The Medical History of Belfast Charitable Society- Cemetery Tour (NI Science Festival)

Let us take you on journey through the medical history of 18th and 19th Century Belfast through the lives of pioneering surgeons and philanthropists who now lie in rest in Clifton Street Cemetery.

From the opening of the Poor House in 1774, Belfast Charitable Society’s philanthropic aims helped foster an environment of pioneering medical work and cemented themselves as an essential part of Belfast’s history.

Through a guided tour of Clifton Street Cemetery, learn how the Society took part in innovative inoculation campaigns through the guidance of United Irishman, Dr William Drennan. And hear more about the significant contributions made by Edward Benn and Martha McTier, while respectively standing at their final resting place.

Our guides will cover the darker side of our medical history too, from the demands of the Cholera epidemics and Famine Fever to the role Clifton Street Cemetery played in the bodysnatching of the 1800s.

These tours are apart of the NI Science Festival.

Planning your visit:

  • Meet at Clifton House, and our guide will lead you to the Cemetery.
  • Please arrive 10 minutes before the start of your tour.
  • Guided tours last approx. 90mins, which includes the journey time to and from the Cemetery from Clifton House.
  • Free car parking onsite at Clifton House.
  • Booking in advance essential due to limited spaces. Please advise in advance of any accessibility requirements as the ground of the Cemetery is uneven. For more information on accessibility and our talks and tours please visit: Accessibility | Clifton House
  • Cancellations & Refund Policy – Cancellations must be made within 24 hours of scheduled tour start time.

Tickets

Type: Tour

Event Occurrences:

Friday 20th Feb 2026 @ 2:00pm
Saturday 21st Feb 2026 @ 10:00am
Tickets