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Northern Ireland's principal sentenced male prison. Includes an open Foyleview Unit.
Background
HM Prison Magilligan is a medium security prison run by the Northern Ireland Prison Service situated near Limavady, County Londonderry. It was first opened in January 1972 when 50 Irish Republican internees were transferred from the prison ship HMS Maidstone. The camp was comprised eight Nissen huts on the site of an army camp. The prison was divided into compounds to house the various paramilitary internees and was manned by British Army dog handlers and prison staff on detached duty from Scotland, England and Wales as well as some staff from Northern Ireland.
The temporary accommodation was later replaced by three H-blocks similar to those at the Maze prison each containing 100 cells.
HMI Prisons publishes independent inspection reports on roughly a 3-5 year cycle.
Visiting
Booked online via the GOV.UK Prison Visits Booking system. Photo ID required. Visit frequency depends on the inmate's Incentives & Earned Privileges (IEP) level.
Mailing
Format: Prisoner Name & Number, HMP Magilligan, Point Road, Limavady, BT49 0LR. Cash not accepted — use Send Money to a Prisoner (GOV.UK).
Practical info
Assisted Prison Visits Unit helps low-income families with travel costs. Pact runs many of the on-site visitor centres.
