The Museum collects, conserves and exhibits artefacts relating to the history of County Down from the earliest times to the present day. Our aim is to enhance appreciation of the history, culture and environment of the county through the organisation of exhibitions, activities and events which are informative, accessible and relevant to the local community and our visitors.
The Museum is located in the historic buildings of the eighteenth century County Gaol of Down. The Gaol was opened in 1796 and until its closure in 1830 housed many thousands of prisoners.
In addition to incarcerating many people for very minor offences, the Gaol held rebels captured after the battles of Saintfield and Ballynahinch in 1798 and the United Irishman, Thomas Russell, executed for his role in the abortive rebellion of 1803.
The Gaol was also a convict gaol and many hundreds of transportees were imprisoned here prior to their journey to the convict colonies of New South Wales. Our online convicts database allows you to search for details of these individuals.
The Museum began a programme of restoring the Gaol buildings in 1981, and now visitors to the site can see the conditions in which the prisoners were kept, visit restored cells complete with displays on individual prisoners, and stroll through the Gaol courtyards which today are likely to be the scene of lively events and re-enactments!
The Museum's permanent exhibitions include Down Through Time which explores 9000 years of human history in County Down.
A programme of temporary exhibitions deals with everything from the Victorians to local artists.
Our Site
The Museum is located in the historic buildings of the eighteenth century County Gaol of Down. The Gaol was opened in 1796 and until its closure in 1830 housed many thousands of prisoners.
The County Gaol of Down was opened in 1796. Built and administered by the County Grand Jury of Down, the Gaol housed prisoners convicted of a wide variety of offences.
During its period of operation (1796-1830) the Gaol saw many changes in attitudes to crime and punishment. Georgian gaols had been notoriously unregulated and haphazard in their operation of prison legislation. As the eighteenth century gave way to the nineteenth the Gaol became increasingly outmoded and unable to implement increasing bureaucracy and stricter attitudes to separating classes of criminals. The Gaol closed in 1830.
Today visitors to the Museum can see one of the most complete surviving Georgian gaols in Ireland. A floor of restored cells conjures up something of the atmosphere of over 200 years ago.
Visit Us
We are located on the Mall, English Street, Downpatrick, between Down Cathedral and Downpatrick Courthouse. On entry to the town from either the Belfast road or the Newcastle road, follow the brown signs to the Museum. There is an Ulsterbus service from Belfast to Downpatrick, departing from the Europa Bus Centre. There is also an Ulsterbus service from Newry.
The Museum makes an ideal day out for families, groups, schools and individuals. Visitor facilities include:
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fully accessible galleries
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a shop which stocks an excellent range of books on local history, items of local crafts, children's goods and souvenirs
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hands-on features for children and families
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selection of tactile objects and features
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large format information available on request
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tactile orientation model of site
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baby changing facilities
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toilets for visitors with disabilities
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guide/hearing dogs welcome.
Our introductory leaflet is available in the following languages: French, Spanish, German, Italian and Irish.
Opening Hours
Tuesday to Saturday
10am – 4.30pm
For further information please email Museums@nmandd.org
Telephone 0330 137 4049
Contact us for more information.
