We were hosted by Crumlin Road Gaol, as always opinions are our own.
Jail is scary. Not that we’ve ever been in jail before, but I’m sure it probably is scary. Especially an old one like Crumlin Road Gaol.
We took a tour of this historic jail while visiting Belfast and we couldn’t believe what we saw.
The Story
In 1846, 106 prisoners from county Gaol in Carrickfergus were brought to the newly built gaol (jail), Crumlin Road Gaol otherwise known as “The Crum.”
From that point on, over 25,000 prisoners were admitted to the gaol and many additions were added such as a prison hospital, execution chamber and cottages for the prison staff.
It was finally closed down in 1996 when it was deemed as uninhabitable.
The Reception Room
Our tour began in the reception room with our guide, Brendan. The room was far from welcoming for the prisoners who were checked in to the gaol.
This was the first place the prisoners were taken where they had to undergo a full body search, give up whatever belongings they brought with them and were given a uniform.
The Tunnel
It never seems to fail, somehow we always make our way underground somewhere on our travels!
Walking into the underground tunnel was kind of creepy, despite being in there with a group of people. Brendan told us that this is a hot spot for paranormal activity – yikes!
In 1850, the tunnel was built to discreetly transport prisoners to the courthouse which stood across the street.
Located within feet underneath the main road, if all are silent, you could hear the muffled sound of vehicles drive above your head!
The Governor’s Office
After a chilling experience in the tunnel, we visited the Governor’s room and corridor. This is the only area in the jail that has carpet. Ever heard of the phrase “getting carpeted”?
This was literal for the prisoners. They were often sent to the Governor’s office (who has carpet) to stand in his intimidating office and find out what he chooses as their punishment for misbehaving and other things.
The Cells
Next, we were taken to The Circle. It’s literally a circle of open space that connects all four wings of the jail. This allowed the warden and other staff to keep a watchful eye on the prisoners at all times.
We toured the C-wing where we got a glimpse into what life was like for the prisoners. We couldn’t believe how tiny the cells were (12 x 7 feet ) and most of all, the astonishing fact that children were imprisoned at the gaol until the early 1900s!
They were imprisoned for petty theft like stealing food and clothing for their families who were very poor. At one point, it did become illegal for children under the age of thirteen to be imprisoned, but even so, it’s harsh.
Women were also imprisoned but kept in a separate wing from the men. Before WWI, women and children were no longer being imprisoned at the gaol.
The Prisoners
On our tour, we were told that prisoners had to hide their faces behind a veil while out of their cell because the guards feared they may be recognizable to the prisoners’ associates or enemies if any.
There are some famous prisoners who stepped foot into notorious Crumlin Road Gaol, like Eamon De Valera who served as prime minister and became President of Ireland 1959–1973.
He had illegally entered Northern Ireland so he was arrested.
There were also some successful escapes out of the jail, notably one that was done by a group of republicans called The Crumlin Kangaroos. In November of 1991 during the conflict in Northern Ireland called The Troubles, an explosive was designated in the dining hall killing two prisoners.
We were warned before continuing on with this next part of the tour (not suitable for young children.)
The Condemned Man’s Cell
Brendan told the group that those who think they will feel uncomfortable should stay outside of the gallows and wait for the rest of the group to return, and you will soon find out why.
You see, in the 150 years of the jail’s history, 17 inmates were sent to their death by hanging. I think what really didn’t prepare us is what happened before we entered the gallows.
Our group stood in a cell that had a bed, a desk and a wooden cross. We were told this is the “Condemned Man’s Cell” where the prisoners spent his last days awaiting his execution. Two guards were with him around the clock to make sure he didn’t commit suicide before his hanging. When the day of his execution arrived, he didn’t have to walk very far.
Then, Brendan took us to a smaller room with a toilet, and opened what seemed like a secret door, we immediately entered into the gallows!
Everyone gasped!
Could you imagine the mentality of the prisoner at the moment? Not only was he unaware of the date of his execution while staying in the condemned cell, but he literally spent his last days next to the gallows without even knowing it!
The Executions
Our guide, Brendan told us everything moved really fast for the prisoner.
Taken by the same guards who were with him during his last days, they quickly hanged him. Even worse, they already had a coffin waiting for his body in a room below through a trap door.
The prisoners were buried in unmarked graves within the gaol’s cemetery. However, we were shown one that was marked. Families were not allowed to visit the graves. Some even say, they were buried within the prison walls as a way to keep the prisoner’s souls from moving on and finding peace in the afterlife. They were tied to Crumlin Road Gaol for all eternity.
Crumlin Road Gaol is definitely a must visit while in Belfast. A visit to this jail really makes you appreciate your freedom a lot more!
Belfast Video
Did you really think I would leave you on a scary note? Check out our fun video from our day trip in Belfast where we ate our way through St. George’s Market and explored the Titanic Quarter.
Have you ever visited an old or famous prison? Comment below and share this post!
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