Review
After a £15 million renovation recently the Crumlin Road Gaol has quickly established itself as one of NI’s must see attractions. The Gaol itself is fairly close to the city centre and quite honestly a taxi is the best way to travel in my opinion. There is some parking available onsite, but with it being situated to close to the hospital it’s always a traffic hotspot. A taxi from anywhere central is about £4-5. The Jail is steeped in history and has housed a broad cross section of characters form NI’s history, from suffragettes to paramilitaries. As such it provides a great look into our countries storied and troubled history. Architecturally speaking the building is a marvel, having been based on HM Prison Pentonvile and extended in later years a contrast in styles and building materials helps signpost it’s history. One of the high-lights is the wee trip down half ways long the tunnel that runs underneath, that used to take prisoners over to the courthouse across the road. As we left we noticed a plaque to commemorate it’s opening by first minister Peter Robinson and his Deputy Martin McGuinness. Ironic then that both of these men had stayed in this building years earlier under much less auspicious circumstances and a snapshot of the bizarre history of our wee country. The guide was excellent and the trip to the gallows at the end was treated with the reverence, and macabre nature, that it deserved.
Facilities
Onsite there is a Coffee shop called The Crum, there’s also a gift shop and a small museum. Toilets are also available.
Location
Crumlin Road Gaol.
Visitor Attraction and Conference Centre.
53-55 Crumlin Road, Belfast.
BT14 6ST
Getting there
taxis are our recommended way of travelling. £4-5 from anywhere city centre and the least hassle, as the area is a traffic hotspot, beings o near the hospital.
Opening hours
Tours run seven days per week
First Tour: 10.00am | Last Tour: 4.30pm
Tour Duration: 1 hr 15 mins (Approx)
Prices
Adults: £8.50
Children: £6.50
Concession: £7.00
Family: £25.00 (2 Adults & 2 Children)
Group Rate: Available on request
Links
Contact
Telephone – +44 (0)28 9074 1500
Email – info@crumlinroadgaol.com
