About

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/events/

Clifton House History Tours 

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

Clifton House runs guided tours throughout the year, including: Clifton House – Experience the Belfast Poor House Tour (Incs Augmented Reality); Hero of Belfast – Mary Ann McCracken Walking Tour; and Clifton Street Cemetery Tour. They also run a number of specialist guided tours including: Belfast's Heroines: Mary Ann McCracken and Martha McTier; Medical History tours; 1798 Rebellion Tours and Halloween Tours. 

Also, new in 2026, the 'Mary Ann's Poor House Tales', a 30 minute audio and AR self guided tour experience. 

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/events/

Private group tours can be arranged by contacting 028 9099 7022.