Clonard House, 24 Clonard Gardens, Belfast, BT13 2RH

Clonard House is a detached symmetrical three-bay two-storey house built around 1843 and probably designed by the prominent local architect Thomas Jackson. The building is rectangular on plan and faces south, presenting a refined Neoclassical composition with a central entrance portico and full-height bows to either side.

The south front elevation is three windows wide, with each bay framed by paired Giant Doric order pilasters. The central elliptical-headed door opening contains a replacement tripartite timber doorcase and fanlight, opening onto a tiled platform approached by three tiled steps. The portico features paired Ionic columns supporting an architrave, plain frieze, and modillioned cornice. The west and east side elevations are each four windows wide with full-height curved bows to the right, originally containing curved sash windows. All window openings are square-headed with replacement timber sash windows and painted masonry sills.

The exterior walls are painted ruled-and-lined cement render with a moulded plinth course. The roof is of natural slate with rolled lead ridges and a central lead-lined flat section, fitted with replacement rendered chimneystacks and replacement steel rainwater goods to timber sheeted overhanging eaves.

The building is located at the junction of Clonard Gardens and Clonard Street on a corner site with a front garden enclosed by a replacement brick plinth wall and steel railings. It faces the Church of the Most Holy Redeemer and the monastery across the street, forming part of an important group of historic buildings.

Originally a secluded private residence, Clonard House was purchased in 1896 by Bishop Henry for the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer (Redemptorists). Mass was first celebrated here on 1 November 1896. When the Redemptorists moved to their newly built monastery on 2 May 1900, the Sisters of Mercy took occupation the following day. The building subsequently became a convent of the Sisters of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul until 1990. It was converted to sheltered housing accommodation around 1999, with a large two-storey wing added to the rear, and is now operated as a nursing home by Oaklee Housing Association.

Recent renovations have resulted in the loss of much original detailing. The extent of listing applies to the former house only. Despite these alterations, the building retains architectural and historic interest through its age, refined Neoclassical design, authorship by Thomas Jackson, and its long and significant association with the Catholic church and religious orders in west Belfast.