If you want to explore the story of crime and punishment in Donegal, our Guided Jail Tour at Lifford Old Courthouse is the perfect experience. Your visit begins in the historic cells where you are charged, sentenced, fingerprinted and introduced to your new surroundings. Over the next hour, you will discover what life was really like inside Donegal’s old jail.
You will not only hear about the cramped cells, harsh punishments and poor diets, you will have the chance to experience aspects of them for yourself. Informative, lively and suitable for all ages, this is a guided tour with a real difference.
A Guided Tour With A Difference
Pricing
Adult
€12
Concession
€9.00
Kids
€7.00
Family Ticket for 2 Adults & 2 Kids
€35
Group Tours
From €8 per person Learn More
School Tours
From €5.50 per person Learn More
Booking Advantages
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Booking Advantages
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I book?
Click BOOK NOW and choose your preferred date and time. For group or school bookings, you can contact us directly.
How long does the tour last?
Tours generally last between 40 and 60 minutes depending on group size.
How many people can take a tour?
We accept bookings from 2 to 20 people for individual tours. Our minimum booking size is 2. For larger groups, please contact us.
Can I ask questions?
Yes, absolutely. We encourage questions throughout the tour.
What should I wear?
Warm clothing is recommended, especially in colder months. Flat shoes are advisable.
Is it fun?
Yes. The tour is designed to be enjoyable as well as informative. Our guides tailor each tour to the needs and interests of the group.
Testimonials
Full of Information
Went there today as a family of four, kids 14 and 12 and it was fantastic! We had lunch (lovely food and staff) before we did the tour. Our Gaoler/Guide was fantastic. He was helpful, funny, friendly and full of information. I couldn’t recommend the place highly enough. We had a fabulous day.
June
August 2022
Friendly Local Staff
An amazing building & fascinating tour. The cells are recreated incredibly vividly and detailed, I would highly recommend. The cafe offers lovely food priced very reasonably, special mention for the absolutely delicious cappuccino I happily consumed! The staff were local and could not have been friendlier. A very enjoyable afternoon!
Jee
July 2022
Amazing time as a group
We came from England and had a tour of the courthouse with Patrick. He was so friendly and we had an amazing time as a group of 4! We then done the escape room and completed with 6 minutes to spare! Highly recommended!
Danielle
October 2021
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This project is supported by the Department of Rural and Community Development and Pobal through the Community Services Programme.
This project has been part-funded by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media under Project Ireland 2040.
Tá an tionscadal seo páirt-mhaoinithe ag an Roinn Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán faoi Thionscadal Éireann 2040.
An Clár Feabhsúcháin 2025
Local Enhancement Programme 2025
Is í an Roinn Forbartha Tuaithe agus Pobail agus Gaeltachta a mhaoinigh an tionscadal seo faoin an Clár Feabhsúcháin 2025
This project has been funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht under the Local Enhancement Programme 2025
We’re delighted to announce that Lifford Old Courthouse is one of the first social enterprises in Ireland to secure People & Planet First Verification.
What does this mean?
People & Planet First is a robust verification mark for social enterprises which is recognised globally and adopted in 130+ counties.
The verification focuses on five core standards:
Purpose: We exist to solve a social and/or environmental problem.
Operations: We prioritise purpose, people and planet over profit in operational decisions.
Revenue: We have a self-sustaining revenue model.
Use of surplus: We reinvest the majority of any surplus towards our purpose.
Structure: We choose legal structures and financing that protect and lock-in purpose long-term.a