Crumlin Road Gaol Belfast

Established in 1845, Crumlin Road Gaol which is locally known as "The Crum", has many storries to tell about Belfast's complex history. For over 150 years, it housed a diverse array of inmates, from petty criminals to political figures, and now serves as a window into Northern Ireland's past.

Architectural Significance

Designed by Sir Charles Lanyon, the architect behind landmarks like Queen's University Belfast, the gaol was constructed between 1843 and 1845. Its layout, inspired by London's Pentonville Prison, features four wings fanning out from a central hub, embodying the "separate system" intended to isolate prisoners.

Notable Incarcerations

Throughout its operation until closure in 1996, the gaol detained over 25,000 individuals, including notable figures such as Éamon de Valera and Bobby Sands. It also held women and children, with some as young as 13 imprisoned for minor offenses.

Executions and Burials

Between 1854 and 1961, 17 executions were carried out within the prison walls. The executed were buried in unmarked graves on the grounds, a practice that contributes to the gaol's haunted reputation.

Paranormal Activity

Recognized as one of the most haunted locations in Northern Ireland, Crumlin Road Gaol has been the site of numerous unexplained occurrences. Visitors & staff have reported hearing disembodied voices, footsteps, and doors slamming shut without cause. Apparitions, including that of a man walking down C-Wing and disappearing, have also been witnessed.

Visitor Experience

Today, the gaol offers guided tours that delve into its rich history and paranormal lore. Highlights include the underground tunnel connecting to the courthouse, the condemned man's cell, and the execution chamber. For the brave, specialized ghost tours provide an immersive experience into the gaol's eerie past.

The Tunnel

One of Crumlin Road Gaol’s most talked-about features is the tunnel that runs beneath the road to the old courthouse across the street.

Built for security and convenience, the tunnel allowed prisoners to be escorted directly from their cells to the courtroom without setting foot outside.

It was dark, narrow, and silent, and for many inmates, it was a walk they’d never forget.

Guards would often use the phrase “Take them down” — a signal that a prisoner was to be taken through the tunnel for trial.

The tunnel reduced the risk of escape or public disruption, but walking it was said to feel like heading deeper into the unknown. Today, visitors can walk the same tunnel as part of the guided tour.

Opening Hours / Schedules

Monday - Sunday
10:00am–4:00pm