Crumlin Road Gaol

Crumlin Road Jail showing heritage elements
Crumlin Road Gaol
Crumlin Road Gaol
Crumlin Road Gaol
Crumlin Road Jail showing interior views


Tours of this historic prison will take you through the cells to the execution chamber, where you’ll have the chance to meet a ghost.

Discover the stories of Ireland’s most notorious criminals, see the gallows where murderers were executed or take a ghost tour to connect to those who never made it out.Belfast’s former main prison saw over 25,000 inmates ‑ men, women and children ‑ during its 151-year history. The prison was the site of 17 executions, and 15 of the bodies were buried in unmarked graves within the prison grounds.In 1996 the prison closed, and for over a decade it remained in a state of neglect until renovations were completed in late 2012. Today, the jail looks like it did in the 1800s and it has become one of the city’s most popular attractions. Take a guided tour to get the most out of your visit to this historic jail. Learn about the history of the inmates and hear the morbid stories of killers. Find out how it was to be a prison guard here and walk between the cells as they used to do. The tour takes you to all parts of the Crumlin Road Gaol, including the underground tunnel to the old courthouse, the Governor’s Office and the prison hospital with padded cell.A wall near the prisoners’ graves is marked with the initials of those who were executed, including the dates. In the Condemned Man area, see the original noose used for hangings and visit the drop cell, where the unfortunate men were left hanging until they were most certainly dead. Rumors exist about the presence of ghosts here and if you want to see if they spook you, join a paranormal activity chase after dark. Each evening, the paid tour operates as a serious ghost hunt for adults only.Crumlin Road Gaol is located in the center of Belfast. Secure parking is free and the jail is also served by bus. The prison is open daily and is largely wheelchair accessible. Tours last just over an hour and are offered daily, but book ahead to secure a spot.

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Things to do near Crumlin Road Gaol

When visiting Crumlin Road Gaol in Belfast, immerse yourself in the rich history by joining a guided tour of the gaol itself. Additionally, explore the surrounding area with city tours that offer insights into Belfast's vibrant culture and heritage. Walking through the nearby streets allows you to appreciate the local architecture and community atmosphere, making for a memorable experience during your trip.

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience near Crumlin Road Gaol, visit Victoria Square Shopping Centre, just 1.6km away, offering a vibrant mix of entertainment and shops. Also, explore St. George's Market, located 1.6km away, known for its local produce and crafts. If you're up for a drive, Twin Villages Shopping Centre is 29.0km away, featuring family-friendly shops and eateries.

Recreation

The SSE Arena, a vibrant sports facility, offers an energetic atmosphere for sports enthusiasts just 1.6km from Crumlin Road Gaol. Nearby, Ulster Hall presents an entertainment hub for live music lovers. For relaxation, Cave Hill Country Park, two miles away, provides tranquil walking paths and stunning views.

Adventure

Experience thrilling water sports at Jetpack Adventures, located 4.8km from Crumlin Road Gaol, where adventure meets the waves. For a high-speed challenge, head to Eddie Irvine Sports, 17.7km away, offering exciting karting experiences. Explore the scenic Blackhead Path, a 24.1km hike perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.

Nightlife

In Crumlin Road Gaol, the Grand Opera House offers a cultural evening filled with romance and entertainment just 1.6km away. For a lively pub experience, visit the Crown Liquor Saloon, also one mile away. The MAC Theatre, 1.1km distant, presents an array of engaging performances.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Crumlin Road Gaol

Visitors to Crumlin Road Gaol can explore a variety of attractions, including the fascinating maritime museum, the impressive modern civic government building, and the serene urban park. These points of interest provide a delightful mix of cultural experiences, outdoor activities, and family-friendly fun, ensuring that every traveller finds something to enjoy during their visit to this historic site in Belfast.

  • Titanic Belfast: Discover the fascinating story of the Titanic at this stunning maritime museum located just 1.6km from Crumlin Road Gaol. Experience interactive exhibits that delve into the ship's construction, launch, and tragic sinking, all within a striking architectural masterpiece.
  • Queen's University of Belfast: Situated 3.2km away, this modern university boasts beautiful grounds and impressive architecture. Stroll through its historic campus, soak in the vibrant atmosphere, and perhaps enjoy a coffee at one of the local cafés frequented by students.
  • Boucher Road Playing Fields: Located 4.8km from the gaol, this expansive fairground offers outdoor recreational activities ideal for families. Enjoy various sports facilities and green spaces, perfect for picnics and leisurely strolls.

Best time to go to Crumlin Road Gaol

The best time to visit Crumlin Road Gaol is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January40.8°F (4.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
February41.4°F (5.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March42.8°F (6.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April46.2°F (7.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
May50.9°F (10.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly High
June55.9°F (13.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
July58.3°F (14.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
August57.7°F (14.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
September55.0°F (12.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
October50.9°F (10.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
November45.7°F (7.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
December42.3°F (5.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Crumlin Road Gaol

To save money on your visit to Crumlin Road Gaol, consider travelling during the off-peak months of December to February, when accommodation prices are lower. Booking your hotel a month in advance can help you secure the best rates, while Monday is typically the cheapest day to stay. Use Expedia to find last-minute deals and filter results by price and hotel type, like eco-friendly options. Additionally, combining your hotel with flights and activities in a package can lead to further savings. Always check cancellation options and any booking fees to avoid unexpected costs.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Crumlin Road Gaol are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to July, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Crumlin Road Gaol is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Crumlin Road Gaol is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Crumlin Road Gaol is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool enables you to specify your budget, preferred location, and various other preferences. You can arrange your results to display prices from lowest to highest, allowing you to easily find the most affordable hotels. Additionally, you have the option to refine your choices by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some money by combining your hotel reservation at Crumlin Road Gaol with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

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