Clifton House

Clifton House Heritage Centre was the original Poor House of Belfast. Now restored to its former Georgian elegance it is a truly unique setting for tours, talks and events.

Clifton House is an impressive Georgian building, set in tranquil landscaped gardens in the heart of Belfast. Opened in 1774 by Belfast Charitable Society, the building was used until the late 1880s as Belfast’s Poor House.  A great deal of what we take for granted in the city of Belfast today owes its origins to The Belfast Charitable Society. The foundation of social welfare, the supply of clean water, the city’s first hospital, funeral services, the beginnings of a police service and a municipal burial ground all began with the launch of the Society.  Clifton House was entirely renovated and now is home to our archive, heritage and conference centre, residential home and sheltered accommodation. The heritage centre is available for hire for a variety of events including meetings, exhibitions, AGMs, workshops, conferences, dinner and receptions. We run tours of the heritage centre to tell the story of this truly remarkable building.

Clifton House's Content

Event

Clifton House

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 Poorhouse – opened in 1774 – which provided sanctuary to thousands of people, from the young and old, to local citizens and passing sailors, throughout the years.
Dates:
01 March 202415 March 202416 March 202426 April 202417 May 202418 May 2024
Belfast
Event

Clifton House

Experience Mary Ann McCracken’s Belfast, as you walk in the footsteps of this remarkable abolitionist, philanthropist and social reformer. Mary Ann McCracken, who was born over 250 years ago, is intrinsically linked to the city of Belfast. She lived her fearless life championing causes, moving from place to place, always on a mission to make life better for those less fortunate than herself.
Dates:
29 March 202430 March 202419 April 202410 May 202411 May 2024
Belfast
Event

Clifton House

Vicky Tennant, UK Representative to the UN High Commission for Refugees, and the Rt. Hon Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick, will outline the issues and obstacles facing female refugees and asylum seekers today. The event, which is part of Belfast Charitable Society’s 250thanniversary celebrations, will also highlight the work that both Belfast Charitable Society and the Mary Ann McCracken Foundation are doing to support refugees and asylum-seekers in Belfast.
Dates:
22 March 2024
Belfast
Event
Art & Culture

Clifton House

Join Marcus Patton OBE for a lecture which will chart the early development and architecture of Clifton House and its surroundings from 1774-1880.
Dates:
24 January 2024
Belfast
Event
Art & Culture

Clifton House

Clifton House's Open Day is a unique opportunity to step inside and explore one of Belfast’s oldest and most beautiful buildings as part of its 250th anniversary year.
Dates:
20 January 2024
Belfast
Event

Clifton House

Using original research from our archives, our experienced tour guides will tell the story of those responsible for bringing some festive cheer into the house in the 1800s and how Christmas traditions developed throughout the centuries.
Dates:
08 December 202315 December 202316 December 2023
Belfast
Event
Outdoor Activity

Clifton House

Come and explore the stories of the reformers & rebels who made the Belfast Charitable Society a “hotbed of radical activity” in the 1790s and those who spearhead the 1798 Rebellion.
Dates:
16 September 2023
Belfast
Event
Art & Culture

Clifton House

Join us at Clifton House for what promises to be a fascinating talk about aristocrat, abolitionist, and activist Olaudah Equiano, by Dr Gareth Russell, as part of our President’s Lecture Series 2023
Dates:
26 October - 26 December 2023
Belfast
Event

Clifton House

This walking tour with a difference will take you through some very familiar Belfast locations. The tour will be led by Dr John Ó Néill, one of Ireland's leading archaeologists. On the tour, John will uncover some of the hidden heritages of Belfast city centre, including lost graveyards, Belfast's medieval history, ramparts, gates and more.
Dates:
05 August 2023
Belfast
Event
Online / Virtual

Clifton House

Mary Ann McCracken (1770-1866) was a hero of Belfast- an abolitionist, philanthropist and reformer who championed the disadvantaged at home and abroad. Much of her work was inspired by her close reading of the philosopher, writer and human rights advocate Mary Wollstonecraft.
Dates:
20 June 2023
Belfast

More Information

Type of Organisation

VCSE

Team

  • Lucy Fraser