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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)
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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.
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.
31 August 2018
Man Dies In Maghaberry Prison
A 22-year-old man has died while in custody at Maghaberry Prison, the Northern Ireland Prison Service has reported. The Department of Justice has confirmed that the man died in custody on the morning of Thursday, 30 August. The man's next of kin have been informed. The PSNI, Coroner and Prisoner Ombudsman have been informed about the death.
Man Dies In Maghaberry Prison
A 22-year-old man has died while in custody at Maghaberry Prison, the Northern Ireland Prison Service has reported. The Department of Justice has confirmed that the man died in custody on the morning of Thursday, 30 August. The man's next of kin have been informed. The PSNI, Coroner and Prisoner Ombudsman have been informed about the death.
14 September 2016
Staff At Maghaberry Prison Watched As Prisoner Self-Harmed
Staff at Maghaberry Prison in Lisburn have been criticised after they failed to intervene while a prisoner blinded himself, according to a Prison Ombudsman report. Sean Lynch, 23, was being detained at the prison in June 2014 and inflicted "extreme and shocking" injuries through self-harm over a three day period.
Staff At Maghaberry Prison Watched As Prisoner Self-Harmed
Staff at Maghaberry Prison in Lisburn have been criticised after they failed to intervene while a prisoner blinded himself, according to a Prison Ombudsman report. Sean Lynch, 23, was being detained at the prison in June 2014 and inflicted "extreme and shocking" injuries through self-harm over a three day period.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A cloudy day with a little light rain or drizzle at times, but some spells of drier weather too. The north coast may become somewhat brighter later this afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:Cloudy and patchy light rain will slowly clear away this evening. Then the rest of the night will be dry with broken cloud. Westerly winds freshening in the early hours. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
