A MAGICKAL DAY OUT!
Join Alternative Ulstours' 'Master of the Macabre' Andrew Johnston for the original guided coach tour exploring Northern Ireland's disturbing history of witchcraft.
The itinerary begins with the shocking account 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 descend on Ballycastle's Bonamargy Friary for an invocation of the dreaded 'Black Nun', then continue east on the atmospheric Causeway Coastal Route, investigating points of interest as we go, including a pilgrimage to the remains of Ardclinis Church.
Bring your own 'rag' or personal item if you wish to leave an offering for healing on Ardclinis's mystical 'rag tree'.
Our ultimate destination is Islandmagee, sometimes referred to as 'Ireland's Salem', where we will regale the harrowing details of the last witch trials in Ireland and visit significant locations in the story, 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 historically cursed scene of a fatal 'bewitching'
Stop 2 - Church Street, Antrim
• Learn about two tragic Antrim women who fell victim to mob violence for being suspected of witchcraft
Stop 3 - Antrim Round Tower, Antrim
• Discover Antrim's medieval monastery and the nearby folkloric 'Witch's Stone'
Stop 4 - Galgorm Castle, Galgorm
• Hear the tale of Galgorm's 'Devil Doctor', a man forever associated with evil and sorcery
Stop 5 - Glentaisie, Ballycastle
• Darken the domain of the 'Witch of Glentow', whose life and death are immortalised in an arch poem
Stop 6 - Bonamargy Friary, Ballycastle
• Cross the grave of the legendary Black Nun, Julia McQuillan, and summon her spirit - if you dare!
Stop 7 - Ardclinis Church & Graveyard, Ardclinis
• Explore the ancient church ruins and partake in the healing ritual of the rag tree
Stop 8 - Coast Road, Glenarm
• Marvel at the coastal landscape, said to have been shaped by a powerful witch-goddess
Stop 9 - Main Street, Larne
• En route to Islandmagee, call on the address in Larne where Mary Dunbar was hidden from the 'witches'
Stop 10 - Kilcoan More, Islandmagee
• Journey to key sites in the townland where Dunbar's supposed demonic possession first took hold
Stop 11 - Gobbins Visitor Centre, Islandmagee
• Remember Islandmagee's eight condemned women and one man at the controversial memorial plaque
Stop 12 - Carrickfergus town centre
• See where once stood the courthouse, the prison and the pillory from the Islandmagee case, then depart via notorious Gallows Green
Stop 13 - Mystiques Enchantments, Belfast
• End your day 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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