Advertisement
A MAGICKAL DAY OUT!Join dark historian Andrew Johnston of Alternative Ulstours on the original guided coach tour exploring Northern Ireland's witchcraft history.
The itinerary begins with the shocking account of the 'Carnmoney Witch', then winds north through places where 'wise-women' and 'demoniacs' were accused of practising the dark arts.
We descend on Ballycastle for an invocation of the dreaded 'Black Nun', before continuing along the atmospheric Causeway Coastal Route, including a pilgrimage to the remains of Ardclinis Church.
Bring your own 'rag' or personal item if you wish to leave an offering for healing on Ardclinis's mystical 'rag tree'.
Our main destination is Islandmagee, sometimes called 'Ireland's Salem', where we will visit locations related to the last witch trials in Ireland, returning to Belfast as night falls.
The tour concludes with a private shopping experience at Belfast's witchcraft emporium, Mystiques Enchantments.
Stop 1 - Carnmoney Church, Carnmoney
• Come to the scene of a fatal 'bewitching'
Stop 2 - Church Street, Antrim
• Learn about two accused Antrim 'witches' who fell victim to the mob
Stop 3 - Antrim Round Tower, Antrim
• Discover Antrim's medieval past and hear the story of the 'Witch's Stone'
Stop 4 - Galgorm Castle, Galgorm
• Listen for the ghostly footsteps of Galgorm's 'Devil Doctor'
Stop 5 - Glentaisie, Ballycastle
• Darken the domain of the 'Witch of Glentow', immortalised in a grim poem
Stop 6 - Bonamargy Friary, Ballycastle
• Summon the spirit of the legendary Black Nun, Julia McQuillan - if you dare!
Stop 7 - Ardclinis Church & Graveyard, Ardclinis
• Explore the ancient ruins and partake in the healing ritual of the rag tree
Stop 8 - Coast Road, Glenarm
• The coastal landscape is said to have been shaped by a powerful witch-goddess
Stop 9 - Main Street, Larne
• En route to Islandmagee, see where Mary Dunbar was hidden from the 'witches'
Stop 10 - Kilcoan More, Islandmagee
• Journey to the townland where Dunbar's supposed demonic possession took hold
Stop 11 - Gobbins Visitor Centre, Islandmagee
• Remember Islandmagee's 'witches' at the controversial memorial plaque
Stop 12 - Carrickfergus town centre
• It's selfie time at the replica pillory, followed by a drive by the notorious Gallows Green
Stop 13 - Mystiques Enchantments, Belfast
• Stock up on witchcraft supplies at Belfast's 'home of magick'!
Please note:
• The tour starts outside Belfast (St Anne's) Cathedral on Donegall Street in Belfast city centre, where your guide will be waiting for you
• Please arrive 10 minutes before the scheduled start time
• The tour will last eight hours and will feature some walking, including on hilly, rough and potentially wet ground
• Please advise us in advance of any relevant mobility issues or health conditions
• The tour ends at Mystiques Enchantments on Winetavern Street in Belfast city centre, where you are welcome to browse for up to 30 minutes
• The itinerary is subject to change due to unexpected events, local conditions or other circumstances out of our control
• The tour will go ahead in all weathers
• Please wear sturdy, waterproof footwear
• Please wear warm clothing and bring a waterproof coat
• Please bring drinking water and stay hydrated
• A head torch is optional, but may be useful in the event of low light conditions
• There will be comfort and refreshment stops throughout the day (refreshments at own cost)
• There will be a 45-minute lunch stop (lunch at own cost)
• Your guide is a Level 4 'blue badge' tour guide and Visit Belfast industry partner
• The tour is fully insured through Tour Guides NI
Very important:
• The tour is open to all ages, but parental guidance is advised due to the graphic nature of some content. You have been warned!
Advertisement
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Belfast Cathedral, St Annes Cathedral (C of I), Donegall Street, Belfast, BT1 2HB, United Kingdom
Tickets
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.
