The scene of many executions & famous prisoners

This is the last remaining tower of The Old Derry Jail. Derry’s first prison was built around 1620 at the same time when the walls were being built. This tower however dates to 1791. The prison had a dark and ominous presence in this part of the city and there are many tragic stories told over the years. It has been the scene of many executions including the time in 1820 when three highwaymen were convicted of the murder of a Henry O’Hagan who escaped whilst awaiting execution but was recaptured and hanged. The last execution took place on August 20, 1908. Over the centuries the jail has incarcerated many republicans, the most famous being Wolfe Tone, leader of the United Irishmen, and Eamon de Valera, later to be President of Ireland. It closed its doors in 1953 and much of it was demolished in 1971 to make way for the redevelopment of the Fountain Estate. It is now used as a Heritage Centre and houses war artifacts from WWI up to the present day.