Lifford Old Courthouse Visitor Centre

on the North West Trail

The Old Courthouse in Lifford, Co. Donegal is one of the finest examples of a purpose built courthouse in Ireland. The Courthouse has a long history dating back to 1743 when the Grand Jury approached the architect Michael Priestley to draw up plans for a Courthouse to be built in Lifford, the administrative capital of Donegal.

The building incorporated the County Gaol in the basement which was to last as a place of confinement for debtors, felons and eventually "lunatics" until a new gaol was completed next to the Courthouse in 1793. The Courthouse continued to hold trials until 1938.

Between 1938 and 1994 part of the building was used by the county library board, county archives department, Agricultural Committee and Land Registry but was in a general state of disrepair. Finally in 1994 the Courthouse was restored to its former glory by the determination of a local committee and today is an award winning historic interpretative centre and museum, providing a fascinating insight into 18th and 19th century life in Ireland. The centre is open all year and offers guided tours of the building.

During renovations in 1994, part of the basement was converted into a coffee shop and daytime restaurant providing breakfast and lunchtime menus. In the evenings it becomes an Italian restaurant known as Acquolina.

Open: Mon-Fri, 10am-5pm; Sun 12.30-5pm. Closed public holidays,
T: 00 353 (0)74 9141733

www.liffordoldcourthouse.com

E mail: info@liffordoldcourthouse.com

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