Crumlin Road Gaol Tours

Crumlin Road Jail featuring heritage elements
Crumlin Road Gaol which includes interior views and heritage elements
Crumlin Road Gaol featuring heritage elements and interior views
Crumlin Road Gaol which includes heritage elements and street scenes
Crumlin Road Jail featuring 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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Reviews of Crumlin Road Gaol

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Andrew, our tour guide, was very funny and he did a great job answering all of our questions. Worth the visit! Small cafe for lunch available here too!

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room2 Belfast Hometel

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Holiday Inn Belfast City Centre by IHG

Holiday Inn Belfast City Centre by IHG

4 out of 5
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Holiday Inn Belfast City Centre by IHG
Malmaison Belfast

Malmaison Belfast

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Grand Central Hotel Belfast

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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Crumlin Road Gaol

When visiting Crumlin Road Gaol in Belfast, you can enjoy a variety of activities such as guided tours of the gaol itself, walking tours that explore the rich history of the city, and local tours that highlight unique attractions. Don't miss the chance to visit the beautiful Botanic Gardens, enhancing your experience of Belfast's vibrant culture and history.

Shopping

The nearest shopping option is Castle Court Shopping Centre, located 0.7 miles from Crumlin Road Gaol, offering entertainment and family vibes. St. George's Market, about 1 mile away, provides a vibrant atmosphere for local goods. If you're up for a drive, check out Victoria Square Shopping Centre, also 1 mile away.

Recreation

The SSE Arena, just a mile from Crumlin Road Gaol, offers an energetic atmosphere with various sports events. Ulster Hall, also a mile away, provides a lively setting for music concerts. For a peaceful retreat, Cave Hill Country Park, two miles away, invites you to unwind amidst nature.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of Jetpack Adventures, located 3 miles from Crumlin Road Gaol, where you can soar above the water. For a scenic hike, explore the Blackhead Path, 15 miles away, featuring stunning views. If you're into skiing, head to Craigavon Golf & Ski Centre, 19 miles away.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near Crumlin Road Gaol. Catch a show at the Grand Opera House for a touch of culture and romance. Then, enjoy a drink at the Crown Liquor Saloon for a lively pub atmosphere. Don't miss the MAC Theatre for family-friendly entertainment.

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

Find the best attractions near Crumlin Road Gaol

When visiting Crumlin Road Gaol in Belfast, explore nearby attractions like the maritime museum, the modern civic government building, and urban parks that offer cultural and outdoor experiences for families. Don't miss the opportunity to visit Belfast Castle and other points of interest in the area to enhance your trip. Whether you're interested in history or nature, there's something for everyone around Crumlin Road Gaol.

  • Titanic Belfast: Dive into the history of the iconic ship at this stunning maritime museum. Located just 1 mile from Crumlin Road Gaol, Titanic Belfast offers an immersive experience through interactive exhibits and detailed displays, celebrating Belfast's shipbuilding heritage.
  • Queen's University of Belfast: A vibrant hub of education located 2 miles away, Queen's University boasts beautiful architecture and a dynamic atmosphere. Stroll through its picturesque campus, soak in the city vibes, and explore its rich academic history.
  • Boucher Road Playing Fields: Situated 3 miles from Crumlin Road Gaol, these playing fields provide a fun outdoor space for families. Enjoy various recreational activities in a lively environment that's perfect for picnics, sports, and family gatherings.

Best time to go to Crumlin Road Gaol

The best time to visit Crumlin Road Gaol can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Crumlin Road Gaol falls in July, when visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Crumlin Road Gaol falls in January, 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 trip to Crumlin Road Gaol, consider visiting between December and February for lower accommodation rates. Booking about a month in advance or utilizing last-minute deals on Expedia can lead to significant savings. Mondays typically offer the cheapest hotel rates, while Saturdays are the most expensive. Use Expedia's search tool to filter by budget and eco-friendly options, and consider bundling your hotel with flights and activities for discounts. Joining Expedia's One Key membership can also provide exclusive offers and cash back for future bookings.

  • 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: Book your hotel around Crumlin Road Gaol about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
  • 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: Utilize Expedia's search tool to customize your options based on your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will show you a selection of sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Crumlin Road Gaol with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

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