Crumlin Road Gaol: Self-Guided Tour
Highlight
- Discover the more sinister aspects of Anglo-Irish history at the infamous Crumlin Road Gaol, which is 150 years old.
- Embark on an intriguing self-guided tour of the only surviving Victorian-era prison in Northern Ireland.
- Uncover the intimate accounts of inmates and guards, stories of attempted escapes, capital punishment, and glimpses of compassion.
Summary
Description
Even though Northern Ireland has many famous places, Crumlin Road Gaol stands out as one of the most legendary and filled with the history of The Troubles. This old prison housed significant individuals from Ireland's fight for freedom and witnessed a total of 17 executions during the 150 years of its operation.
During this 60-minute self-guided walking tour exploring the grim past of the prison, you will uncover the stories of resilience and humanity that emerged even during its most somber times.
Crumlin Road Gaol, the final Victorian prison in Northern Ireland, serves as a snapshot of Irish history, showcasing where numerous key figures from the era of The Troubles were imprisoned and, in various instances, put to death.
Across the span of a century and a half, figures such as Éamon de Valera, Martin McGuinness, Michael Stone, Bobby Sands, along with around 25,000 other detainees – whether Republican or Loyalist – have been confined within these chilly, dim dungeons.
During this independent tour, you'll be able to explore every part of the prison, starting from the passageway that connects the courthouse across the Crumlin Road to the Hanging Cell, the Historic Holding Cells, Centre Circle, C-Wing, and finally, the spooky Graveyard.
