About
GUILTY AS CHARGED! Come learn the history of, and hear stories from, The Old Courthouse, Markethill.
This simple yet imposing Georgian style building, complete with its original basement cells, was built in 1842 to the design of the Newry born architect Thomas Duff, and was the home of Petty Sessions until 1940, holding still to this day within its walls the social history of the people of the area.
You are invited to come and visit this wonderful building, enjoy a short spell in the cells, view its lofty cupola, and listen to stories of the past, of local disputes over land, wandering stock, unpaid fines, even judge for yourself in a case of "seduction"! Then hear the tale of a birth that connects us still to another Continent…..
Lynne Brown, well-known local Tour Guide, will guide you round the building while delving into the history of the Old Courthouse, including how - when in 1993, in very poor condition and listed 'at risk' - it was rescued and repurposed by Markethill District Enterprises for the benefit of the wider community, with the popular Courtrooms restaurant, child care facility and community meeting rooms in the upstairs conference space.
In the years shortly afterwards, an archive of local people's stories in pictures and audio recordings was created by Adrian Mallon in the Bygones and Byways website. Here you can find out so much more about the history of the town, about local geography and about the origins of what became Markethill and how it has developed since.
Why not finish off your stay by treating yourself to something tasty in the Courtrooms restaurant and a visit to the Community Garden at the rear of the building?
Book Tickets
Guide Prices
| Ticket Type | Ticket Tariff |
|---|---|
| Ticket | Free |
Note: Prices are a guide only and may change on a daily basis.
