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Lifford Old Courthouse, one of Donegal’s most unique tourist attractions, is gearing up for a busy Summer and beyond with the launch of their new 2023 events programme.
With their updated ‘Jailbreak’ Escape Room for Summer ’23, prisoners can attempt to escape one of the authentic 18th century cells in under an hour by solving puzzles and clues and finding the key to freedom. Can you escape Lifford Jail?
If you don’t fancy trying to ‘escape’ then why not try their Guided Tour. A prison guard straight out of the 18th century will guide you through the old holding cells beneath the historic courtroom. There he will tell you all about the crimes, punishments, and the gruesome living conditions that the prisoners endured. You will also experience the lives and history of some of the legendary prisoners of Lifford Jail, most notably James ‘Napper’ Tandy and ‘Half Hanged’ McNaughten.
Lifford Courthouse Jailbreak Escape Room
Alongside the guided tours on offer, they’ve also created a new series of self-guided tour brochures, produced in English, Irish, Spanish, German, French and Ukrainian, which will allow visitors the option of exploring the historic cells of the building at their own pace.
The historic Courtroom currently functions as a Bistro, serving breakfast and lunch from 9:30am – 2pm Monday to Friday. Their hugely popular Afternoon Tea is also available on request.
The Courtroom also transforms into one of Donegal’s up and coming live music venues as it hosts a unique series of live performances and events. A line-up of renowned acts are set to take to the stage in the venue, which has undergone extensive renovation work over the last number of years and has become a popular venue for live music, private parties and more.
Further work is currently ongoing at the venue, with a new exhibition space being created on the balcony above the Courtroom, supported by the Heritage Council under the Community Heritage Grant Scheme.
On the 14th of August in conjunction with Donegal County Archives for Heritage Week, they will be showcasing ‘A Trek Through Time” an exhibition which celebrates the history of Donegal over the last 200 years. The exhibition will run from the 14th – 18th and is free of charge.
Up next at Lifford Old Courthouse is a Movie Meal Deal in conjunction with Eclipse Cinemas Lifford/Strabane for the Barbie Movie on Saturday 22nd July.
Their Autumn/Winter program for 2023 will see a combination of local artists and performers, as well as crowd-pleasing tribute acts.
“It’s great to be getting back into action again and we’re absolutely delighted to be able to host acts of this calibre,” said manager Gillian Graham, “We’re already having one of our best Summers ever and we’re delighted to be able to once again showcase some of the best acts in Ireland within such a magnificent building.”
Matt McGranaghan and Denise Roper, live at Lifford in February 2023
On Friday 1st September to get the autumn/winter music program started they have ‘Songs of the Sea’ – a Celtic & Folk concert hosted by Brí Carr Music featuring guests from Wild Atlantic Women Donegal, for a relaxed atmosphere of song and story, as Gaeilge and in English, as we cross the waves of the Atlantic through the islands of West Donegal.
Fresh off a sold-out performance at the Grand Opera House in Belfast, the award winning Cash Returns takes to the stage on Saturday 2nd September.
Donegal singer-songwriter Tanya McCole will take to the stage on Friday 6th October and ‘The King’ Jim Brown, the world-renowned Elvis tribute act, on Saturday 7th October.
November will see tribute performances from Essentially Cher, as well as a Dolly Parton & Shania Twain night, sure to get the crowd moving. Historic comedian and performer Paddy Cullivan also returns with his acclaimed ‘The Murder of Wolfe Tone’ show.
Also just announced for December is a series of Murder Mystery performances by the Lifford Players Drama Group. ‘A Christmas Sleighing’ is sure to be a real treat for guests, and is already filling up fast.
Tickets for all events are now available online at www.liffordoldcourthouse.com as well as in person at reception or over the phone on (00353) 74 9141733.
