Derry Gaol

Popularity

About this place

Derry Gaol, also known as Londonderry Gaol, refers to one of several gaols (prisons) constructed consecutively in Derry, Northern Ireland. Derry Gaol is notable as a place of incarceration for Irish Republican Army (IRA) members during the Irish Civil War, and for its numerous executions, seven of which took place between 1820 and 1923. On Christmas day 1939 interned Irish Republican prisoners took control of the jail, protesting their continued imprisonment without charges or trials. On 20 March 1943, 21 Irish Republican prisoners tunneled their way out of Derry Jail with the assistance of Jimmy Steele (republican) and Ned Maguire. This escape was referred to as "The Big Derry Jail Escape".

Summary from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Updated 2026-11-14 Suggest an edit / Report issue

Getting There & Parking

Derry Gaol is located in County Derry/Londonderry, roughly 128 km (1h 55m drive) from Belfast and 250 km (3h 40m) from Dublin. The nearest public car park is 59 m away. Nearby highlights within a short drive include Heritage Tower (0.0 km away).

Belfast128 km

~1h 55m drive

Dublin250 km

~3h 40m drive

Nearest car park

59 m from landmark

Directions to car park ↗