matron’s House/Sanger.

A remarkable glimpse into how much the Gaol and its surroundings have changed over the years.

🔑 The Governor’s CorridorOnce the nerve centre of Crumlin Road Gaol, the Governor’s Corridor was where the Gaol’s senior...
08/10/2026

🔑 The Governor’s Corridor

Once the nerve centre of Crumlin Road Gaol, the Governor’s Corridor was where the Gaol’s senior staff had their offices and where many of the decisions involved in its day-to-day running were made.

Today, this historic area has been carefully renovated and given a new purpose as a unique space for conferences, events and weddings.

A great example of preserving the Gaol’s history while breathing new life into its historic spaces.

07/10/2026

📣 WE’RE HIRING!

Cuffs Bar & Grill is looking for part-time staff to join our team!

Perfect for students or anyone looking for flexible part-time work.

📧 Interested? Send your CV to [email protected]

Please feel free to share with anyone who might be interested!

📢 Visitor NoticeCrumlin Road Gaol will be closed on Thursday 8th October and will reopen as normal on Friday 9th October...
07/10/2026

📢 Visitor Notice

Crumlin Road Gaol will be closed on Thursday 8th October and will reopen as normal on Friday 9th October.

Once we reopen, why not step inside and discover over 150 years of history with our Self-Guided Experience?

Explore the Gaol at your own pace and uncover the stories of the prisoners and staff who once lived and worked within these historic walls.

🎟️ Pre-booking online is recommended.

Address

53-55 Crumlin Road
Belfast
BT146ST

Opening Hours

Monday 10:30am - 3pm
Tuesday 10:30am - 3pm
Wednesday 10:30am - 3pm
Thursday 10:30am - 3pm
Friday 10:30am - 3pm
Saturday 10:30am - 3pm
Sunday 10:30am - 3pm

Telephone

+442890741500

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