Crumlin Road Gaol is one of Belfast's most famous and controversial places. Opened in 1845 and closed in 1996, the jail was used to hold political prisoners and common criminals, and has an important history related to the sectarian conflicts that bloodied Northern Ireland.In addition to its history, the Crumlin Road Gaol is known for the anecdotes and stories of the prisoners who were incarcerated there. For example, there are numerous stories of ghosts and paranormal activities within the prison, which have made the Crumlin Road Gaol a popular place for fans of the supernatural.Another famous anecdote concerns the escape from prison of a notorious criminal, Martin Conlon, in 1960. Conlon had managed to dig a hole in the wall of his cell, and with the help of some accomplices he managed to escape. His escape was largely covered by the media at the time, and Conlon remained a fugitive for several years before being caught.Today the Crumlin Road Gaol has become a museum and a popular tourist attraction, where you can tour the cells, execution areas and hear stories of famous prisoners. The prison has also been used as a location for several film productions, including the 2008 Hollywood film "Hunger," which tells the story of the imprisonment of Irish political activist Bobby Sands.
