Crumlin Road Gaol

Crumlin Road Gaol opened in 1846 and remained a prison until 1996. During the worst years of the 'Troubles' between 1969 and 1996 the prison held some of the most notorious murderers. It also held three times the number of prisoners it was originally built to hold.










When the prison was built, it included this accommodation for the prison officers and their families. However, it faced Crumlin Road and during the 'Troubles' these homes were far too accessible from the road being an open invitation for terrorist activities so wardens and their families were moved to more secure housing.

This is where the prisoners first enter the prison. They go into the cubicle and remove all their clothing and belongings which are placed into these bags.

All their things remain in these bags until they are released.

This tunnel goes beneath the road outside the prison to the courthouse which was across the road. The tunnel is 84m long.


The courthouse closed in 1998 and was sold to a local investor for £1 and his plan was to convert it into a hotel, but that never happened. Ten years later there were a number of fires which caused a great deal of damage to the structure. In March 2017 the site was bought and plans have be been agreed to turn the old courthouse into a luxury hotel.

In 2010 the prison was renovated  and in 2012 opened to the public. I found the tour very informative and  interesting albeit a very grim place. Other sections have been sold and are used for events including weddings.

There were four wings to the prison which fanned out from this central area.

In 1969 at the start of the 'Troubles' and the introduction of internment without trial in 1971, meant a sudden increase in the number of prisoners. When the prison was built each cell was designed to take one prisoner. In the 1970s to 80s this often increased to three prisoners per cell. There was still no sanitation in the cells.

Seventeen prisoners were hanged in this jail. The execution chamber was to the left of this staircase at the end of the corridor. You are given a tour of the cell where the condemned man would live for up to three weeks prior to his execution. It was a very large cell, three times the size of the other cells and had its own bathroom There were always two guards with the prisoner at all times. Unbeknown to the prisoner the hanging took place in a concealed room which was behind a large cupboard in the bathroom. .( I just didn't think it appropriate to take photos). No prisoners were aware of the existence of this cell. The last hanging at the prison took place in 1961. Corporal punishment was finally abolished in the UK in 1969 with the last hanging in the UK in 1964..

One of the original lookouts still in existence.