History etched into the walls

The Bridewell Plantation Museum is the first of its kind

Sometimes, history is stumbled upon. In a drawer, a few feet under slabs or behind an old facade. Initially, we might not even know what we have unearthed until we see the wider picture.

From Tuesday, July 15, a new gate on the right of the Courthouse in Bailieborough will be opening, giving a broader view of the historical significance of the Bridewell jail and the people it involved. In recent years, the former Courthouse was redeveloped into a community and cultural hub and it will now include a Plantation Museum, the first of its kind in Ireland.

Bailieborough Bridewell was constructed in 1833 and closed in 1900. The vivid visitor experience tells the story of the Bridewells that were established in many towns during the 17th and 18th centuries, primarily to house petty criminals, vagrants, those awaiting trial, and sometimes even children.

Through the black iron gate at the front, a path encased by stone walls, leads the way to the reception desk. Just before, visitors pass a head-high poster of an ill-lit staircase, depicting the dark path women had to take into the courthouse during its time of operation. “So not to mix with the men,” explains Tourism Officer Adam Pringle. Having taken over from historian John Brady, Adam has immersed himself in this project. A captivating, yet macabre insight into Irish history.

The tour starts with a replica of the Three Folk or Corleck Head, dating back to the Iron Age in the 1st or 2nd century AD. It was discovered by a farmer in 1853 in Knockbride. The original purpose is unknown, says Adam Pringle, possibly worshipping the God Lugh or asking gods for guidance. “In this centre, it has been reinterpreted to talk about the three communities that formed the town. Gaelic, English and Ulster Scots.” Subsequently, all information plaques are in these three languages.

If you have ever wondered where the words “clatty” or “teemin” originated or the phrase “what’s the craic” - you will find the answers written on the wall. Looking out the window, you can still see the notches where the iron bars used to be. The holding cells for male and female prisoners tell the history of 19th century Ireland; famous people whose paths crossed Cavan and hundreds who were sent from here to be forgotten in Australia.

Linking in with the design of the revamped Courthouse by ‘CooneyArchitects’, the Bridewell allows for enhancing natural light by amending the window and using timber materials. The Courthouse was recently shortlisted for the Public Choice Award 2025 by the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland in the Adaptation and Re-use category. The citation described the project as a “quality-driven, conservation approach preserves the site’s history, while integrating modern functionality. This adaptive reuse strategy revitalises the Bridewell, balancing public, cultural and commercial uses to create a sustainable, vibrant community hub.”

Redeveloping the old Courthouse in Bailieborough that had been vacant for some time, was important to Heather Humphreys, who as Minister of Rural and Community Development oversaw the first funding of the building in 2016. Speaking at the launch last year, the then Minister Humphreys said the project has “revitalised Bailieborough and highlighted its historical and cultural importance”.

The funding for the €2.5M Economic and Tourism Hub was supplied by Department of Rural and Community Development under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, Cavan County Council, and the Ulster Scots Agency, with funding previously received from the department through the REDZ programme, Town and Village Renewal and PEACE IV.

During the rebuilding process, a few structural issues came up, Adam Pringle reports. One of the original walls had collapsed and thus had to be rebuilt. But a far more significant piece of history was discovered just underneath a few slabs: A seven metre deep well. “We had always known there was a water supply, but we didn't know where. It most likely was a town well from before the Brideswell was built.” Visitors can now walk over it when entering the yard.

This wide area gives room for thoughts to drift through the history etched into these walls.