Crumlin Road Gaol, originally known as Belfast Gaol, was completed in 1846 at a cost of £60,000. It replaced the former House of Correctionn, built in 1817 in Howard Street
The Gaol was designed by th renounded architect Sir Charles Lanyon (1813-1899) , one of the principal architects of Victorian Belfast incluing the Customs House, Belfast Public Library in Royal Avenue, Queens University and Belfast Castle.
the Gaol is a Grade A listed building built from black basalt quarried in the Belfast hills and finished with sandstone imported from Scotland, it has 4 wings which radiate from a central hall ("Thde Circle"). The Gaol covers a 10 acre area and was built to house approximately 500 prisoners in single cell accommodation.
The Gaol closed as a prison 31st March 1996 and is now a major tourist attraction in Belfast.
OPENING TIMES
Belfast Gaol is open 1000-1600 7 days a week
THE CACHE
There is a reaaly excerllent tour provided by the Gaol itself - mainly internal. The purpose of the virtual is to highlight a few of the external features of the prison that require you to take a short walk around the public areas.. Please message me through my profile with the answers and you may log as soon as you have sent them. I'll advise if there any serious issues. When finished you can enjoy a nice cup of coffee in the cafe.
!. CAR PARK You can park anywhere in this area - how many windows are on the top floor?
2. PRISON BOARD When was this building built?
3. BURIAL How many "rings" can you see on the chimney?
4.MYSTERY What lies behind this prominently marked door?
5. MAIN ENTRANCE What do you see here at the base of the steps?
An optional photo of your visit using any personal item in the photo would be appreciated - a bonus point though if you are "in" no 5
Virtual Rewards 4.0 - 2024-2025
This Virtual Cache is part of a limited release of Virtuals created between January 17, 2024 and January 17, 2025. Only 4,000 cache owners were given the opportunity to hide a Virtual Cache. Learn more about Virtual Rewards 4.0 on the Geocaching Blog.