Mary Ann’s Poor House Tales

Clifton House Self-Guided Audio Tour Experience

This free app supports Clifton House's Mary Ann’s Poor House Tales Experience - a 30-minute self-guided audio and AR tour of Clifton House.

Mary Ann McCracken (1770 – 1866) was a remarkable woman who, throughout her life, fought for the rights of the poor and disadvantaged in her hometown of Belfast and further afield. Her life is inextricably linked to the Belfast Poor House.

Mary Ann was just six years old when she first visited the Poor House. From that day on she worked tirelessly to support and uplift the poor, and her influence within the house left a legacy that can still be felt today. During your visit you will hear about her work and endeavours, her family, and the people who shaped her journey. You will also learn about some of the people who Mary Ann helped and supported; residents of the Poor House whose stories deserve to be told. As you listen to these stories and explore the house, you will stroll through the same hallways that Mary Ann walked many, many times during her lifetime.

With the use of this free app, visitors will be able to use augmented reality (AR) to bring Mary Ann’s Poor House tales to life. Glimpse into the nursery school, set up by her and the Ladies Committee; see into the basement, where Mary Ann ensured women and children learnt a skill and trade to escape poverty; and gaze out the window into 18th century Belfast, and spot the ships masts as Mary Ann would have done as a child.

For further details visit www.cliftonbelfast.com