What Goes On Inside Maghaberry Prison?

Just a short drive from Lisburn, Maghaberry Prison stands as Northern Ireland’s main high-security jail for adult men. It’s the kind of place that rarely makes headlines unless something goes seriously wrong. But behind those gates, it operates day and night—housing inmates who, in many cases, can’t be safely held anywhere else.

Who’s Locked Up at Maghaberry?

It’s not just one type of prisoner here. Some are on remand, waiting for trial. Others are serving long stretches for violent offences. You’ve also got a group of inmates linked to paramilitary organisations—divided into loyalists and republicans—who are kept apart from the general population in a separated regime. That system isn’t about favouritism; it’s designed to stop old tensions from boiling over inside the walls.

Is It Classed as a Category A Prison?

Technically, no. Northern Ireland doesn’t label prisons with the same category system used in England and Wales. But if it did, Maghaberry would tick every box for a Category A facility. It’s built for high-risk prisoners, with strong perimeter security, full-time surveillance, and very little margin for error when it comes to movement or access.

How the Prison Is Set Up

Maghaberry’s layout is made up of several wings, each serving a particular group or purpose. Roe House is where the republican-aligned prisoners are held. Bush House is for loyalist inmates. Other blocks like Mourne House cater to newcomers or those with particular needs.

There’s also a medical unit for prisoners who require ongoing health support, and a chaplaincy that offers services to inmates from a variety of faiths. Like most prisons, it runs education programmes, but access can depend on behaviour and internal status.

Security Inside the Walls

The prison has had its share of criticism over the years—mostly around lockdowns, mental health care, and safety. But to be fair, it’s a tough place to manage. Staff deal with prisoners who come from vastly different backgrounds, some of whom have deep-rooted allegiances and histories that make rehabilitation complex.

Security has been stepped up in recent years. Full body scanners were introduced to stop contraband from getting through, and visits are closely supervised. The prison relies on a mix of high-tech monitoring and good old-fashioned checks to keep control of the environment.

Can You Visit Maghaberry?

Yes, but it’s not as simple as just turning up. Visitors must be approved in advance, and you’ll need to bring identification. Once inside, you’ll go through security and follow a set procedure. Some visits happen face-to-face; others might involve a glass screen. It depends on who you're visiting and the restrictions on their wing.

For up-to-date rules on visits, including timings and booking, you can check the official NI Direct page.

What Daily Life Is Like

Life inside Maghaberry follows a strict routine. Inmates are locked up for parts of the day, let out for meals, exercise, and, if eligible, education or workshop shifts. How much freedom someone gets depends a lot on their behaviour, sentence, and the wing they’re housed in.

Those in the separated wings tend to have a more restricted routine, often interacting only with others from their group. That might seem isolating, but it’s done to prevent violence and keep order within a complex and divided population.

Final Word

Maghaberry isn’t your average prison. It’s a facility that not only deals with serious crime but also the legacy of political division. Running it takes a balancing act—between firm security and fair treatment. Like any prison, it’s far from perfect. But it's an essential part of how Northern Ireland manages its most high-risk offenders.

If you'd like to explore more prisons across the UK, head back to the Prison Guide homepage.