Mary Ann McCracken Statue
Bronze monument to an abolitionist, feminist pioneer, and social reformer who stood for justice across three centuries.
A striking bronze statue commemorating Mary Ann McCracken (1770–1866), a pioneering social reformer, abolitionist, and businesswoman who dedicated her life to fighting slavery, championing women's rights, and advocating for the poor. Unveiled on International Women's Day 2024, the statue depicts McCracken handing out abolitionist leaflets while wearing a Wedgwood anti-slavery brooch. Located on the front lawn of Belfast City Hall, it stands alongside the statue of Winifred Carney, marking the first non-royal women to receive statues in this prominent civic space.
A brief summary to Mary Ann McCracken statue
- City Hall, Belfast, GB
- Duration: 0.25 to 1.5 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit during daylight hours to fully appreciate the intricate details of the bronze sculpture and read the inscriptions, including the Irish language text on the plinth.
- Combine your visit with the nearby statue of Winifred Carney on the opposite side of the City Hall front lawn to understand the complementary stories of two remarkable women activists.
- Consider visiting on or near 26 July (McCracken's death anniversary) or 8 March (International Women's Day) when commemorative events and wreath-laying ceremonies often take place.
- The City Hall Visitor Experience inside the building offers additional context about Belfast's history and the significance of these statues in the city's cultural landscape.
- The statue's location on the front lawn provides excellent photography opportunities, especially during golden hour when the bronze catches warm light.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
- Trash Bins
Getting There
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Public Transport – Bus
Multiple bus routes serve Belfast City Hall, including services 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, and others operated by Translink. Journey times from central Belfast typically range from 5–15 minutes depending on your starting point. Buses stop at various points around City Hall on Donegall Square. Single fares cost approximately £1.50–£2.50 GBP. Services run frequently throughout the day, with reduced frequency in evenings and Sundays.
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Walking from City Centre
Belfast City Hall is located at Donegall Square in the heart of the city centre. Walking from the main shopping district (Donegall Place) takes approximately 5–10 minutes on flat, paved streets. The route is straightforward and well-signposted. The surrounding area is pedestrian-friendly with good street lighting and accessibility for all mobility levels.
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Taxi or Ride-Share
Taxis and ride-share services (such as Uber) are readily available throughout Belfast. Journey times from most central locations range from 5–15 minutes depending on traffic. Typical fares from the city centre are £5–£12 GBP. City Hall has taxi ranks nearby and ride-share drop-off points accessible from Donegall Square.
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Parking
Several multi-storey car parks operate near City Hall, including the Donegall Arcade Car Park and Castle Court Car Park, both within 2–5 minutes' walk. Parking costs approximately £1.50–£3.00 GBP per hour, with daily rates around £8–£15 GBP. On-street parking is limited and time-restricted in the city centre.
Mary Ann McCracken statue location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Cold Weather
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Mary Ann McCracken statue
A Life of Radical Conviction
Mary Ann McCracken was born in Belfast on 8 July 1770 into one of the city's wealthiest liberal Presbyterian merchant families. From her earliest years, she was intensely interested in politics and the democratic ideals that swept through Ireland and beyond in the late 18th century. Her brother, Henry Joy McCracken, became a leading figure in the United Irishmen rebellion, and Mary Ann shared his commitment to Irish independence and social justice. When Henry was executed in 1798 for his role in the failed uprising, Mary Ann was present at his death—a defining moment that would shape her lifelong dedication to causes of liberation and equality.Entrepreneurship and Economic Independence
Beyond her activism, McCracken was a shrewd businesswoman who ran a muslin factory in Belfast, combining entrepreneurial success with her social convictions. This economic independence allowed her to pursue her reformist agenda without compromise. She refused to consume sugar produced by enslaved labour, making her personal choices align with her public principles—a radical stance in a city heavily engaged in transatlantic trade.The Abolitionist Crusade
McCracken's opposition to slavery was absolute and lifelong. In 1846, following the visit of American abolitionist Frederick Douglass to Belfast, she founded the Belfast Women's Anti-Slavery League, becoming the driving force behind the city's anti-slavery movement for more than a decade. Remarkably, at the age of 88, this small, frail woman stood at Belfast docks handing out abolitionist leaflets to Irish emigrants boarding ships bound for the United States, where slavery remained a contested issue. Her commitment never wavered; in her late eighties, she continued this work with unwavering determination.Education, Welfare, and Social Reform
McCracken's vision extended far beyond abolition. She served on the Poor House Ladies' Committee, where she helped children develop domestic skills while advocating fiercely for access to education—a revolutionary position for women of her era. In 1827, following a meeting organised by Quaker reformer Elizabeth Fry, McCracken formed the Ladies' Committee of the Belfast Charitable Society, serving variously as treasurer, secretary, and chair. Through the committee's efforts, despite conservative opposition, a school and nursery were established for poorhouse children. At age 77, she helped establish the Ladies' Industrial School for the Relief of Destitution to assist those suffering during the Great Famine.A Pioneer of Women's Rights
McCracken championed women's equality at a time when women possessed virtually no legal rights. She petitioned for education reform, child welfare improvements, and prison reform. Her legacy as Ireland's first feminist remains profound, though it was long overshadowed by her brother's historical prominence. She outlived Henry by 68 years, dying on 26 July 1866 at the remarkable age of 96, having witnessed the Industrial Revolution, the birth of modern Ireland, and the evolution of social consciousness across the Atlantic world.The Statue and Its Symbolism
The bronze statue, unveiled on International Women's Day 2024 by internationally acclaimed sculptor Ralf Sander and his daughter Naomi Sander, depicts McCracken in a moment of quiet activism—handing out an abolitionist leaflet. She wears the famous Wedgwood anti-slavery brooch bearing the image of a shackled slave with the inscription 'Am I not a man and brother', a symbol of her unwavering moral conviction. The statue stands on the front lawn of Belfast City Hall, positioned alongside that of Winifred Carney, making them the first non-royal women to receive statues in this prominent civic space. This placement represents a significant shift toward social inclusivity and the recognition of women who shaped Ireland's republican and social justice movements.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Mary Ann McCracken statue
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Donegall Square N & Donegall Square W
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Unmissable attractions to see
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Donegall Square W
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Visit Belfast
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Walking Tours Belfast
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City Hall Garden of Remembrance
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Essential places to dine
Parisien
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Coco
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The Chubby Cherub
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Roam
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JAMES ST
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The Lantern Restaurant
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AMPM Restaurant
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Jumon
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City Picnic
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Norn Irish Gift Shop
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Carrolls Irish Gifts Belfast - Donegall Place
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Little Heart
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Montblanc Boutique Belfast
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Mooch Belfast - Arthur Street
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White Stuff Belfast
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Carrolls Irish Gifts - Belfast
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FatFace
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The Holy Shop
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Replay Store Belfast
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Build-A-Bear Workshop
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AllSaints
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Petty Kingdom Vintage Clothing & Records
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Boux Avenue
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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Margot
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The Garrick
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Pug Uglys
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Monico Bars
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Henry's
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Bittles Bar
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The National
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The Spaniard
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
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Saturday Night Nightclub
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Unique
- Romantic
- Tranquil
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Minimalist Designs
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Car-Free Access
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Myth & Legends
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
