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Self Guided Tours

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Explore At Your Own Pace!

Self Guided Tours are now available at Lifford Old Courthouse.
The tour brochures are available in English, Irish, French, Spanish, German & Ukranian.
Call in and have a walk around our historical cells at your own pace.  Self guided tours are available year round,  subject to availability.
Self guided tours are not available for booking, but can be purchased at reception in person.  You can also contact us in advance to check availability.
Learn about about the crimes, punishments, and the gruesome living conditions that the prisoners endured here in Lifford.
You will also learn about the history of some of the legendary prisoners of Lifford Jail, most notability James Napper Tandy and ‘Half Hanged’ McNaughten.
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Pricing

€5 per person

(Includes admission to cells and self guided brochure)

Children Under 10

Free

Booking Advantages

Fast and easy booking
Book your activity only in minutes
Instant confirmation
Tickets delivered to your email
Online payment
100% secure with SSL encryption
24/7 accessible
Our website is open day and night
Guaranteed prices
No additional costs
Stress-free
Your place is reserved

Image Gallery

female prisoner mugshot
prisoner in pillory with a batton facing him
prison guard with batton leaning towards camera
prison guard in uniform with batton in hand
Old Lifford Courthouse, Lifford, Co Donegal
prisoners pointing at camera laughing
guard at courthouse
prison guard at Lifford Old Courthouse
Guard with two prisoners outside the old courthouse
Prisoner in pillory
man reading scroll illustration

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I book?

Simply complete this contact form and we’ll get back in touch with you.

Can I book evenings or weekends?

We do always try to accommodate larger groups outside of our regular opening hours, so please just let us know when requesting a booking.

How long does the tour last?

Depending on group size your tour generally lasts between 40-60 minutes.

How many people can take a tour?

We can currently accommodate groups of up to 60 for guided tours.   We can always cater for large groups in a way that works to create the most enjoyable experience for all involved.

Can I ask questions?

Yes!  We actively encourage it.  Our tour guides are passionate about history and love it when visitors ask questions. 

What should I wear?

We recommend wearing warm clothing, particularly during the colder months.  Flat shoes are also preferable. 

Is it fun?

We hope so!  Our tours are intended to be informative and fun.  Our tour guides are able to cater tours to each individual group, so whether you’re a group of history buffs, or are just interested in a fun day out, we’ll be able to meet your needs.

girl behind bars wanted illustration

Testimonials

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Great Value for Money

A lovely historic building in the middle of Lifford. The place also caters for private parties for young and old. The parties are great – actors take the visitors around the building and down into the basement cellars giving them a historic tour. Really very good and great value for money.

Sharon
March 2019

Highly Recommend

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

Definitely worth a visit

I accompanied an organised trip to Lifford Old Courthouse. We had a great time. On our arrival we were served tea/coffee & scones (gorgeous) which had been pre ordered, before embarking on the tour. A number of my group had difficulties standing, so chairs were provided. It was very entertaining all thanks to our guides. Before leaving we had soup and a selection of freshly made sandwiches, all was lovely.

Doris
2019

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Contact Us

The Old Courthouse,
The Diamond, Lifford,
Co.Donegal, Ireland, F93 CD6F

Get Directions

Office: +353 74 914 1733

Out of Office: +353 87 2669 257

liffordoldcourthouse@gmail.com

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Looking for something else?

guard dragging prisoner at Lifford Old Courthouse

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Families

Find out more about family fun at Lifford Old Courthouse.

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School Tour

A school tour with a difference that your class won’t forget in a hurry!

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This project is supported by the Department of Rural and Community Development and Pobal through the Community Services Programme.

GET IN TOUCH

The Old Courthouse,
The Diamond, Lifford,
Co.Donegal, Ireland, F93 CD6F

Get Directions

Office: +353 74 914 1733

Out of Office: +353 87 2669 257

liffordoldcourthouse@gmail.com

COURTHOUSE BISTRO

Monday to Friday: 10am – 2pm
Breakfast: 10am – 12pm
Lunch: 12pm – 2pm
(Last Orders 1.45pm)
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JAILBREAK

Monday to Friday: 10am – 4.30pm
Booking Essential
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