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Self Guided Tours

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Explore At Your Own Pace!

Self-guided tours are available at Lifford Old Courthouse, allowing visitors to explore the historic cells at their own pace.

Tour brochures are provided in English, Irish, French, Spanish, German and Ukrainian. These tours are available year-round, subject to availability, and can be purchased in person at reception.

During your visit, you’ll learn about prison life in Lifford, including the crimes, punishments and living conditions of prisoners, as well as the stories of well-known inmates such as 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

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24/7 accessible
Our website is open day and night
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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.

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

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
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