Crumlin Road Gaol.

Belfast’s sole surviving Victorian prison is a sobering, remarkably intact monument to 150 years of social and political history. Designed by Sir Charles Lanyon and opened in 1845, the Grade A-listed gaol held everyone from suffragettes and children to key political figures of the Troubles before closing in 1996. Today, visitors can explore the restored wings, the execution chamber, and the eerie underground tunnel that connects the prison to the crumbling courthouse across the street. The site doesn't shy away from its grim past, detailing the harsh realities of Victorian hard labor and capital punishment. In a surprisingly modern twist, the complex now also houses McConnell’s Distillery, which opened inside one of the wings in 2024, alongside an active lineup of live music and events.