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CAST A SPELL ACROSS THE LAND!Join Alternative Ulstours' 'Master of the Macabre' Andrew Johnston for an exclusive guided coach tour, as we explore the dark history of witchcraft in the north of Ireland.
Relive the cruel times of the Witchcraft Act, when 'wise women' and 'demoniacs' were prosecuted in the courts or attacked by mobs.
The trail of suspicion leads to 'Ireland's Salem' and the country's last witch trials - the Islandmagee witch trials.
Along the way, investigate other mysterious female figures of the past, and consider superstitions that endure to this day.
Stop 1 - Church Street, Antrim
• Witch-hunters pursued an 'evil harridan' here in the 17th century
Stop 2 - Antrim Round Tower, Antrim
• Marvel at the medieval monastic stronghold and associated 'Witch's Stone'
Stop 3 - Clotworthy House, Antrim
• Hear the incredible story of the 1920s feminist and spiritualist who lived here
Stop 4 - Bonamargy Friary, Ballycastle
• Enter the domain of the infamous 'Black Nun' and summon her ghost - if you dare!
Stop 5 - Pans Rock, Ballycastle
• Look for the strange face on the rock, thought to represent a local 'witch'
Stop 6 - Thyme & Co, Ballycastle
• Lunch is served at this welcoming retreat with sea views across Ballycastle town
Stop 7 - Ardclinis Old Church & Graveyard, Glenarm
• Walk amongst the tombstones in the shadow of the 'rag tree'
Stop 8 - Gobbins Visitor Centre, Islandmagee
• Observe the controversial memorial to the Islandmagee 'witches'
Stop 9 - Kilcoan More, Islandmagee
• Visit the location of Islandmagee's old Presbyterian meeting house and 'the house where it happened'
Stop 10 - Rocking Stone, Islandmagee
• Gaze out to the clifftop erratic the 'witches' were said to dance upon at night
Stop 11 - Purity Lane, Carrickfergus
• A mock pillory indicates where the Islandmagee 'witches' received a harsh punishment
Stop 12 - Belfast Road, Carrickfergus
• Brave the dreaded former execution site of Gallows Green
Stop 13 - Carnmoney Church, Carnmoney
• Learn of the 'Carnmoney witch' accused of a fatal 'bewitching', before returning to Belfast as night falls
Please note:
• The tour starts at the Metropolitan Arts Centre (MAC) on Exchange Street West 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 rough, uneven ground
• Please advise us in advance of any relevant mobility issues or health conditions
• The tour ends at Belfast (St Anne's) Cathedral on Donegall Street in Belfast city centre
• 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 60-minute stop for lunch (lunch at own cost)
• Your guide is a professional Level 4 tour guide with a specialist interest in witchcraft
• 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!
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
The MAC, 10 Exchange Street West,Belfast, United Kingdom
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