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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.
Recall the cruel times of the Witchcraft Act, when 'wise women' and 'demoniacs' were prosecuted in the courts or attacked by mobs.
The trail heads north through County Antrim, inevitably winding to Islandmagee - 'Ireland's Salem' - scene of the alleged sorcery that led to the country's last witch trials.
Along the way, investigate mysterious figures of the past and consider superstitions that endure to this day.
Stop 1 - Carnmoney Church, Carnmoney
• Ascend Carnmoney Hill to the locale of a fatal 'bewitching'
Stop 2 - Church Street, Antrim
• Learn about two horrifying murders of suspected witches by the townsfolk of old Antrim
Stop 3 - Antrim Round Tower, Antrim
• Behold Antrim's medieval monastic stronghold and the nearby 'Witch's Stone' of legend
Stop 4 - Clotworthy House, Antrim
• Hear the incredible story of the 1920s spiritualist who dwelled in this historic building
Stop 5 - Galgorm Castle, Ballymena
• Meet Galgorm's 'Devil Doctor', whose name remains synonymous with evil and witchcraft
Stop 6 - Bonamargy Friary, Ballycastle
• Enter the domain of the infamous 'Black Nun' and summon her ghost - if you dare!
Stop 7 - Pans Rock, Ballycastle
• Walk along the beach and look for the strange face on the rock, believed to represent a witch
Stop 8 - Ardclinis Old Church & Graveyard, Glenarm
• Darken the ancient tombstones and leave an offering for healing on the magical 'rag tree'
Stop 9 - Rocking Stone, Islandmagee
• Peer out to the notorious clifftop rock witches supposedly danced upon at night
Stop 10 - Kilcoan More, Islandmagee
• Visit the townland central to the Islandmagee witch trials and search for 'the house where it happened'
Stop 11 - Gobbins Visitor Centre, Islandmagee
• Pay your respects to Islandmagee's accused at the surprisingly controversial memorial plaque
Stop 12 - Purity Lane, Carrickfergus
• See the mock pillory near the actual spot where many convicted 'witches' were punished
Stop 13 - Belfast Road, Carrickfergus
• Brave the dreaded former execution site of Gallows Green, before returning to Belfast as night falls
Please note:
• The tour starts at 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 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 45-minute stop for lunch (lunch at own cost)
• Your guide is Level 4-certified and a 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!
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Belfast Cathedral, St Annes Cathedral (C of I), Donegall Street, Belfast, BT1 2HB, United Kingdom,Belfast
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