Crumlin Road Courthouse, Belfast

Crumlin Road Courthouse, located in Belfast, Northern Ireland, is a significant historical building designed by architect Charles Lanyon in the Neoclassical style and completed in 1850. It is situated directly opposite the Crumlin Road Gaol, with which it is connected via an underground passage.

Throughout its operational years, the courthouse was the site of numerous notable trials, particularly during the period known as “The Troubles.” Prominent figures such as David Ervine, a leader of the Progressive Unionist Party, and Sinn Féin’s Martin Meehan were tried here. The courthouse also hosted significant supergrass trials in the early 1980s, including one in 1983 where 22 IRA suspects were collectively sentenced to 4,000 years in prison. Additionally, the infamous Shankill Butchers were tried in this courthouse.

The building ceased functioning as a courthouse in June 1998 after 150 years of service. In 2003, it was sold to a local investor for £1, with plans to redevelop it into a tourist attraction and hotel; however, these plans did not materialize. The courthouse suffered significant damage due to fires in 2009 and 2020, leaving its future uncertain. In 2024, property developer and Donegal Orange Order Grand Master, David Mahon, purchased the building, with potential redevelopment plans including conversion into a hotel or hospital.

Despite its current derelict state, Crumlin Road Courthouse remains one of Northern Ireland’s best-known listed buildings, reflecting its architectural and historical significance.

Since its closure in 1998, Belfast’s historic Crumlin Road Courthouse has experienced a series of fires, with reports indicating a total of 25 incidents, all but two of which were deemed deliberate.

Notable Fire Incidents:

• March 12, 2009: A significant fire caused extensive damage to the courthouse, marking one of the most severe incidents since its closure.
• August 15, 2009: Another major fire occurred, leading to further destruction and raising concerns about the building’s future.
• June 1, 2020: The courthouse suffered additional damage due to a large fire, further compromising its structural integrity.

These repeated arson attacks have left the courthouse in a derelict state, with its future remaining uncertain despite various redevelopment proposals over the years.

For a visual exploration of the courthouse’s current condition, you might find my pictures informative.