Lifford Old Courthouse is a multi-purpose visitor centre offering guided jail tours, escape rooms, musical performances, room hire and an on-site bistro. Located in the capital of Donegal and built in 1746, this historic building has been restored and renovated thanks to the dedicated work of the local community.
Today it’s a centre for the entire community to use and enjoy, as well as attracting visitors from all over the world to experience what it has to offer.
Designed by architect Michael Priestly and constructed in 1746, the Courthouse and County Gaol has been described by the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage as “the most impressive public building in Donegal, and one of the finest buildings of its type and date in Ireland.”
In the years it operated as a court and gaol, it held a number of well known prisoners including James Napper Tandy and John ‘Half-Hung’ MacNaghten, as well as many thousands of others.
Lifford Old Courthouse now operates as an award winning centre, operating under a social enterprise model. This means that all profits are reinvested back into the business in order to create additional employment opportunities in the local area.
With a wide variety of activities, events and user groups, Lifford Old Courthouse truly is a place for the entire community to enjoy and cherish.
Since its formation over 25 years ago, Lifford Association Tourism Commerce Heritage (LATCH) CLG has operated Lifford Old Courthouse as a centre for the entire community. Established with the objectives of preserving our historic building and creating employment, today we continue with these objectives in mind, as well as focussing on the promotion of the arts, heritage, culture and community throughout Lifford and its environs.
Fancy having your party in our Courtroom or one of our function rooms? We can host everything here!
Music, Comedy and more! Check out our calendar for upcoming events at Lifford Old Courthouse
We have function rooms available for all kinds of conferences, meetings and workshops at any time.
If you’d like to hear from us at Lifford Old Courthouse about upcoming events then sign up for our mailing list!
This project is supported by the Department of Rural and Community Development and Pobal through the Community Services Programme.
