Armagh Gaol

Despite being from Armagh I’ve never visited the Gaol. Although I no longer live in Armagh I took the opportunity today, whilst visiting family, to take a Gaol Tour. There are rumours Armagh Gaol is to be renovated into a hotel and although I’m unsure if this is still happening I thought today might be my last opportunity to see this building before it’s changed forever.
The tour was eye opening and our tour guide brilliant, entertaining and informative. We heard about the Gaol’s history which dates back to the 1780’s (it closed its doors as a working prison in 1986). At different periods men, women and children were imprisoned and executed here. It was eerily fascinating to see the whole Gaol including cells and all the different levels. The building is slowly decaying with peeling paint, crumble and decay setting in. A derelict, sad atmosphere lingers and although we took the daytime 12.30pm tour it was a great experience on Halloween. I imagine the late evening tours would be brilliant, creepy and scary!
At £7 per person for an approximate 50 minute tour it was extremely good value for money. The prices vary slightly with late night tours being a bit more expensive, but family tickets and concession rates are available. I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to Armagh Gaol, would highly recommend it and hope this building is developed into a tourist attraction instead of being converted into a hotel.