Ancestry UK

Mother and Baby Homes — N Ireland

The establishments listed below are believed to have provided at least some accommodation for unmarried mothers and their babies, during at least some of their existence. They include maternity homes, before-and-after-confinement care homes, hostels for pregnant working girls or working mothers, and Irish County Homes. Homes that in their day were labelled Magdalen Homes are listed elsewhere.

Where applicable, the 'Places' column shows the accommodation provided for mothers and babies (exact figures could change over time).
Note that over the years, many institutions changed location and/or name, sometimes more than once. The accommodation provided, age of those admitted etc. at a home could also vary.

Co. Antrim

Name and LocationFounded/OpenedClosed/MovedClasses Received, Weekly fees, etc.PlacesAdmission Age
Belfast Midnight Mission Maternity Home, 25-27 (later 29) Malone Place, Belfast1902 First maternity cases only received. 5s.12 
Marianville Home for Mothers and Babies, 511 Ormeau Road, Belfast     
Hopedene House Hostel, 55 Dundela Avenue, Strandtown, Belfastby 1949    
Thorndale House Maternity Home, Duncairn Avenue, Antrim Road, Belfastby 1964 Maternity Home.20m/16b 
Thorndale House Hostel, Duncairn Avenue, Antrim Road, Belfastby 1956 Working Mothers' Hostel.16m/16b 
Salvation Army Home, Thorndale, Duncairn Avenue, Antrim Road, Belfast1905 Unmarried mothers and their babies. Free.33m/24 babiesno limit

Co. Down

Name and LocationFounded/OpenedClosed/MovedClasses Received, Weekly fees, etc.PlacesAdmission Age
Marianvale Home for Mothers and Babies, 132 Armagh Road, Newry1950s1984 15