HMP Maghaberry is Northern Ireland's only high-security prison, near Lisburn. It holds remand and sentenced adult male prisoners of all security categories.
About HMP Maghaberry
HMP Maghaberry is a Category A male establishment situated in Lisburn, County Antrim, within the Northern Ireland region. Operated by NIPS, the prison has an operational capacity of approximately 868 and has been in operation since 1986.
Category A is the highest security classification. These prisons hold individuals whose escape would pose the most serious threat to the public, police, or national security. Security measures include thorough searches, CCTV, and restricted movement.
How to Visit HMP Maghaberry
If you want to visit someone at HMP Maghaberry, you'll first need to be placed on the prisoner's approved visitor list. The prisoner themselves will need to submit your details — including your full name, date of birth, and address — for a basic security check. This process can take a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the prison.
Once you've been approved, you can book visits in one of two ways:
- Online: Use the GOV.UK prison visit booking service — it's free and available 24/7
- By phone: Call HMP Maghaberry directly on 028 9261 1888 during working hours
On the day of your visit, make sure you arrive at least 30 minutes before your allocated time. You'll need to bring valid photo ID (passport, driving licence, or national identity card). There are restrictions on what you can bring into the prison — generally no phones, cameras, or electronic devices are allowed. Most prisons allow a small amount of cash for the vending machines in the visits hall.
Contacting HMP Maghaberry
You can reach HMP Maghaberry by phone on 028 9261 1888. Phone lines are typically open Monday to Friday during standard office hours. For written correspondence, the postal address is:
If you need to send money to someone at HMP Maghaberry, the easiest method is through the GOV.UK Send Money to a Prisoner service. It's free and takes just a few minutes online.
Sending Items to Prisoners at Maghaberry
Rules on sending items vary by prison, but generally you cannot send parcels directly to prisoners. Most prisons use an approved catalogue system where prisoners can order items using money in their prison account. Some establishments allow books to be sent via approved retailers such as Amazon or Blackwell's — but always check with the prison first by calling 028 9261 1888.
Phone Calls at HMP Maghaberry
Prisoners at HMP Maghaberry can make outgoing calls using the prison phone system (typically BT or a dedicated provider). They'll need credit on their phone account, which can be topped up by family and friends. Calls to UK landlines generally cost around 1p per minute, while mobile calls are more expensive. For more detail on costs, see our guide on how much prison phone calls cost.
Prisoners cannot receive incoming calls. All outgoing calls (except those to legal representatives) are recorded and may be monitored.
Frequently Asked Questions About HMP Maghaberry
What category is HMP Maghaberry?
HMP Maghaberry is classified as a Category A prison. Category A is the highest security classification. These prisons hold individuals whose escape would pose the most serious threat to the public, police, or national security.
What is the capacity of HMP Maghaberry?
The prison has an operational capacity of approximately 868 prisoners. This number represents the certified normal accommodation plus any additional temporary beds. Actual population levels can fluctuate and sometimes exceed capacity.
How do I contact HMP Maghaberry?
You can call HMP Maghaberry on 028 9261 1888 during weekday working hours. For written correspondence, address letters to the prisoner's full name and prison number at Old Road, Ballinderry Upper, Lisburn, BT28 2PT.
How do I book a visit to HMP Maghaberry?
First, you need to be on the prisoner's approved visitor list. Once approved, book online at gov.uk/prison-visits or call 028 9261 1888. For more detailed information, see our guide on how to book a prison visit.
Who runs HMP Maghaberry?
HMP Maghaberry is operated by NIPS. NIPS is a private company contracted by the Ministry of Justice to manage certain prisons and provide custodial services.