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.

     

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

1.21 KM
24 May - 24 Aug 2024
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
Find Out More

Hero of Belfast: Mary Ann McCracken Walking Tour

1.21 KM
31 May - 12 Oct 2024
See All Dates (11)

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

Clifton House Belfast
Find Out More

Clifton House Tour: Experience The Belfast Poor House

1.21 KM
07 Jun - 19 Oct 2024
See All Dates (14)

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

Clifton House Belfast
Find Out More

Women, Radicalism and Eighteenth-Century Belfast: Mary Ann McCracken and Martha McTier

1.21 KM
Thu, 13 Jun 2024, 7:00pm

A talk on how women like Mary Ann McCracken and Martha McTier’s charitable work allowed them to participate in, and influence, Belfast radical public sphere.

Clifton House Belfast
Find Out More

Clifton Street Cemetery Tour

1.21 KM
14 Jun - 26 Oct 2024
See All Dates (11)

Step back in time as you enter through the gates of Clifton Street Cemetery, opened by the Belfast Charitable Society in 1797 which catered to all…

Clifton House Belfast
Find Out More

You might also like

  • Titanic Belfast
    Titanic Belfast
    Attractions

    Titanic Belfast

    2.72 KM

    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
    Irish FA Tours
    Attractions

    Irish FA Tours

    3.25 KM

    Irish FA Tours tells the unique story of Northern Ireland football from 1880 to present day using a…

    Find Out More
  • Lagan Valley Regional Park
    Lagan Valley Regional Park
    Attractions

    Lagan Valley Regional Park

    5.52 KM

    Between Stranmillis, Belfast and Union Locks, Lisburn, Lagan Valley Regional Park covers 4,500 acres of countryside and 11…

    Find Out More
  • Museum at The Mill
    Museum at The Mill
    Attractions

    Museum at The Mill

    11.17 KM

    Explore the history and heritage of Mossley Mill and hear the story of the people who worked there…

    Find Out More
  • Montalto Estate
    Montalto Estate
    Activities

    Montalto Estate

    22.75 KM

    For the first time in its history, this mystical and enchanting estate, set in magnificent natural surroundings, is…

    Find Out More
  • WWT Castle Espie Wetland Centre
    WWT Castle Espie Wetland Centre
    Attractions

    WWT Castle Espie Wetland Centre

    26.84 KM

    Whether you are looking for a relaxing day out or are passionate about nature, there’s a world of…

    Find Out More
  • Game of Thrones Studio Tour
    Game of Thrones Studio Tour
    See & Do

    Game of Thrones Studio Tour

    48.14 KM

    Step inside the Seven Kingdoms and explore the world of Game of Thrones like never before at the…

    Find Out More
  • Let's Go Hydro
    Let's Go Hydro
    Activities

    Let's Go Hydro

    8.93 KM

    Let’s Go Hydro is Ireland’s largest aqua park and alternative accommodation resort. A beautiful and brilliantly designed resort…

    Find Out More
Ask Us
Ask Us

We're here to help, so if you can't find the info you're after, or you just want to ask a really odd question, then we're here for you.

Ask A Question

Ask a Question

"*" indicates required fields

Start
Choose a date
End
Choose a date
Back To Top
In order to display distances relevant to you, we'd like to be able to use your GPS location. Privacy Policy
In order to display distances relevant to your current position, we'd need to be able to use your GPS location. To find out more about how we use your location, please read our Privacy Policy
You have previously denied access to your GPS location. In order to allow access to your location, you need to update your site settings through your browser settings to allow this site access to your location.

To find out more about how we use your location, please read our Privacy Policy
Your settings have been updated. They will take effect next time you refresh the page.
By default, all distances on the site are calculated from Belfast City Centre. You can choose a different starting point here, or specify your own.

If you select a location more than 15km from the Visit Belfast Welcome Centre, your location will be set to Belfast City Centre.

Open 'Ask a Question' window Close 'Ask a Question' window

Ask a Question

X

"*" indicates required fields

Hide this tool

Open 'Sign up for Newsletter' window Close 'Sign up for Newsletter' window

Visit Belfast Newsletter

X

Sign up to the Visit Belfast newsletter and receive inspiring ideas, events and offers which showcase the best of Belfast and Northern Ireland.

Sign-Up

Hide this tool