Clifton House Belfast

Clifton House Belfast Belfast Poor House (1774) now a Heritage & Conference Centre. Guided tours run most weekends Clifton House is more than just a meeting place.

In addition to hosting weekends tours, during the week Clifton House is also available to hire as a unique event or conference venue. Clifton House is an impressive Georgian Building, set in beautiful landscaped gardens. Built in 1774 by Belfast Charitable Society, the building was used until the late 1880s as Belfast's Poor House. We offer our guests the ambience and tranquillity of a stately hom

e, making it an ideal choice for either an intimate, or a more formal event. Whether you are organising a training seminar, AGM, exhibition, conference, dinner or a reception, we offer a fully functional and self contained venue. Our contracted in-house caterers can offer a variety of menus to suit your budget and taste. We also provide complimentary on-site car parking for up to 70 cars. Two adjoining rooms are available, in addition to our impressive boardroom, should you require break off rooms for a larger event. We have state of the art video conferencing, free wifi and offer complimentary tea and coffee on you and your guests arrival. Our in-house event manager will provide you with a tailored and professional service and will work closely with you to ensure a successful and stress free experience. Many of Northern Ireland's leading public and private sector organisations have used Clifton House. Please feel free to contact Lucy Fraser if you would like any further information in relation to hosting an event in Clifton House or come visit us and see for yourself.

📖Stories from the Archive📖 17 August 1944 - the first marriage between two residents took place in Largy Road Parish Ch...
17/08/2026

📖Stories from the Archive📖

17 August 1944 - the first marriage between two residents took place in Largy Road Parish Church. The residents were living in Garron Tower due to the Second World War.

Today we turn our attention to Robert Joy, Mary Ann’s uncle and brother to Henry and Ann Joy.Like his brother Henry, Rob...
14/08/2026

Today we turn our attention to Robert Joy, Mary Ann’s uncle and brother to Henry and Ann Joy.

Like his brother Henry, Robert was heavily involved in the work of the Charitable Society. When the funds for the new institution were almost raised and the design of the building had to be agreed upon, it was Robert Joy’s vision that was adopted by the Board — rather than those of some of the leading architects of the day in London, Liverpool and Edinburgh.

Robert’s design included a spire rather than a dome, intended to symbolise a beacon for those who needed the institution’s help.

In 1780, Thomas McCabe, Robert Joy and Nicholas Grimshaw — whose family had brought cotton to Ireland — established a small cotton industry at the Poor House. They organised the setting up of spinning equipment, allowing women and children to be trained in cotton spinning, with the aim of helping them escape the cycle of poverty in which so many were trapped. This venture was an important early step in the development of Belfast’s industrialisation.

Robert’s patriotism and public spirit were also evident in his involvement with the Volunteer movement from 1778. He was a prime mover in establishing the Volunteers in Belfast, and in 1781 he oversaw arrangements for accommodating those who came to Belfast to attend the Belfast Volunteer Review.

🎻 That’s a wrap on Fleadh Cheoil! 🎶A huge thank you to everyone who came through the doors of Clifton House during the F...
10/08/2026

🎻 That’s a wrap on Fleadh Cheoil! 🎶

A huge thank you to everyone who came through the doors of Clifton House during the Fleadh Cheoil. It was fantastic to welcome so many visitors to North Belfast and share a little more of the city’s rich history and heritage.

Interested in finding out more about Belfast’s history? If you’d like to join one of our upcoming talks or tours, visit cliftonbelfast.com/events to see what’s coming up.

The countdown is nearly over! 🎻🎶 This Sunday marks the start of the Fleadh Cheoil and we have a fantastic line-up of eve...
01/08/2026

The countdown is nearly over! 🎻🎶 This Sunday marks the start of the Fleadh Cheoil and we have a fantastic line-up of events for you to enjoy.

Why not book onto one of our self-guided and guided tours, or join our fascinating Edward Bunting & Mary Ann McCracken talk to discover more about our rich local history.

We look forward to welcoming you as we celebrate music, culture, and heritage throughout the Fleadh.

For info & tickets visit: https://cliftonbelfast.com/events/

Visit Belfast Tourism Ireland Discover Northern Ireland

Like Mary Ann, Mary Alice McNeill had a huge interest in Irish culture and was a collector of fine art – her collection ...
31/07/2026

Like Mary Ann, Mary Alice McNeill had a huge interest in Irish culture and was a collector of fine art – her collection of miniatures and silhouettes donated to the National Gallery of Ireland after her death was deemed their most important bequest after the Chester Beatty collection. Molly was also interested in the built heritage of Ireland and she also worked towards the establishment of the Ulster Folk Museum, Cultra as a member of the Ulster Folk Lore Society.

Finally in our series, the two Marys had in common their various interests in the culture and the arts. Mary Ann McCrack...
29/07/2026

Finally in our series, the two Marys had in common their various interests in the culture and the arts.

Mary Ann McCracken was an active supporter of the work of musicologist Edward Bunting, collector of Irish songs and harp music. She was a member of the Belfast Harp Society and supported the Irish-speaking poet Patrick Lynch who collected Irish verse.

If you interested to learn more about Irish music and culture in the past, we would very much like to welcome you to Clifton House during the Fleadh Cheoil celebrations next week.

We have put a vibrant programme, featuring an engaging history talk on Edward Bunting and Mary Ann McCracken, protectors of Irish music featuring the Sky Harp Ensemble, taster tours of Clifton St Cemetery, and self-guided tours of Belfast's former Poor House.

🎻Fleadh Cheoil - Our fantastic programme of events includes:Before the Fleadh - Talk on Edward Bunting and Mary Ann McCr...
27/07/2026

🎻Fleadh Cheoil - Our fantastic programme of events includes:

Before the Fleadh - Talk on Edward Bunting and Mary Ann McCracken - Tuesday 4 August, 1pm at Clifton House
Uncover the fascinating connection between two champions of Irish music and heritage, brought to life with a live harp performance from the Sky Harp Ensemble.

Mary Ann's Poor House Tales – explore Belfast's historic Poor House through this self-guided audio tour and discover the remarkable stories of those who lived and worked here - daily Sunday 2 - Friday 7 August

North Belfast Heritage Tour – take a guided walking tour through some of North Belfast's most significant historic landmarks, revealing the area's diverse cultural story - twice daily at 10am and 2.30pm from Sunday 2 August to Saturday 8 August.

Clifton Street Cemetery Taster Tours – step into one of Belfast's most important historic burial grounds and hear the stories of the people who helped shape the city - 6 daily tours Mon 3, Wednesday 5 and Thursday 6 August & 3 daily tours Tuesday 4 August (am) and Friday 7 August (am)

We are now taking bookings for all our Fleadh events

Book online via www.CliftonBelfast.com

Fleadh Cheoil Visit Belfast Belfast City Council The Duncairn GreatPlace North Belfast

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2 North Queen Street
Belfast
BT151ES

Telephone

028 90997022

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