Selected Highlights
Clifton House Belfast
Description
Clifton House, formerly the Poor House, was built in 1774 by the Belfast Charitable Society and is one of Belfast's most historic buildings.
The Belfast Charitable Society was founded in August 1752 in a tavern called The George Inn on the corner of North Street and John Street, Belfast. The newly formed society was made up of a group of leading Belfast citizens who played a key role in the development of the city and were at the forefront of providing welfare for its people.
The Poor House in Belfast was a safe haven for the poorest and neediest in society. The Belfast Charitable Society were to the fore in providing the essentials such as food and shelter, but they also provided training, education and skills enabling people to escape the cycles of poverty and live independently.
The Belfast Charitable Society would go on to be responsible for the origins of social welfare, funeral services and municipal burial grounds, Belfast's first hospital, the provision of clean water and the creation of a fledgling police service.
Clifton House offer immersive tours of the former Poor House, where you can hear the stories of those who lived in the house in the 18th and 19th century. Clifton House also offer tours of Clifton Street Cemetery, where the great and good of Belfast are buried side by side the poorest of the City. This beautiful Georgian building is also the starting point on the ‘Hero of Belfast: Mary Ann McCracken Walking Tour, where visitors can walk in the footsteps of the remarkable Mary Ann, and hear about her dedication to helping the poor, her radical spirit and her fight against slavery.
To find out more about any of their tours and to book visit: https://cliftonbelfast.com/whats-on/tours/
The Poor House in Belfast was a safe haven for the poorest and neediest in society. The Belfast Charitable Society were to the fore in providing the essentials such as food and shelter, but they also provided training, education and skills enabling people to escape the cycles of poverty and live independently.
The Belfast Charitable Society would go on to be responsible for the origins of social welfare, funeral services and municipal burial grounds, Belfast's first hospital, the provision of clean water and the creation of a fledgling police service.
Clifton House offer immersive tours of the former Poor House, where you can hear the stories of those who lived in the house in the 18th and 19th century. Clifton House also offer tours of Clifton Street Cemetery, where the great and good of Belfast are buried side by side the poorest of the City. This beautiful Georgian building is also the starting point on the ‘Hero of Belfast: Mary Ann McCracken Walking Tour, where visitors can walk in the footsteps of the remarkable Mary Ann, and hear about her dedication to helping the poor, her radical spirit and her fight against slavery.
To find out more about any of their tours and to book visit: https://cliftonbelfast.com/whats-on/tours/
Top Reasons To Visit
- Beautiful Georgian Belfast Building
- Provides a unique insight into the development of Belfast
- Contains a large archive and artefact collection
- One of Belfast's most historic buildings
- Intrinsically linked to the story of Mary Ann McCracken
Contact Details
Gallery
You might also like
-
Find Out More
Titanic Belfast AttractionsTitanic Belfast
Titanic Belfast is the world's largest Titanic visitor experience and a must-see on any visit to Belfast and…
-
Find Out More
Irish FA Tours AttractionsIrish FA Tours
Irish FA Tours tells the unique story of Northern Ireland football from 1880 to present day using a…
-
Find Out More
McConnell’s Distillery Distillery & Brewery ToursMcConnell’s Distillery
A working Distillery and Visitor Experience in the North of Belfast based in the Crumlin Road Gaol.
-
Find Out More
Balloo Nature Reserve AttractionsBalloo Nature Reserve
Perfect for a family stroll while looking at the local flora and fauna, Balloo Wetland Nature Reserve has…
-
Find Out More
Ballyburren Outdoor Escapes Family ActivitesBallyburren Outdoor Escapes
Ballyburren Outdoor Escapes offers alpaca trekking, forest school, luxury picnics, and more, all set in serene natural surroundings…
-
Find Out More
Ulster Transport Museum See & DoUlster Transport Museum
Explore Ulster’s history of transport, social change and spirit of innovation at Ulster Transport Museum.
-
Find Out More
Ulster Folk Museum MuseumsUlster Folk Museum
Step back one hundred years and discover the traditions and heritage of Ulster’s past at Ulster Folk Museum.
-
Find Out More
Rowallane Garden AttractionsRowallane Garden
Let your imagination lose among the unusual plants, seasonal colour palettes and striking features in one of the…
