Armagh Gaol vision moves forward as public backs hotel and mixed-use future

An ambitious plan to give historic Armagh Gaol a new future is moving forward after community engagement showed overwhelming support for a heritage-led hotel and mixed-use development at the landmark.

The emerging vision aims to secure a sustainable long-term future for the Gaol through a combination of heritage, tourism, hospitality, leisure, cultural and community uses. A landmark hotel is among the potential options being explored.

The ambition is to protect the building’s unique heritage while creating a destination that attracts residents and visitors, increases footfall and contributes to the wider social and economic vitality of Armagh city.

Strong backing for regeneration principles

The latest phase of engagement, facilitated by Carlin Planning in partnership with Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, has now been completed. The findings are being used to refine the vision for the future regeneration and development of the Gaol.

Support was recorded across all six principles used to guide the project. The strongest response was for ensuring the development benefits the people of Armagh and contributes to the council’s social and economic objectives, with 99% agreement.

• Public benefit: 99% agreed the development should benefit Armagh people and support the council’s social and economic objectives.
• Need: 97% agreed it should bring something new that is needed, while complementing rather than displacing existing businesses and facilities.
• Heritage-led regeneration: 96% agreed the project should be an exemplar of heritage-led urban regeneration.
• Accessibility and parking: 96% agreed the development should be easy to access, well connected and integrated with the city centre.
• Sustainability: 87% agreed it should be financially and environmentally sustainable over the long term.
• Footfall: 82% agreed it should attract more visitors and enhance the vitality of Armagh city centre.

Accessibility, parking and congestion were important issues during the engagement, particularly for local residents. These matters will continue to be considered as proposals for the site develop.

What could be included at Armagh Gaol?

Feedback pointed to strong interest in a vibrant, mixed-use future that would appeal to local residents and businesses as well as visitors.

Suggestions included hotel accommodation, a museum or visitor experience, restaurants, cafés and bars. Participants also proposed family attractions, entertainment, performance and interactive experiences.

Other ideas included community and creative spaces, education and training, youth provision and social hubs. Independent retail, local food, markets and high-quality outdoor spaces were also put forward, illustrating the breadth of uses being considered.

The council says the emerging hotel and mixed-use-led vision is intended to bring heritage, tourism, hospitality, leisure and community opportunities together within an integrated development. The central challenge will be balancing the preservation of the Gaol’s historic and architectural significance with uses capable of securing its long-term future.

Halloween and Georgian Festival events

The historic Gaol is due to open its doors to the public again this year, offering visitors the chance to experience the landmark first-hand.

Unlocking the Gaol: A Halloween Ghost Tour Experience will take place on Thursday 29, Friday 30 and Saturday 31 October 2026. The walking trail through Armagh will include a visit to the historic Gaol, with gruesome tales, local folklore and ghost stories connected to the city’s landmarks.

Visitors will also be able to join Behind Bars: Guided Gaol Tours on 28 November as part of the Georgian Festival. The tours will explore the building and examine what life was like for prisoners during the Georgian period.

The council says the events demonstrate continuing public interest in the Gaol’s heritage and its potential role in Armagh’s tourism, cultural and economic life.

Lord Mayor Councillor Mary O’Dowd welcomed the engagement outcome, describing the Gaol as a unique city asset with a remarkable history. She said the feedback would help shape a vision that celebrates Armagh’s heritage while creating new opportunities for tourism, leisure, culture and the community.

Work is now progressing through the outline business case process as part of the council’s work associated with the Mid South West Growth Deal. An outcome is expected in March 2027, subject to the relevant appraisal and approval processes.