Witches! Trials and Tricks; where history meets myth.

September 1711, Ann Haltridge of Islandmagee was sitting by her fire when she was struck on the back of the shoulder by a stone... what followed was a series of strange and dangerous events, ultimately ending in the trial of eight local women and one man for witchcraft at Carrickfergus Goal.

This happened at a time when the stories of witches were abound across Europe. When the Hammer of Witches was readily available for all to read. Witches were known to shape-shift, to curse, to weild magic and menace wherever they went. In Ireland the stories of the butter witch seem relatively light in comparison to the child eating witches from Europe. Perhaps this is why the witch trial of Islandmagee is one of only a handful of witch trials that took place here.

In this special evening of story and music, storyteller Vicky McFarland will delve into some of the history, folklore and myths of witches before sharing the tragic tale from local history of the Islandmagee witch trial.

There will be live music from Lee McFarland (yep, they are married) and an opportunity for some questions/ discussion after.

Please do join us in Ballygally Community Hall on 23rd June from 8pm as we explore the fine line between story and history. 

As always the welcome will be warm, tea and coffee will be provided and you can bring your own drinks too.