54.596423 -5.929466

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/
  • 2 North Queen Street
  • Belfast
  • Antrim
  • BT15 1EQ

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
  • Clifton House History Tours

    Clifton House, Belfast: Discover the history, hear the stories and immerse yourself in Belfast’s past.

    Clifton House has three guided tours that run throughout the year: Clifton House – Experience the Belfast Poor House Tour, includes augmented reality; Hero of Belfast – Mary Ann McCracken Walking Tour; and Clifton Street Cemetery Tour.

    Let their trained guides awaken an interest in Belfast’s past, its people and its places.

    For tour dates and prices please visit their website: https://cliftonbelfast.com/whats-on/tours/

    Group tours can be arranged by contacting 028 9099 7022.

     

Clifton House Tour: Experience The Belfast Poor House (BSL Signed)

1.21 KM
25 Apr - 06 Sep 2025
See All Dates (4)

The history of Belfast begins at Clifton House. From the moment you step through the doors, you will be transported back in time to the Belfast…

Clifton House Belfast
Find Out More

Belfast’s Heroines: Mary Ann McCracken and Martha McTier Walking Tour

1.21 KM
02 May - 30 Aug 2025
See All Dates (5)

Come and learn about Belfast’s heroines, Mary Ann McCracken and Martha McTier, in a brand-new walking tour.

Clifton House Belfast
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The Medical History of Belfast Charitable Society (Cemetery Tour)

1.21 KM
09 May - 09 Aug 2025
See All Dates (4)

A journey through the medical history of 18th and 19th Century Belfast through the lives of pioneering surgeons and philanthropists.

Clifton House Belfast
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The Hidden History of the Women of Clifton Street Cemetery

1.21 KM
16 May - 16 Aug 2025
See All Dates (4)

In this brand new tour, discover stories of notable women such as Mary Ann McCracken.

Clifton House Belfast
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Plots & Plotters: Belfast Charitable Society & the 1798 Rebellion (Clifton Street Cemetery Tour)

1.21 KM
23 May - 23 Aug 2025
See All Dates (4)

Come and explore the stories of the reformers & rebels who made the Belfast Charitable Society a “hotbed of radical activity” in the 1790s.

Clifton House Belfast
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Great Place North Belfast Walking Tour

0.19 KM
30 May - 02 Aug 2025
See All Dates (5)

Join the North Belfast Heritage Cluster on a walk round some of the most historic buildings in North Belfast.

Various Locations
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Hero of Belfast: Mary Ann McCracken Walking Tour

1.21 KM
06 Jun - 18 Oct 2025
See All Dates (9)

Experience Mary Ann McCracken’s Belfast, as you walk in the footsteps of this remarkable abolitionist, philanthropist and social reformer.

Clifton House Belfast
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Clifton House Tour: Experience The Belfast Poor House

1.21 KM
13 Jun - 04 Oct 2025
See All Dates (6)

The history of Belfast begins at Clifton House. From the moment you step through the doors, you will be transported back in time to the Belfast…

Clifton House Belfast
Find Out More

Clifton Street Cemetery Tour

1.21 KM
20 Jun - 11 Oct 2025
See All Dates (8)

Step back in time as you enter through the gates of Clifton Street Cemetery.

Clifton House Belfast
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Death, Tragedy & Betrayal: The Darker Side of Clifton Street Cemetery

1.21 KM
25 Oct - 01 Nov 2025
See All Dates (3)

Explore Clifton Street Cemetery this Halloween weekend and discover its darker side!

Clifton House Belfast
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