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.
The tour begins with the shocking tale of Mary Butters, the 'Carnmoney Witch', before winding north through towns and villages where 'wise-women' and 'demoniacs' have been accused of practising the dark arts.
We arrive in Ballycastle for a visitation with the 'Black Nun' and more stories of alleged witchery, then journey east on the atmospheric Causeway Coastal Route, stopping at numerous varied points of interest along the way.
Our luxury coach reaches Islandmagee, sometimes referred to as 'Ireland's Salem', where we will regale the harrowing account of the last witch trials in Ireland, before 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 - Antrim Round Tower, Antrim
• Learn about Antrim's medieval monastic stronghold and the nearby 'Witch's Stone'
Stop 3 - Galgorm Castle, Ballymena
• Meet Galgorm's 'Devil Doctor', whose name remains synonymous with evil and sorcery
Stop 4 - Bonamargy Friary, Ballycastle
• Enter the domain of the infamous Black Nun and summon her spirit - if you dare!
Stop 5 - Pans Rock, Ballycastle
• Behold the natural phenomenon where a strange, carved face is said to represent a local witch
Stop 6 - Ballypatrick Forest, Ballycastle
• Take a short detour to the memorial to murdered backpacker Inga Maria Hauser
Stop 7 - Nanny's Cave, Waterfoot
• See the preserved former dwelling of 100-year-old poteen distiller Ann Murray
Stop 8 - Ardclinis Old Church & Graveyard, Ardclinis
• Darken the ancient church ruins and leave an offering on the magical 'rag tree'
Stop 9 - Kilcoan Church, Islandmagee
• Visit the lost townland central to the infamous Islandmagee witch trials
Stop 10 - Gobbins Visitor Centre, Islandmagee
• Remember Islandmagee's nine accused at the controversial memorial plaque
Stop 11 - Market Place, Carrickfergus
• Selfie time at the replica pillory marking where Islandmagee's 'witches' were punished
Stop 12 - Belfast Road, Carrickfergus
• Brave the historic site of the notorious 'Three Sisters' gallows
Stop 13 - Mystiques Enchantments, Belfast
• End your adventure at Belfast's 'home of magick', where you can stock up on witchcraft supplies!
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 rough, uneven ground, and one steep, narrow staircase
• 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 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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