Excursion Belfast city & crumlin road gaol tour at Liverpool

Experience a taste of civilian and prison life from a bygone era during this scenic and informative, half-day excursion to Belfast City.

Belfast City Centre, Grand Opera House and Landmarks

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 30-minute drive to Belfast's City Centre, the central business district. Upon arrival, begin your narrated drive through the city, with photo stops along the way. Pass by the Grand Opera House, Albert Memorial Clock, City Hall, and Victorian and Edwardian buildings. These architectural gems feature elaborate sculptures over doors and windows, along with stone-carved heads of gods, poets, scientists, kings, and queens peering down from the high ledges of banks and old linen warehouses.

Queen's University, Shankill Road, Falls Roads and Murals

From here, pass by Queen's University, established in 1845 by Queen Victoria, Shankill Road, an authentic working-class community, and the Falls Roads area, where murals on almost every gable wall tell the story of its violent past and hope for the future. From here, proceed to the former Crumlin Road Gaol (Jail) for a guided tour and an introduction into prison life.

Crumlin Road Gaol

Over 20,000 prisoners made their way through here from 1845 onwards. Your first stop is Reception, the prisoner's introduction into prison life. It was here they were stripped and washed before becoming part of the prison system. Continue on to the Tunnel, which connects the Gaol with the Courthouse on the opposite side of the road. The four wings of the Gaol radiate out, and offer splendid vistas of exquisite, 19th-century Victorian architecture. From here, walk down C-wing to see the conditions under which prisoners lived. At the end of C-wing is the condemned man's cell. Following your visit, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 45-minute drive back to the pier.

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking and standing, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and stairs to negotiate at the Crumlin Road Gaol. This tour is suitable for guests with limited mobility, but is not wheelchair-accessible. Comfortable, layered clothing, a waterproof jacket or coat, flat, closed-toe walking shoes and sun protection are recommended. Due to the local climate, most of the coaches are air-cooled. The tour sequence may vary.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Bangor, Belfast City Centre, Grand Opera House, City Hall, Victorian and Edwardian Buildings, Queen's University, Shankill Road, Falls Roads, Crumlin Road Gaol

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