Northern Ireland's only remaining Victorian prison is a bleak, yet thoroughly entertaining, visitor attraction. In its working lifetime, Crumlin Road Gaol “welcomed” over 25,000 prisoners, 17 of whom were executed within its walls and buried here. Men, women and children all suffered at the prison.
Looking at Crumlin Road Gaol, it's tough to believe that it only closed as an institution in 1996. In truth, the prison has undergone an overhaul to make it look as it did in Victorian times. Visitors should take a guided tour to make the most of their visit. There are two of these, both led by entertaining experts. The first is the Public Gaol Tour. On this tour, you'll be taken to a number of locations within the complex, including the hospital, holding cells and graveyard. You'll also see how the courthouse is linked to the hanging cell via underground passages and find out what it was like to be a prison guard. There's a chance to sit in the governor's chair too.
The second available tour is the Paranormal Gaol Tour. An expert explains how the prison has long been linked with acts of paranormal activity. Led to a number of eerie spots where there have been odd happenings, you'll be told scary stories about the condemned inmates. See a padded cell, flogging chamber and an original noose. These after-dark tours are for over 18s only.
The prison also hosts various music performances, including Johnny Cash and Jailhouse Rock tributes. Special cinema screenings of prison-based films happen occasionally too. Check the website to see what's on during your visit.
Crumlin Road Gaol is in the heart of Belfast. Public transport runs to the prison, and free parking is available. The attraction is open every day. Tours last approximately one hour. Tickets for the after-dark tour are roughly twice the price of the day tour. It's recommended that you book ahead to avoid disappointment.
