Royal Courts of Justice

Overview

The Royal Courts of Justice dominate the north‑side of Belfast’s civic centre, standing proudly on Chichester Street. Opened on 31 May 1933, the building houses the Court of Judicature of Northern Ireland – the Court of Appeal, the High Court and the Crown Court. Its imposing neoclassical façade, with thirteen bays and a recessed portico supported by four Corinthian columns, signals the gravitas of the law within. The central window on the first floor bears a carved Royal coat of arms, a reminder of the Crown’s constitutional role in the jurisdiction. Though a working courthouse, the structure is also a striking piece of civic architecture that frames the surrounding streetscape of Belfast’s historic core.

History

Until the partition of Ireland, the senior courts for the whole island were based in Dublin. The Government of Ireland Act 1920 created a separate judicial system for Northern Ireland, prompting the need for a dedicated building. Architects Sir Richard Allison CBE FRIBA and J G West OBE (often referred to as James Grey West) were commissioned to design a courthouse that would convey stability and authority. Construction began in 1928 and concluded in 1933, when the Governor of Northern Ireland, the Duke of Abercorn, officially opened the courts. The principal contractors were the Belfast firm Stewart & Partners.

The building’s early decades were marked by the political violence of the Troubles. It was targeted by the Irish Republican Army on several occasions – bomb damage was recorded in 1989, again in 1990 (which led to the erection of massive security screens around the perimeter), and a further attack in January 1997, injuring a Royal Ulster Constabulary officer. Those screens remained for many years, shielding the façade from public view. In the post‑conflict era the screens were removed, restoring the building’s full visual impact and allowing passers‑by to appreciate its architectural detail once more.

Beyond its legal function, the courthouse has entered local folklore. Visitors and staff have reported sightings of a woman in Victorian dress drifting down the stairwell and even passing through a solid wall. The ghost story adds a layer of intrigue for those interested in Belfast’s haunted heritage.

Court Structure

The Royal Courts of Justice is the home of the three senior courts in Northern Ireland:

• Court of Appeal – sits in the building and hears criminal appeals from the Crown Court and civil appeals from the High Court, as well as points of law from lower courts and tribunals.
• High Court – divided into the Chancery, King’s Bench and Family Divisions, dealing respectively with property and commercial disputes, civil claims such as personal injury and contract cases, and family law matters.
• Crown Court – handles serious criminal cases tried on indictment. While the Crown Court also sits at other venues across Northern Ireland, its principal base is the Royal Courts of Justice.

Each division has its own specialised judges and registrars, all operating from the same historic building.

What to See & Do

While the interior of the Royal Courts of Justice is generally restricted to legal professionals, the exterior offers a wealth of visual interest. Take time to study the symmetrical composition of the thirteen‑bay frontage; the central portico creates a deep recess that frames the entrance, while the flanking bays step forward subtly, adding depth. The Corinthian columns, each topped with ornate capitals, support an entablature that bears the Royal coat of arms – a detail that rewards close inspection.

The building’s stonework is executed in a smooth, light‑coloured limestone that has weathered gracefully over the decades. The central three‑bay section is punctuated by a large, arched doorway leading to the Great Hall, a space that, when accessible, showcases the grandeur of the court’s public areas. Even from the street, the rhythm of the windows and the sculptural reliefs convey the Victorian‑era confidence in law and order.

For the paranormal‑curious, the reputed apparition of the Victorian woman provides a compelling reason to linger near the stairwell entrance after hours (subject to security restrictions, of course). Local ghost‑tour operators sometimes include the courthouse in their itineraries, offering a narrative that blends architectural appreciation with the city’s darker past.

Recent Events

In March 2024 the courthouse was temporarily blocked by Just Stop Oil activists as part of a nationwide climate‑action campaign. The protest caused a brief disruption but highlighted the building’s prominence in public life. Security was quickly restored and the courts resumed normal operations.

Virtual Visit

A short virtual venue tour of the Royal Courts of Justice is available on YouTube, giving a glimpse of the interior spaces for those unable to attend an in‑person tour. See the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NxMS9fVwpUU.

Visiting Tips

• Access – The courts are a working venue; there is no regular public opening time for interior tours. The exterior can be viewed any day, but security checks are in place at the main entrance.
• Security – Expect metal detectors and bag inspections. Large bags, food, and prohibited items may be refused entry.
• Photography – Exterior photography is permitted; interior photography is prohibited unless you are a court employee or have special permission.
• Guided tours – Occasional public tours are organised by the Department of Justice; check the Justice NI website for announced dates before you travel.
• Accessibility – The ground‑floor entrance is wheelchair‑accessible, but interior access is limited to staff and authorised visitors.
• Nearby amenities – Cafés and restaurants are plentiful along Chichester Street and in the surrounding city centre.

Practical Information

The Royal Courts of Justice remains an active judicial venue, so public access is limited and subject to security screening. Visitors are advised to verify any scheduled public tours on the Justice NI website before planning a visit. There is no admission fee for viewing the façade.

Location‑wise, the courthouse sits within Belfast’s central business district, making it easily reachable on foot from most city‑centre hotels. Public transport options include nearby Ulsterbus routes that run along Chichester Street and the Great Victoria Street railway station, which is a short walk away. As the site is a working court, occasional closures for high‑profile cases may occur, so checking the Northern Ireland Courts and Tribunals Service website or contacting the courthouse directly before planning a visit is prudent. Security personnel are present at the main entrance, and visitors should be prepared for standard security checks.

Nearby Attractions

While you are in the civic quarter, consider adding these short walks to your itinerary:

• Albert Memorial Clock – a striking Victorian clock tower just a few minutes’ walk away.
• Belfast City Hall – the grand municipal building with free guided tours.
• Belfast Botanic Gardens – a leafy oasis featuring the Palm House and the Ulster Museum.
• Belfast City Centre – shops, cafés and historic streets all within easy reach.

These sites complement a visit to the Royal Courts of Justice and showcase the rich architectural and cultural tapestry of Belfast’s centre.

In summary, the Royal Courts of Justice offers a blend of architectural splendor, historical resonance, and a touch of the supernatural. Whether you are an architecture enthusiast, a history buff, or simply passing through Belfast’s civic heart, the courthouse provides a compelling stop that reflects the city’s complex past and its ongoing commitment to the rule of law.