The Crumlin Road is a largely protestant district north of Shankill. Although few murals are visible from the road, the area is widely recognized for two monumental buildings at its core, the Courthouse and Gaol (Jail). Sitting directly across the road from each other, these mid-19th century buildings were both designed by the famous Belfast architect, Sir Charles Lanyon. However, these buildings are abandoned examples of his work and have been the site of degradation and controversy.
The old Crumlin Courthouse has a beautiful neoclassical facade that has warn substantially during decades of disuse. Fires, natural decay, and controversy over exactly what the building would represent if re-purposed has prolonged and worsened its ruined state.
The jail across the street has fared much better despite the more disturbing past, which you can hear more about in this video. There is supposedly an underground passage that connects the two buildings. Despite the fences surrounding the property due renovation work, the building is said to be open to visitors for tour, but I was not able to get in during my adventure on a Sunday.
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