About Northern Ireland's Correctional System
Northern Ireland's correctional system is managed by the Northern Ireland Prison Service. For inmate searches, use the official contacts listed below or contact the facility directly using the phone numbers on this page. Where available, the facility listings below include addresses, inmate capacity, and descriptive information.
For US citizens detained in Northern Ireland, contact US Embassy Northern Ireland at +44 20 7499 9000 immediately, or call the US State Department Citizens Emergency Center at 1-888-407-4747 from the US.
Northern Ireland Resources & Legal Services
Key Northern Ireland Prison Contacts
| Agency / Contact | Location | Phone | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Ireland Prison Service | Northern Ireland | +44-28-9052-2922 | Visit Site |
| US Embassy Northern Ireland | Northern Ireland | +44 20 7499 9000 | Visit Site |
| US State Dept Emergency (from US) | Washington DC | 1-888-407-4747 | Visit Site |
Showing 3 facilities in Northern Ireland
Facility
Medium
The Centre accommodates all young male offenders aged between 17 and 21 years on conviction, serving a period of 4 years or less in custody and all female prisoners including young offenders. \n\nUnder the terms of the Treatment of Offender's Act, a male inmate can remain at Hydebank Wood to the day before his twenty fourth birthday.\n\nArrangements can be made to accommodate younger people at Hydebank Wood. Legislation also permits inmates of 15 years old to be held in Hydebank Wood if their crime is deemed to be of a very serious nature.\n\nFemale offenders transferred from Mourne House, Maghaberry to Hydebank Wood in June 2004. Female immigration detainees are also held in the female unit.
Facility
Medium
HMP Maghaberry was built on the site of a Second World War airfield which was used as a transit base for the United States Army Air Force.\n\nAt the end of the war, the base was run down and various government agencies used parts of the old airfield until the Northern Ireland Office purchased the ground in 1974 and began work on the prison in 1976.\n\nMourne House which holds all female prisoners, young offenders and remands was the first part of the new prison to be opened in March 1986. This followed the closure of the existing female establishment in Armagh.\n\nThe male prison became fully operational on 2 November 1987.\n\nFollowing the closure of HMP Belfast on 31 March 1996, Maghaberry became the adult committal prison in Northern Ireland.
Facility
Medium
Magilligan Prison is located at Magilligan Point on the Northwest extremity of Co Londonderry. It is close to the mouth of Lough Foyle and is less than two miles by sea from Co Donegal in the Irish Republic. It is designated as �a medium security prison, housing short-term male prisoners [and also having] low security accommodation for selected prisoners nearing the end of their sentence
Northern Ireland Prison FAQ
Browse the facility listings on this page to find the specific institution, then contact them directly using the phone number listed. For US citizens detained in Northern Ireland, contact US Embassy Northern Ireland at +44 20 7499 9000 immediately.
Contact US Embassy Northern Ireland at +44 20 7499 9000 immediately, or call the US State Department Citizens Emergency Center at 1-888-407-4747 from the US. Consular officers can visit detained Americans, provide lists of local attorneys, and notify family members.
Visitation rules vary significantly by facility and security level in Northern Ireland. You will typically need to be on an approved visitor list, present valid government-issued photo ID, and comply with the facility's dress code. Contact the specific facility directly using the phone number listed on this page to confirm current visitation hours and requirements.
Contact Law Society of Northern Ireland for referrals to qualified criminal defense attorneys in Northern Ireland. The US Embassy can also provide a list of local attorneys. You can also find a criminal lawyer through our directory.
Each Northern Ireland facility has its own approved methods for receiving inmate funds. Contact the facility directly using the phone numbers listed on this page for current accepted payment methods, deposit limits, and procedures.