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 at Ballycastle's Bonamargy Friary for an invocation of the dreaded 'Black Nun', then journey east on the atmospheric Causeway Coastal Route, investigating many points of interest along the way, including a pilgrimage to the ruins of Ardclinis Church.
Bring your own 'rag' or personal item if you wish to leave an offering for healing on Ardclinis's magical 'rag tree'.
We eventually reach Islandmagee, sometimes referred to as 'Ireland's Salem', where we will regale the harrowing details of the last witch trials in Ireland and visit key locations in the story, 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 monastery and the legendary 'Witch's Stone'
Stop 3 - Galgorm Castle, Galgorm
• Meet Galgorm's 'Devil Doctor', a man associated with evil and sorcery
Stop 4 - Hillside Road, Ballycastle
• Darken the domain of the 'Witch of Glentow', immortalised in a grim poem
Stop 5 - Bonamargy Friary, Ballycastle
• Walk over the Black Nun's humble grave and summon her spirit - if you dare!
Stop 6 - Ardclinis Church & Graveyard, Ardclinis
• Explore the ancient church ruins and partake in the healing ritual of the rag tree
Stop 7 - Coast Road, Glenarm
• Marvel at the coastal landscape, said to have been shaped by a powerful witch-goddess
Stop 8 - Main Street, Larne
• En route to Islandmagee, discover the address in Larne where Mary Dunbar's 'possession' intensified
Stop 9 - Kilcoan Church, Islandmagee
• Continue to the site of the Presbyterian meeting house where Islandmagee folk met to discuss the peninsula's 'witchery'
Stop 10 - Gobbins Visitor Centre, Islandmagee
• Remember Islandmagee's nine accused at the controversial memorial plaque
Stop 11 - Market Place, Carrickfergus
• See the replica pillory where public punishment of the Islandmagee 'witches' occurred
Stop 12 - Belfast Road, Carrickfergus
• Brave the morbid former locale of the notorious 'Three Sisters' triple 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 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!
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