crumlin jail tour

Crumlin Road Gaol Experience, Events, Weddings & Venue Hire

Visitor Attraction Northern Ireland

Welcome to the Crumlin Road Gaol

5 Star Visitor Attraction | Live Music Events | Wedding Venue | Conference Centre | Restaurant and Bar

GAOL EXPERIENCE

TROUBLES TOURS

Conference & Venue Hire

OUTSIDE CATERING

CUFFS BAR & GRILL

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience and security.

https://visitbelfast.com/partners/crumlin-road-gaol/

• What's On Homepage
• Art & Exhibitions
• Children’s Events
• Food & Drink
• Free Events
• History & Heritage
• Learning Experiences
• Lectures & Talks
• Markets & Fairs
• Music & Concerts
• Nature & Wildlife
• Pubs & Clubs
• Shows & Displays
• Virtual Events

• See & Do Homepage
• Arts & Entertainment
• Attractions
• Green Attractions
• Green Spaces
• Sightseeing Tours
• Information & Services
• Travel & Transport
• Competitions

• Eat & Drink Homepage
• Afternoon Tea
• Restaurants
• Food and Drink Experiences
• Pubs and Clubs
• Visit Belfast Food & Drink Voucher

• Ideas Homepage
• Belfast Plus
• Family Friendly Belfast
• Free Things To Do in Belfast
• Game of Thrones
• Titanic & Maritime
• Music in Belfast
• Embrace a Giant Spirit

• Stay Homepage
• Camping and Caravans
• Serviced Accommodation
• University Accommodation
• Green Stays

• Plan Homepage
• Getting Here
• Belfast Visitor Map
• Accessibility in Belfast
• Sustainable Belfast
• Getting Around Belfast
• Green Travel
• Belfast Visitor Pass
• Car Parking
• Brochures and Downloads
• Visitor Apps
• Neighbourhoods
• Sign Up to Mailing List
• Visit Belfast Welcome Centre

• Offers Offers
• Neighbourhoods Neighbourhoods
• Game of Thrones Game of Thrones
• Search Enter your search above to discover things to do, events, offers and more... Close

Crumlin Road Gaol

Description.

The Crumlin Road Gaol is a 19th century Grade A listed jail, open to the public for tours, concerts and events.

• 53-55 Crumlin Road

Top Reasons To Visit

• Follow in the footsteps of over 25,000 prisoners
• Enter the tunnel that connects the Gaol to the Courthouse
• Explore C-Wing and experience prison life conditions
• Visit the Condemned Man's Cell where 17 men were executed
• Gift shop with branded merchandise and local arts and crafts

On a 70 minute guided tour, you will be taken through the years and experience what life was like for those imprisoned in The Crum.

Follow in the footsteps of over 25,000 prisoners and make the journey through the tunnel that connects the Gaol to the Courthouse. Explore C-Wing and see for yourself what prison life was like through the ages as well as the dark secret that lies within its walls. Pay a fleeting visit to the Condemned Man’s Cell where 17 men spent their last days before being executed. You will also visit the gravesite within the Gaol where the remains of 15 of the executed men still remain today.

Crumlin Road Gaol is open seven days a week all year round, except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.

The first tour commences at 10am and the last tour is at approximately 4.30pm. These hours may be extended if specialist tours are added during the evening or night.

• Adults £14.50 | £12* online
• Children (5-15 yrs) £8 | £7.50*
• Concession (senior citizens 60+ and students) £13 | £10.50*
• Family (two adults and two children) £40 | £38*
• Discounts available for groups of 15+ people

* Online Bookings:  Discounts are only available when booking online a day or more before your planned visit.

Tickets can be purchased online at www.crumlinroadgaol.com or by calling 028 9074 1500. They can also be purchased at the Visit Belfast Welcome Centre, 9 Donegall Square North.

The Troubles Tour

This half day tour begins with a brief introduction to local history including pre-Troubles, the Troubles and the Peace Process. Once you have an understand of the local history you will meet an ex-loyalist prisoner and be led through the Shankill Estate and Shankill Road. On this section of the tour you will learn what it was like to grow up on these streets during the Troubles and gain an insight into the views of the loyalist community. You will then proceed to the Shankill Memorial Park before making your way to the Lanark Way Peace Gate (Checkpoint Charlie) were you will be handed over to an Ex-Republican prisoner. The tour will continue to Falls Road, peace walls and back to Crumlin Road Gaol.

The Troubles at Crumlin Road Gaol

This 90 minute experience will allow you to explore the role the prison played during the conflict in Belfast. The high security Crumlin Road Gaol (known locally as ‘The Crum’) held prisoners since 1846 but took a leading role in the detainment of Republicans and Loyalists during the Troubles. Its connection to the Crumlin Road Courthouse and the introduction of interment without trial led to the highest prison population during its 150 years of operation.

Contact Details

Current opening hours.

• Monday 10:00-15:00
• Tuesday 10:00-15:00
• Wednesday 10:00-15:00
• Thursday 10:00-15:00
• Friday 10:00-15:00
• Saturday 10:00-15:00
• Sunday 10:00-15:00

You might also like

Titanic Belfast

Titanic Belfast is the world's largest Titanic visitor experience and a must-see on any visit to Belfast and…

Irish FA Tours

Irish FA Tours tells the unique story of Northern Ireland football from 1880 to present day using a…

Ballywalter Park

Ballywalter Park is a classic example of an early Victorian Country House built in the Italianate Palazzo style.

The White House

Nestled on the northern shore of Belfast Lough for the last 400 years, The White House tells the…

Ulster Transport Museum

Explore Ulster’s history of transport, social change and spirit of innovation at Ulster Transport Museum.

Lagan Adventures – Belfast Hydrobikes

Explore Belfast’s River Lagan with the Hydrobikes At Lagan Adventures where you will be taking cycling off the…

Linen Quarter

The historic Linen Quarter is rapidly becoming one of the most vibrant, must visit areas of the city,…

Bangor Castle

This impressive building was built in 1852 for The Hon Robert Edward Ward. It is presently home to…

We're here to help, so if you can't find the info you're after, or you just want to ask a really odd question, then we're here for you.

Visit Belfast Newsletter

Sign up to the Visit Belfast newsletter and receive inspiring ideas, events and offers which showcase the best of Belfast and Northern Ireland.

Ask a Question

" * " indicates required fields

Choose a date

• This Weekend

If you select a location more than 15km from the Visit Belfast Welcome Centre, your location will be set to Belfast City Centre.

Hide this tool

• GAME OF THRONES TOUR

THINGS TO DO IN BELFAST

Belfast bus tours.

Crumlin Road Jail - Gaol

Crumlin Road Jail

Crumlin Road Gaol Belfast

Crumlin Road Gaol - Jail - Stop 18.

The Crumlin Road Gaol first opened in 1846 for incoming prisoners and for 150 years was a fully functional prison. On March 31, 1996, the Governor of Belfast's Crumlin Road Gaol walked out of the fortified prison and the heavy air-locked gates where closed for the final time. Take a tour to experience all aspects of the Gaol from the tunnel linking the courthouse on the other side of the Crumlin Road to the hospital and graveyard, hanging cell, Governor's office. During those 150 years the Gaol has witnessed births, deaths and marriages and has housed murderers, suffragettes and republican and loyalist prisoners and held executions, escapes, riots and hunger-strikes. The prison is amongst one of the most haunted places in Ireland and has proven to be a hit not only with ghost hunters and the paranormal, but sightseekers visiting Belfast. The Belfast Hop on Hop off tour passes the Crumlin Road Gaol every 30-45 minutes 7 days per week - why not Hop off and visit the jail, its steeped in history and offers a deep insight into a victorian era prison. Many a ghost has been spotted and strange sounds even during the day within its walls holds many a story, be on your guard and don't get trapped in the stocks.

Are you sure you want to sure you want to leave the feed?

Oops... something went wrong!

Looking for inspiration? Planning a trip? Or just want to scroll yourself happy? We'll show you an Ireland that's tailor-made for you.

• #Landscapes
• #CultureandHeritage
• #OutdoorActivities

Oops, no internet connection

While offline, you can still add items to ‘My Board’. New travel reccomendations will only show up once you’re back online.

See what Ireland has in store for you

Items without a physical location are not shown in map view.

Looks like your board is empty

Look out for the little heart icon around Ireland.com, simply tap the icon to start adding items to your board!

Board settings

Collection cover image.

Visible to people you share your board with

Share Board

Share a link to your ‘My Ireland’ board and inspire friends, co-travellers and family. Only you can add or remove items from your board.

Forgot your password?

Create an account.

Access My Ireland across all of your devices by logging in.

Sign up Not got an account?

Terms of use | Privacy policy

Login Got an account?

Location access

• View offers and deals nearby you
• Get travel inspiration based on your location
• Local weather warnings and useful travel information

Enable location access

Location access on ios.

• 1 Open the website settings for this website in your browser
• 2 Select Location settings
• 3 Choose “Allow
• 1 Open the My Ireland website

• 2 Select the Icon below

• 3 Select “Website Settings

• 4 Change “Location” to “Allow”

Notifications

Travel times.

Tell us when you are going to be travelling Ireland, and we will show you tailored recommendations for the duration of your trip.

• Tips for events happening during your stay
• Helpful travel reminders and updates

You have unsaved changes. Save before leaving?

We take your privacy very serious and only ever process your data with your persmission. If possible this is handled anonymously and we will never store your data for longer than is required. For more information on how we handle your personal data please read our Privacy Policy.

Remove Data

To securely remove all data associated with your profile please contact our Data Protection Officer.

Reset your Board

This will remove all the items you have previously liked from your board. Please note, you can’t undo this action.

Are you sure you want to reset your board?

This will completely reset your board and all associated data permanently. This cannot be undone.

• Created date 19 July 2023

Delete account

Sorry you’re leaving. But you gotta do what you gotta do. Just a reminder, if you delete your account, you won’t be able to post in Community. And it’s permanent so you can’t “undo” it in the future.

Crumlin Road Gaol

Ireland in your inbox

Sign up to receive free email newsletters from Tourism Ireland, including vacation ideas, insider tips, news, and events.

We will use your email address to send you personalised content straight to your inbox based on how you interact with this website and our advertisements on other websites.

Something went wrong...

Success! Thank you for subscribing to our Newsletter!

I understand that by signing up, I will receive personalised email content based on my use of Tourism Ireland’s website, emails and Tourism Ireland’s advertising on other websites, cookies and tracking pixels. You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking 'unsubscribe' in our emails. Find out more information on "How we handle your personal data" in our privacy policy .

I would like to receive information and special offers by email from carefully selected travel partners. For more information please see our privacy policy .

Hear stories of escapes, executions, deportations and WWII bombings at a Belfast gaol that captures the imagination

Built in 1845, Crumlin Road Gaol played witness to a fraught period of Irish history. In its 150 years, children from impoverished families, political prisoners and suffragettes were among those incarcerated within its walls.

The prison closed its doors in 1996, but it has since been repurposed as a thought provoking and memorable visitor attraction,   as well as a venue for conferences, concerts and events.  

Crumlin Road Gaol, Belfast

Behind the bars Step inside the gaol and you’ll be in the very place where 25,000 prisoners spent their days. You can explore Crumlin at your own pace on a self-guided tour which takes in the sprawling C-Wing, the Condemned Man’s Cell and the execution cell where 17 men lost their lives. Video, audio and hologram elements, as well as interviews with former prisoners along the way, really bring the story of the prison to life.

But if you really want to absorb everything the prison has to offer, take the guided tour . The 90-minute experience covers more areas of the prison than the self-guided tour, and you’ll be with an expert guide. In a place as rich with history as Crumlin Road Gaol, you’ll want to learn the stories these walls hold – and the guides can tell you them.

Beyond the prison To discover more about Belfast’s fascinating history, pair your museum tour with a Black Taxi Tour . You’ll be driven across the city in the comfort of one of Belfast’s iconic black taxis, taking many of the famous murals that give an insight into Northern Ireland’s  history. You’ll have a guide with you talking you through the stories behind each mural. And on the tour you’ll have opportunities to stop, take pictures and even sign your name on the Peace Wall.

Black Taxi Tour, Belfast

If you’d rather explore on foot, the Crumlin Gaol Road walking tour takes in many of the sights of the Black Taxi tour – such as Falls Road, Shankill Road, and the world-famous International Wall. Your guide will be a former political prisoner, and the experience itself will give you a balanced and clear perspective of the Irish and British conflict, how it impacted the area, and how it still affects Belfast today.

Both tours include the self-guided tour of Crumlin Road Gaol, so you can further deepen your understanding of how this period of history shaped Belfast, and the island of Ireland.

Need to know: Crumlin Road Gaol

Crumlin Road Goal is a 20-minute walk from the Belfast city centre. If you’re in a hurry it can be easily accessed by public transport. The 57 and 12B from the city centre have a stop directly outside the gaol

The gaol is open throughout the year but you should check its website for seasonal opening hours .

Admission prices vary depending on whether you’re going on the guided or self-guided tour. If possible, try to book online for a discount!

Crumlin Road Gaol has a range of other attractions aside from the tour. Live at the Crum hosts regular live music, and Cuffs Bar and Grill boasts locally sourced and inspired cuisine if you’re feeling peckish.

The self-guided tour should take about 70 minutes, while the Black Taxi tour is 2 hours 30 minutes.

Belfast highlights

Don't miss these things to see and do

The Dirty Onion

The Pantry & The Galley Café at Titanic Belfast

St. George's Market

Accommodation

The Fitzwilliam Hotel Belfast

An Old Rectory

Darcy’s Belfast

The MAC is one of Europe’s leading art centres, situated in the heart of Belfast. Recently nominated a finalist for the Art Fund Prize for Museum of the Year 2015, the award-winning venue has welcomed some 800,000 visitors since it opened.

The Dirty Onion is Belfast's oldest building, dating back to 1780.

Relax and dine at Titanic Belfast in The Pantry or grab a quick bite in our express food café!

St George’s Market one of Belfast’s oldest attractions and is one of the best markets in the UK and Ireland. It has been voted for numerous local and national awards for its fresh, local produce and great atmosphere.

Sleep in one of our 146 elegantly designed guestrooms. Cocoon yourself in sumptuous surroundings and create your own oasis of comfort. Warm American walnut walkways ease you into your personal sanctuary.

Stunning city centre boutique hotel perfectly located for sightseeing and shopping. Close to Titanic Quarter, Cathedral Quarter and Victoria Square. Renowned for great style and great service. Offering superb brasserie food,fine wines and cocktails

This family run business provides a friendly atmosphere with attention to personal detail and is situated in the heart of West Belfast. Shopping centres, cafes, restaurants and pubs are within walking distance.

Former Victorian Rectory built 1896 in leafy south Belfast, has been family run for over 26 years.

Darcy's Belfast, a family run restaurant based in Belfast, offering quality traditional food.

Coppi restaurant, located right in the heart of the buzzing Cathedral Quarter.

• The Gourmet Boys

Crumlin Road Gaol Experience

Discover over 150 years of history and follow in the footsteps of over 25,000 prisoners as you make the journey through Northern Ireland’s only remaining Victorian Era prison.

Explore the building’s colourful past and gain a unique and memorable insight into the daily lives and routines of both prisoners and prison officers over the Gaol’s existence.

Learn about the Gaol’s history including when women and children were imprisoned, the executions that were carried out, and its more recent history and learn about why the decision was taken to close the prison.

You will have access to all aspects of the Gaol from the Tunnel linking the courthouse on the other side of the Crumlin Road to the Hanging Cell, the Historic Holding Cells, Centre Circle, C-Wing and Graveyard.

The Crumlin Road Gaol Experience is open to the public and operates between 11:00 am and 3:30 pm daily. Crumlin Road Gaol Experience is a virtual self-guided tour, which includes all information you would have received on our previous daily guided tours, this will enable you to explore the prison at your own pace while observing social distancing. INFORMATION AND TERMS * Suitable warm clothing and flat shoes must be worn. * The main entrance to the Gaol is via the Gate House on Crumlin Road. * Coaches & Cars may enter the site via the Summer Street entrance and follow the appropriate traffic management signs. * Admission tickets can be purchased on the day but we advise pre-booking to avoid disappointment. * We recommend that you arrive at least 10 to 15 minutes prior to the tour time, to enable tickets to be checked or to be purchased (non-groups).

Contact Information

53-55 Crumlin Road Belfast BT14 6ST

+44 (0) 2890 71500

Stay up to date by entering your email below

• Your cart is empty

Exclusive Crumlin Road Gaol Tour & Belfast Murals Combo Tour

120 Minutes

About this tour

Experience historic and culturally rich Belfast and Crumlin Road Gaol, with our legendary Belfast Mural and Crumlin Road Gaol Combo Tour – a five-star rated tour and one of the most popular black taxi tour in Belfast Northern Ireland.

Previously featured on British, European and US Television, this is a Belfast political mural tour where passengers get to explore and experience the famous West Belfast murals from the comfort of a Belfast black taxi or executive vehicle, with a local tour guide providing political and historical background information and local knowledge about the murals of Belfast and ‘The Troubles’ in Northern Ireland. 

Exclusive   Crumlin Road Gaol

The tour finishes with a tour of Crumlin Road jail. Belfast “colloquially known as the Crum”, a former Prison situated in North Belfast found on the Crumlin Road and the only remaining Victorian-era prison in Northern Ireland, and now a visitor attraction. Some of the prisoners included were De Valera and Ian Paisley, and these men spent time in this prison. 

There were 17 men who went to the execution chamber and were hanged and buried in the prison. You now have the opportunity to go on a guided tour of this prison, and it is now one of the main tourist attractions in Belfast. 

As you make your way along the Loyalist Shankill Road, Republican Falls Road, and the ‘Peace Walls’ that separate them, the Belfast Mural Tour guide explains the history of each West Belfast mural and the stories behind the murals you see. 

This amazing transport-based tour of Belfast’s murals provides ample opportunities to stop, exit the vehicle, take photos and ask any burning questions about the tour. There is even the opportunity to sign your name on the world-famous Peace Wall, that has divided catholic and protestant communities in Belfast for years.

Book your Belfast Mural Tour and Crumlin Road prison tour and experience first-hand the raw side of historic Belfast City, and its colourful history, with local guides who have lived through the troubles and have many stories to tell. We are the only Black Taxi Cab Tour company in the city of Belfast that’s jointly owned by both a Protestant and a Catholic. 

This puts us in a highly unique position for giving all customers a fair and unbiased Belfast Political and mural tour, allowing passengers to hear both sides of the stories and events that we call ‘The Troubles’.

Please Note: Cab Tours Belfast have a unique relationship with Crumlin Road prison, We are the only black taxi tour company that the gaol work with . 

At times they have a crumlin road gaol guided tour that are available.

For larger group bookings & special rates for children please do not hesitate to call us on 028 9558 2072 or email us at  [email protected] .

We are more than happy to accommodate your requests to continue providing the best Belfast black taxi cab tours.

Crumlin Road Gaol Tour: What to Expect

Our award-winning black taxi Belfast Mural Tour has been now been made extra special with the addition of a visit to the truly unique Crumlin Road jail.

From the comfort of a black taxi cab or executive vehicle, passengers can enjoy a 120 minute journey back in time, with local guides who have knowledge, stories, and experiences to share about ‘The Troubles’ and the famous wall murals nestled deep in West Belfast’s Shankill and Falls Neighbourhoods.

Passengers get to experience the real Belfast, with cabbies who grew up in West Belfast, living through the troubles. All our cabbies know the city well, offering honest viewpoints and intimate details on the Troubles, political murals, and local culture. To top it off, they will also enjoy a tour of the famous Belfast jail to learn its rich history.

Cab Tours Belfast is Northern Ireland’s top black taxi cab tour company, recipient of the  TripAdvisor Certificate Of Excellence Award , and ranked number 17 in the world on TripAdvisor.

And top 4 in the uk .

During this tour passengers will stop at the following murals and attractions:

Departure & Return Location

3 Donegall Square East at the lefthand side 0f Belfast City Hall

EXTRA CHARGE At Other Locations 

Departure & Return Time

Last Tour 12.30PM Tours Run: 9am | 10.45am | 12.30pm

60 Minute Tour 60 Minutes Crumlin Road Gaol

Complementaries

Included/excluded.

• London Style Taxi Cab or Executive Vehicle
• Experienced Driver Guide
• Pickup & Drop-Off - 3 Donegall Square East Extra Charge Applies At other locations
• Food & Refreshments
• Any Private Expenses

Stop 1 Shankill Road Murals

Your Belfast Murals Tour begins in the Shankill Road area of Belfast which is (Protestant/British), where your Black Taxi Cab driver will explain a detailed history of the area. We begin in 1690, when William of orange arrived in Ireland to defeat King James the 2nd at the famous Battle Of The Boyne. There will then be an explanation about the recent troubles, which started in 1969 and ended when the peace agreement was signed in 1998. You will go for a short walk around the area, where your black taxi cab driver will explain the loyalist murals Belfast has in the area and what they represent. You will have the opportunity to take your own photographs of the Belfast murals.

Stop 2 Peace Walls

The peace walls were designed to separate the Catholic (Nationalist) and Protestant (Unionist) populations in Belfast. The first ‘peace lines’ were erected, following the outbreak of violence in 1969 in Northern Ireland. They were built as temporary structures, meant to last only six months. Due to their effective nature they were built higher, longer, and made permanent and are still here today. The peace walls are adorned with art and messages of hope from tourists.

Stop 3 The International Wall

The final stop will be the International Wall, where you will see a variety of different murals in Belfast. The murals have a general theme of ‘highlighting oppression’ – from the race riots in America in 1969 to current events in Palestine.

Frequently asked questions

How much does this tour cost.

Prices start from £90 for 1 – 2 people.

How do I pay?

You can pay your driver on departure.

How long does the Belfast Mural Tour last?

The Belfast Political Mural Tour typically lasts for 90 minutes.

Are the cabs wheelchair friendly?

Yes, wheelchair friendly cabs are available. If you have any additional needs, please make us aware at the time of booking. Cabs can take up to 8 passengers.

Where are the pickup and drop off points?

Are free pickup point 3 Donegall Square East at the lefthand side of Belfast City Hall , Additional fee for pickup at other locations Please inform us of your preference at the time of booking.

Does the driver wait for us at the gaol?

No, your driver will drop you off at the gaol with your entry tickets provided and you make your own way to your next destination.

Tour's Location

Bulk discount adult.

Member Since 2023

Explore other options

Giants Causeway Tour

Belfast Black Taxi Tour – Belfast Taxi Tours

Private Car and Driver Hire Belfast

Belfast Shore Excursion to Belfast Murals

Belfast Supreme 3.5hr Black Taxi Tour 2 in 1

Airport Transfers

Giants Causeway Tour from Cruise Ships

or sign in with

Select User Type

or continue with

Enter the e-mail address associated with the account. We'll e-mail a link to reset your password.

Why Crumlin Road Gaol Is One Of Belfast’s Most Unique Attractions

By Author Elisha Donkin

Posted on Last updated: January 2, 2024

A visit to the historic Crumlin Road Gaol is arguably one of the best places to visit in Belfast.

As the only remaining Victorian era prison in Northern Ireland, a visit to Crumlin Road Gaol is a must during your time in Belfast.

The gaol operated for 150 years, housing murderers, loyalists and republican prisoners. Now you can take a tour of the Grade A listed building to discover the fascinating history of the former prison.

In the guide below, you’ll find everything from how much the tours cost to what you’ll experience when you visit.

Table of Contents

Some quick need-to-knows before you visit Crumlin Road Gaol

Photo by Dignity 100 (Shutterstock)

Although a visit to Crumlin Road Gaol in Belfast is fairly straightforward, there are a few need-to-knows that’ll make your visit that bit more enjoyable.

Note: if you book a tour via one of the links below we  may  make a small commission. You won’t pay extra, but it helps us pay the bills and we greatly  appreciate it (cheers!).

1. Location

The former gaol and now conference centre is located out on Crumlin Road to the north of the city centre. It’s a 15-minute walk from St Anne’s Cathedral , a 20-minute walk from the Belfast Peace Wall and a 30-minute walk from St George’s Market .

2. Opening hours 

The Gaol is open seven days a week. From Sunday to Thursday, from 10.30 until 3.20pm and from Friday to Saturday it’s open until 6.20pm.

3. Admission

Admission prices are £14.50 per adult, £7.50 per child and £12.50 for concession. There are also group discounts such as £38 for a family of four. Otherwise, you can also purchase the tickets online before you go, which will give you a nice little discount as well.

4. The tour

The main tour at the gaol is a 70-minute self-guided trip through the stories and history of the building. You’re taken through the tunnel that connects the Gaol to the courthouse before exploring the C-Wing, including the Condemned Man’s Cell and gaol gravesite. 

5. Gaol Grub

If you fancy a feed after your tour, there’s now a licensed bar and grill restaurant inside the Crum . Open for lunch and dinner, the menu features locally sourced ingredients and meals to suit everyone. They have some great specials too, including Steak Saturday and Sunday Roast. It’s certainly much nicer than what the prisoners would have been served up!

History of Crumlin Road Gaol

Photo left: Dignity 100. Photo right: trevorb (Shutterstock)

The prison was built from 1843 to 1845 to replace the County Gaol on Antrim Street. It was constructed of black basalt rock and was considered one of the most advanced prisons of the time.

There are four wings of the gaol up to four stories high and all stretching off from the central area known as the Circle. It was the first prison in Ireland to be intended to have one prisoner per cell, however, up to three prisoners eventually shared a cell even into the 1970s.

For the first few decades, executions were carried out in public view. Although from 1901, an execution chamber was built inside the prison compound and used until the last hanging in 1961.

The condemned would live in a cell and were buried inside the prison beside the hospital. It’s known that 17 prisoners were executed during the 150 years of operation, with the last being Robert McGladdery in 1961.

Escape attempts

No prison is without some escape stories and the Crum is no different. It was considered to be the Alcatraz of Europe but there were still escape attempts made.

The most famous escape was in November 1971, when nine Provisional IRA members escaped down rope ladders, with all but two getting away.

The Troubles and closure

In November 1991, the Loyalist wing of the prison was the target of a Provisional IRA bomb which killed a couple of inmates during the Troubles. 

It officially closed down in 1996 and remained empty for years. It wasn’t until 2012 that the prison opened again to visitors for tours and as a conference centre.

The self-guided Crumlin Road Gaol tour

The gaol operated from 1846 until 1996, housing over 25, 000 men, women and children over the years. The tour allows you to get an insight into the history and stories of the place and people. 

What to expect

The tour is a self-guided walk including videos, audio and holograms throughout the building. The tour will take between 60 and 90 minutes depending on how long it takes you to read and listen to the boards and videos throughout the site.

Unique attractions

The self-guided tour gives you a unique look into all the different parts of the gaol. You can walk through the tunnel which connects the prison to the courthouse, before heading off into the holding cells, condemned cell and hangman’s cell. 

You’ll also walk through the gaol circle or centre, as well as the main C-Wing before heading out to the graveyard. The information boards and videos take you into the daily lives and routines of both the prisoners and staff over the 150-year history.

Things to do near Crumlin Road Gaol

One of the beauties of Crumlin Road Gaol is that it’s a short spin away from many of the best things to do in Belfast .

Below, you’ll find a handful of things to see and do a stone’s throw from the jal (plus places to eat and where to grab a post-adventure pint!).

1. Discover Belfast’s past

Photos via Google Maps

The Belfast Black Cab Tours are well worth doing. Over the course of an hour, you’ll discover the different Belfast murals on the Shankill Road and the Falls Road and you’ll learn about the city’s turbulent past.

2. Peace Wall Belfast

Photo via Google Maps

Not too far of a walk down from Shankill Road, you’ll find the now-famous Peace Wall on Cupar Way. The wall is used to separate Catholic and Protestant neighborhoods but is now covered in a mix of murals and Belfast street art .

3. Food and drink

Photos via 5A Coffee on Instagram

There’s endless restaurants in Belfast . In our guides to the best vegan food in Belfast , the tastiest brunch in Belfast (and the best bottomless brunch !) and the finest Sunday lunch in Belfast , you’ll find plenty of places to make your belly happy.

4. Explore the city’s top attractions

Photos via Shutterstock

There are countless things to do in Belfast . Whether you’ve got just a day or longer, there’s plenty of attractions to keep you busy. See our guides to the best walks in Belfast and the best day trips from Belfast for more.

FAQs about the Crumlin Road Gaol tours

We’ve had a lot of questions over the years asking about everything from why did Crumlin Road Gaol close to what the tour involves.

In the section below, we’ve popped in the most FAQs that we’ve received. If you have a question that we haven’t tackled, ask away in the comments section below.

Are the Crumlin Road Gaol tours worth doing?

Yes – 100%! The Crumlin Road Gaol Tours are arguably one of the most unique things to do in Belfast, and they’re a fantastic rainy day activity.

How long does the Crumlin Road Gaol tour take?

The Crumlin Road Gaol Tours tend to last around 1 hour in total, but you’ll want to allow at least 1.5 hours for getting your ticket checked, queues, etc.

What do you see when you visit Crumlin Road Gaol?

The self-guided tour gives you a unique look into all the different parts of the gaol. You can walk through the tunnel which connects the prison to the courthouse, before heading off into the holding cells, condemned cell and hangman’s cell.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

How To Visit Crumlin Road Gaol (Jail)

The Crumlin Road Gaol is one of the most interesting and fascinating places to visit in Belfast - full of history, horror and intrigue! 

In this article, we provide a comprehensive round-up of everything you need to know about visiting the famous Northern Irish attraction. 

We outline exactly how to visit Crumlin Road Gaol and provide you with helpful information, including opening times and how much time you should estimate to spend at the Jail. 

On top of that, we also outline how you can save money by buying your tickets for the Crumlin Road Gaol online before you visit. 

So, let’s dive into: How to visit Crumlin Road Gaol

Disclaimer - this blog post contains affiliate links where we can earn a commission if you make a purchase through them (at no extra cost to you).

Visiting Crumlin Road Gaol at a Glance  

How long do I need to spend at the Jail? Plan to be there between 1.5-2.0 hours

How to buy tickets: purchase discounted entry tickets online here before you arrive

Best place to stay near the Jail: The Flint - 1 mile from Crumlin Road Gaol

Useful information about Crumlin Road Gaol  

Address: Crumlin Road Gaol, 53-55 Crumlin Road, Belfast, BT14 6ST

Website: www.crumlinroadgaol.com

Phone number: 028 9074 1500

Email: [email protected]

What is Crumlin Road Gaol?

The Crumlin Road Gaol is a grade-one listed 19th Century Prison that is now open to the public and used as a concert and events venue throughout the year. 

Crumlin Road Gaol was built in 1845 and ceased serving as an active prison in 1996. 

Known locally as ‘The Crum’, the Jail housed many political prisoners during the Troubles and was even the scene of an IRA bomb that killed 2 loyalist prisoners in 1991. 

Once the prison closed its doors in 1996, it remained derelict until 2010, when plans were commenced to rebuild it as a tourist attraction. To give it its official title, Crumlin Road Gaol Visitor Attraction and Conference Centre opened in 2012 and was even visited by the late Queen Elizabeth II in 2014. 

Crumlin Road Gaol - Iron Gates

Where is Crumlin Road Gaol?

Crumlin Road Gaol is 1.7km (1 mile) from Belfast City Centre, along the famous Crumlin Road. The road runs for 4 miles in North-West Belfast and was the scene of many murders and attacks during the Northern Ireland Troubles.

How to get to Crumlin Road Gaol?

A few options exist for getting to Crumlin Road Gaol from Belfast city centre. Here is a quick rundown of the easiest suggestions:

Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Bus Tour - a popular way to get to the Crumlin Road Gaol is to jump on the hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus that takes you around Belfast. As the name suggests, the bus stops at all the major attractions around Belfast, including directly outside of the Crumlin Road Gaol.  

Public Bus - Translink bus service 12b stops close to Crumlin Road Gaol (get off at the Agnes Street Stop ) and provides several services throughout the day, each day of the week. You can pay via contactless on the bus. For a full breakdown of the 12b bus timetable, click here . 

 Car - Crumlin Road Gaol is only 1.7km from Belfast City Centre, along the A12 and Crumlin Road, respectively. There is free on-site parking, which is open daily from 8 am - 6 pm.   Drive past the jail, and the free parking is on the right-hand side (when driving from the city centre), just past the petrol station.

Taxi - a taxi to Crumlin Road Gaol from the centre of Belfast will likely take less than 10 minutes and is an easy and stress-free way to visit the Jail.

When does Crumlin Road Gaol open?

The Crumlin Road Gaol Experience is open 7 days a week . It opens at 10:30 am and the last entry is 3 pm (Sun-Sat September to March; Sun-Thu April to August) or 4:30 pm (Fri-Sat April to August).

As you can see, the closing times differ throughout the year, so it is best to plan to arrive by 2.30 pm at the latest so you avoid missing out.

Crumlin Road Gaol - C Wing

How much does it cost to visit Crumlin Road Gaol?

There are a few different admission fees for the Crumlin Road Gaol, but it is worth noting that it is always cheaper to buy your Crumlin Road Gaol tickets online prior to arriving. 

Here’s a quick breakdown of how much tickets to the jail cost:

Adults - £15.00 at the door or £14.50 online 

Children (5-15yo) - £8.50 at the door or £8.00 online 

Concession (60+ or students) - £13.00  

Family (2 adults and 2 children) - £45.00

Can you do a guided tour of Crumlin Road Gaol?

All tickets to the Crumlin Road Gaol are self-guided tickets, meaning you walk around the jail and exhibit of your free will. Having said this, it is possible to take a guided tour of the Gaol, but you can’t book these in advance online. 

Instead, simply book your original ticket online, and when you arrive at the jail, ask if there is a guided tour available on that day.

To be honest, the interactive exhibits really make it an immersive experience, with cleverly timed holographic guides highlighting the main features of the jail, so a real-life tour guide isn’t necessary.  

How long do you need to spend at Crumlin Road Gaol?

The actual Crumlin Road Gaol site isn’t overwhelmingly large, so we recommend spending between 1.5-2.0 hours at the Jail, depending on how much information you like to consume when visiting historical sites. 

In general, though, around 2 hours should be plenty of time to explore Crumlin Road Gaol.

Money-saving tip: remember to buy your tickets online to avoid paying extra when you arrive at Crumlin Road Gaol. 

Ben being locked up at Crumlin Road Gaol

Frequently asked questions about the Crumlin Road Gaol  

Was crumlin road gaol catholic or protestant .

The Crumlin Road Gaol was located on Crumlin Road, an interface area home to Catholics and Protestants throughout the Troubles. 

As such, Crumlin Road Gaol housed both Catholic and Protestant prisoners throughout its life as an active prison, though each faction was, of course, found on separate wings throughout the prison.  

How many people were executed at Crumlin Road Gaol?

In total, 17 men were executed/hanged at Crumlin Road Gaol . During a visit to the jail, you will be able to enter the condemned man’s cell before seeing the official execution cell, where the majority of the 17 men were executed. 15 of the executed men are still buried in the grounds of the prison and you can visit their gravesite during your visit.

When is the best time to visit Crumlin Road Gaol? 

We recommend visiting the jail as early as possible as the crowds tend to be much larger in the afternoons and evenings. So try to arrive directly for opening at 10:30 am to avoid the crowds and get the best possible experience.  

What do you see during a visit to Crumlin Road Gaol? 

During a visit to the Crumlin Road Gaol, you can wander around the jail of your own free will on a self-guided tour. Specific highlights of the experience include:

Entering the tunnel that connected the courthouse across the road to the Prison

The Condemned Man’s Cell, where men were executed

Exercise Yard and Grave Site

Fan-shaped Prison wings

Underground tunnel connecting Crumlin Road Gaol and the Courthouse across the road

There we have it, folks, our conclusive round-up of everything you need to know about visiting the Crumlin Road Gaol in Belfast. The jail remains one of Belfast’s most notable tourist attractions, and we hope this article has helped you to plan your visit to Crumlin Road Gaol.

There are a few different ways of visiting the Game of Thrones studio tour in Banbridge from Belfast and in this article we are going to guide you through all the different options.

The Crumlin Road Gaol is one of the most interesting and fascinating places to visit in Belfast - full of history, horror and intrigue!

In this curated list, we unveil the best boutique hotels in Belfast, revealing the hidden gems that offer unparalleled comfort and an immersive stay in Northern Ireland’s dynamic and vibrant capital city.

Ben Lloyd is the creator, editor and one half of Ticket 4 Two Please. Our website is designed to help adventurous couples travel together on a budget around the world. We have handy destination guides from countless destinations, as well as useful seasonal job resources for summer camps and ski seasons.

Getting From Belfast To The Game Of Thrones Studio Tour

11 best boutique hotels in belfast.

Black Taxi Tour and Crumlin Road Gaol tour Combo

• Crumlin Road Gaol - Admission included
• Cab Tours Belfast Black Taxi Tours - Admission included

How to get there?

3 Donegall Square E

Select date and session

No booking fees

Similar Experiences

Cab tours belfast famous black taxi tours, glass of thrones walking trail, private belfast black taxi tour, belfast walking food tour with secret food tours, belfast - giants causeway , dunluce castle and dark hedges, hop-on hop-off bus belfast, titanic experience and giant's causeway tour from belfast, giant’s causeway tour + game of thrones filming locations tour from belfast, the story of belfast walking tour, belfast cathedral: self-guided tour.

Sorry, JavaScript must be enabled to use this web app

Firebird Travel

RUSSIA TRAVEL HOME

Thank you for your enquiry.

RUSSIA TRAVEL PACKAGES A selection of Russian tours to take as they are or adjust to your needs.

THE GOLDEN RING Visit the heart of ancient Russia. What is the Golden Ring?

MOSCOW TOURS What you can see in Moscow.

MOSCOW DAY TRIPS Get out of Moscow and take a relaxing trip to some of these places

ST. PETERSBURG Some of the sights to see in Petersburg

LAKE BAIKAL TOURS Hiking and trekking around the world's deepest lake in the heart of Siberia

RUSSIAN DIGS Come and work in the field on a Russian Archaeological dig. Full training given on site.

TRAVEL TIPS & SERVICES Getting around in Russia

If you do not receive a confirmation email shortly then you have probably incorrectly entered your email.

Number of travelers ">

Special Interests or requests.          "> ">

If you experience difficulties please use this link to send Regular Email . All information is treated as confidential

Current time by city

For example, New York

Current time by country

For example, Japan

Time difference

For example, London

For example, Dubai

Coordinates

For example, Hong Kong

For example, Delhi

For example, Sydney

Geographic coordinates of Elektrostal, Moscow Oblast, Russia

City coordinates

Coordinates of Elektrostal in decimal degrees

Coordinates of elektrostal in degrees and decimal minutes, utm coordinates of elektrostal, geographic coordinate systems.

WGS 84 coordinate reference system is the latest revision of the World Geodetic System, which is used in mapping and navigation, including GPS satellite navigation system (the Global Positioning System).

Geographic coordinates (latitude and longitude) define a position on the Earth’s surface. Coordinates are angular units. The canonical form of latitude and longitude representation uses degrees (°), minutes (′), and seconds (″). GPS systems widely use coordinates in degrees and decimal minutes, or in decimal degrees.

Latitude varies from −90° to 90°. The latitude of the Equator is 0°; the latitude of the South Pole is −90°; the latitude of the North Pole is 90°. Positive latitude values correspond to the geographic locations north of the Equator (abbrev. N). Negative latitude values correspond to the geographic locations south of the Equator (abbrev. S).

Longitude is counted from the prime meridian ( IERS Reference Meridian for WGS 84) and varies from −180° to 180°. Positive longitude values correspond to the geographic locations east of the prime meridian (abbrev. E). Negative longitude values correspond to the geographic locations west of the prime meridian (abbrev. W).

UTM or Universal Transverse Mercator coordinate system divides the Earth’s surface into 60 longitudinal zones. The coordinates of a location within each zone are defined as a planar coordinate pair related to the intersection of the equator and the zone’s central meridian, and measured in meters.

Elevation above sea level is a measure of a geographic location’s height. We are using the global digital elevation model GTOPO30 .

Elektrostal , Moscow Oblast, Russia

Sovremennik" cinema square, Elektrostal Live Cam

Sovremennik" cinema square, elektrostal.

Live webcam shows the square in front of the cinema «Sovremennik» in real time. The camera is installed on the house number 18 on Mir Street in the city of Elektrostal, Moscow Region, Russia. The live camera is aimed at the monument to I.F. Tevosyan, which is located on the square of the Sovremennik cinema. The intersection of Tevosyan Street and Mir Street is in the field of view of the web camera. Therefore, this live camera can help assess the workload of this section of the road and the presence of congestion at the intersection. The main entrance of the school №13 and the pedestrian crossing in front of it also on the broadcating.

Other Languages

Webcam on the map and the nearest, nearest webcams.

Similar webcams