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 condemned in the courts or attacked by mobs.
We travel first to Carrickfergus and Islandmagee to tell the story of Ireland's last witch trials, then continue north on the famous Causeway Coastal Route for a visitation with Ballycastle's ghostly 'Black Nun'.
Along the way, discover mysterious tales of folklore and ponder superstitions that endure to this day.
Stop 1 - Belfast Road, Carrickfergus
• Brave the former 'Three Sisters' execution site at old Gallows Green
Stop 2 - Market Place, Carrickfergus
• Contemplate the mock pillory close to where 'witches' were punished
Stop 3 - Rocking Stone, Islandmagee
• Peer out to the clifftop erratic Islandmagee's 'witches' were said to dance upon at night
Stop 4 - Kilcoan More, Islandmagee
• Visit the forgotten townland where accusations of 'devilry' in Islandmagee were invoked
Stop 5 - Gobbins Visitor Centre, Islandmagee
• Remember 'Ireland's Salem' at the memorial to Islandmagee's nine convicted souls
Stop 6 - Ardclinis Old Church & Graveyard, Glenarm
• Darken the ancient church ruins and leave an offering on the graveyard's magical 'rag tree'
Stop 7 - Bonamargy Friary, Ballycastle
• Enter the domain of the infamous Black Nun and summon her spirit - if you dare!
Stop 8 - Pans Rock, Ballycastle
• Behold the natural phenomenon where a strange, carved face may represent a local witch
Stop 9 - Galgorm Castle, Ballymena
• Meet Galgorm's 'Devil Doctor', whose name remains synonymous with evil and witchcraft
Stop 10 - Clotworthy House, Antrim
• Hear the incredible account of the characterful spiritualist who dwelled in this historic building
Stop 11 - Antrim Round Tower, Antrim
• See Antrim's medieval monastic stronghold and the nearby 'Witch's Stone'
Stop 12 - Church Street, Antrim
• Learn about the horrifying murders of suspected witches by townsfolk of old Antrim
Stop 13 - Carnmoney Church, Carnmoney
• Come to the scene of a fatal 'bewitching', 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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