Armagh Gaol

Places to See | Co. Armagh, Northern Ireland.



Armagh Gaol is one of Northern Ireland’s most important historic buildings and a landmark building within the City of Armagh. As such it makes vital contribution to the townscape character of the Armagh Conservation Area and should be on your list of places to see in County Armagh.

Built principally between 1780 and 1852, Armagh Gaol was largely designed by two of Ireland’s most important architects, Francis Cooley and William Murray. The Gaol is Grade B+ listed and has lain vacant since its closure in 1988 and is presently on the Built Heritage at Risk (BHARNI) list. In order to safeguard the long-term future of the buildings for future generations, it is necessary to identify sustainable and appropriate new uses for the Gaol.

The gaol actually comprised three prisons – one for women, one for debtors and one for felons. Executions were common at the gaol. At first these took place publicly in the gaol square but were later moved behind the impressive prison walls. The last man to be executed at Armagh gaol was Joseph Fee in 1904.

At present there is ongoing construction work at the site and it is closed to the public, so the best way to see the site is by using our 360 panorama photographs.

Address:  Armagh Gaol, Gaol Square, Armagh, Co. Armagh


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