Menu
10/06/2008
Historic Belfast Jail Opens Its Doors Again
Queues of people are expected to file into a Belfast's Crumlin Road jail on Friday, for another chance to tour the historic building.
The disused jail first opened its doors to visitors last autumn. Now, due to last year's unprecedented popularity, tours of the Victorian building will recommence this week.
Built between 1843 and 1845, the prison was designed by Sir Charles Lanyon, a layout based on Pentonville Prison in London.
During its lifetime the building was the scene of 17 executions, and detained thousands of criminals, including men, women and children.
It will now offer thousands of visitors the opportunity to learn about penal life through history.
The reception area, where the city's criminals once first arrived, has since been refurbished, but visitors will be able to view cells not dissimilar to the condition they were in when prisoners spent their convictions.
There are 640 cells in total, divided between four wings, all of which are open to view from the central inspection hall.
The jail building is connected to the Crumlin Road courthouse, by an underground tunnel, used to transfer some of the Province's most notorious detainees, in an effort to prevent escape attempts.
The courthouse, which is no longer used, was the setting for the trials of some of Northern Ireland's most atrocious crimes during the troubles.
But most recently it has played host to a number of cultural events, including dramatic productions.
A £10m tourism project for the two sites was kicked off in 2002 with the removal of heavy security fencing. The aim of the investment is to make the two buildings tourist attractions similar to San Francisco's island prison, Alcatraz.
(PR/JM)
The disused jail first opened its doors to visitors last autumn. Now, due to last year's unprecedented popularity, tours of the Victorian building will recommence this week.
Built between 1843 and 1845, the prison was designed by Sir Charles Lanyon, a layout based on Pentonville Prison in London.
During its lifetime the building was the scene of 17 executions, and detained thousands of criminals, including men, women and children.
It will now offer thousands of visitors the opportunity to learn about penal life through history.
The reception area, where the city's criminals once first arrived, has since been refurbished, but visitors will be able to view cells not dissimilar to the condition they were in when prisoners spent their convictions.
There are 640 cells in total, divided between four wings, all of which are open to view from the central inspection hall.
The jail building is connected to the Crumlin Road courthouse, by an underground tunnel, used to transfer some of the Province's most notorious detainees, in an effort to prevent escape attempts.
The courthouse, which is no longer used, was the setting for the trials of some of Northern Ireland's most atrocious crimes during the troubles.
But most recently it has played host to a number of cultural events, including dramatic productions.
A £10m tourism project for the two sites was kicked off in 2002 with the removal of heavy security fencing. The aim of the investment is to make the two buildings tourist attractions similar to San Francisco's island prison, Alcatraz.
(PR/JM)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
14 November 2024
New Defence Heritage Record Launched
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has welcomed the launch of a new Defence Heritage Record, a comprehensive resource detailing over 4,500 sites constructed across Northern Ireland in response to World War One and Two, as well as the Cold War.
New Defence Heritage Record Launched
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has welcomed the launch of a new Defence Heritage Record, a comprehensive resource detailing over 4,500 sites constructed across Northern Ireland in response to World War One and Two, as well as the Cold War.
14 March 2017
Female Prison Officer Injured After Being Attacked At Magahberry Jail
A female prison officer has been injured after being attacked by a male inmate at Maghaberry Prison just outside Lisburn. A sharp weapon is believed to have been used. The officer was taken to hospital to be treated. A Prison Service spokesperson said: "A prison officer has suffered a serious injury following an assault by a prisoner in Maghaberry.
Female Prison Officer Injured After Being Attacked At Magahberry Jail
A female prison officer has been injured after being attacked by a male inmate at Maghaberry Prison just outside Lisburn. A sharp weapon is believed to have been used. The officer was taken to hospital to be treated. A Prison Service spokesperson said: "A prison officer has suffered a serious injury following an assault by a prisoner in Maghaberry.
25 August 2005
Famous jail opens its doors to public
One of Northern Ireland's most famous jails is to open to the public next month, it was confirmed today. Belfast’s historic Crumlin Road Gaol is being opened as part of European Heritage Open Day on Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 September.
Famous jail opens its doors to public
One of Northern Ireland's most famous jails is to open to the public next month, it was confirmed today. Belfast’s historic Crumlin Road Gaol is being opened as part of European Heritage Open Day on Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 September.
20 November 2024
Hydebank Wood Prison Praised For 'Model Of Excellence'
Justice Minister Naomi Long has hailed Hydebank Wood Secure College and Women's Prison as a "model of excellence and good practice" following the publication of two positive inspection reports.
Hydebank Wood Prison Praised For 'Model Of Excellence'
Justice Minister Naomi Long has hailed Hydebank Wood Secure College and Women's Prison as a "model of excellence and good practice" following the publication of two positive inspection reports.
31 August 2021
53-Year-Old Dies In Custody At Maghaberry Prison
A 53-year-old has reportedly died in custody at Maghaberry Prison, the Northern Ireland Prison Service has announced. The Department of Justice has reported that the prisoner died on Saturday 28 August, that his next of kin have been informed and that the death was not covid related.
53-Year-Old Dies In Custody At Maghaberry Prison
A 53-year-old has reportedly died in custody at Maghaberry Prison, the Northern Ireland Prison Service has announced. The Department of Justice has reported that the prisoner died on Saturday 28 August, that his next of kin have been informed and that the death was not covid related.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
