Interactive panel shows dark past of Gallows Hill

Interactive panel shows dark past of Gallows Hill

1 February 2023

A NEW interpretative panel has been unveiled at the historic Gallows Hill in Downpatrick.

The new panel, provided by Newry, Mourne and Down Council, highlights the important history associated with the site. 

The area around the hill commands superb views of surrounding countryside and out towards the Mournes and Slieve Croob.

In addition, the Gallows Hill area is also a popular walking area for many people in Downpatrick but its history lies in darker times.

Hundreds of years ago, this was the spot where the town’s gallows stood and where many people met their end. 

Before the late 18th century when many new County Gaols were built, executions usually took place outside towns on elevated sites. 

The Downpatrick gallows was first recorded on a map in 1729 but may have been in use well before that. Known locally as the ‘three sisters’, the gallows was described as being made of one beam of wood laid across three upright wooden pillars. 

The new interpretative panel provides people with information on the history of the gallows, the stories of some of the people executed there, as well as providing visitors with information on what buildings and sites can be seen from Gallows Hill. 

It is also intended that the historic area will then be incorporated in a future Crime and Punishment trail through Downpatrick and become a starting or end point for guided walks on the theme. 

Members of the Knocknashinna Residents’ Group have welcomed the provision of the new panel and are keen to encourage Downpatrick’s residents to visit the area to find out more about its fascinating history and enjoy the great views that can be seen from the hill.

Council chairman, Michael Savage, has welcomed the installation of the new interpretative panel.

He said as a county town, Downpatrick was the home to at least four gaols, the ‘old gaol’ which is now the Down County Museum, the ‘new gaol’ at the site of Down High School, the ‘House of Correction’ adjacent to the Courthouse and Castle Dorras at the site of the Down Recorder offices, as well as the much older execution site at the Gallows Hill. 

“There is an important story to tell about how the justice system that operated in the past and a story that people are very much interested in. The new interpretation panel at the Gallows Hill will help visitors and local people to understand that story, Cllr Savage added.