Letterkenny Cathedral Quarter visited Belfast’s first charitable organisation, the Belfast Charitable Society and Clifton House, to share and learn how heritage can lead to economic regeneration.
Visiting the stunning Georgian Building of Clifton House, the Group met with the Society to discuss their involvement in the North Belfast Heritage Cluster. The Letterkenny Cathedral Quarter also took part in one of the Society’s famous walking tours, which delves into their history and divulges the secrets of Belfast’s past.
These unique walking tours of Clifton House offers an insight into Belfast’s original Poor House and tells the story of Belfast’s interesting, yet turbulent history of years gone by, walking in the footsteps of the famous Joy and McCracken families.
The North Belfast Heritage Cluster is a group of voluntary managed organisations that are dedicated to the conservation of the historic assets within North Belfast. As a key driver in this network, the Belfast Charitable Society continues to champion the importance of the area’s unique heritage, as a means of ensuring economic regeneration.
Following the visit, Paula Reynolds, CEO of the Belfast Charitable Society said, “I was very pleased to welcome the team from Letterkenny Cathedral Quarter to Clifton House. I was only too happy to be able to showcase Belfast’s heritage and the work of the Belfast Charitable Society and in doing so, champion heritage within the community.”
Founded by Donnan Harvey, Secretary of the Group, the Letterkenny Cathedral Quarter has exceeded expectations within Letterkenny. With the town’s historic Church Lane, what was once in a neglected state, is now a bustling hub of new business and increased visitor numbers.
Donnan Harvey, Secretary of the Letterkenny Cathedral Quarter commented, “We were delighted to be able to visit Clifton House during our visit to Belfast, it’s great to get the opportunity to chat to like-minded individuals who understand how heritage can take the lead in regenerating areas – acting as a real driving force in economic regeneration.”
Paula continues, “With heritage week kickstarting on Saturday August 18, it was a very timely visit. Heritage makes a significant contribution to the Northern Ireland economy through tourism and regeneration. Now is the time to recognise the importance of it.
“I would like to thank Donnan and the rest of the Letterkenny Cathedral Quarter for their insight and discussion during their visit and I look forward to seeing the further results of their tremendous efforts in Donegal.”
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