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About the Witches Trails at Islandmagee Project
The Witches of Islandmagee project explores the story and legacy of the Islandmagee witch trial of 1711, the last mass witch trial held in Ireland. Led by Dr Andrew Sneddon and Dr Victoria McCollum, the project uncovers the experiences of the eight women and one man accused of witchcraft and examines what their story reveals about society, belief, justice and marginalisation in early eighteenth-century Ireland.
Drawing on historical research, the project brings this important yet often overlooked episode of Irish history to life through innovative public engagement; combining academic scholarship with digital technologies, creative media and heritage storytelling, the project enables audiences to explore the past in immersive and meaningful ways.
Explore the research behind the Project
Research Impact
The Witches of Islandmagee project has transformed public understanding of one of Ireland's most significant and misunderstood historical events. By bringing the story of the Islandmagee witches to national and international audiences, the project has helped recover the voices of people who were largely absent from the historical record and placed their experiences within wider discussions of gender, disability, poverty and persecution.
The research has informed museum exhibitions, television and documentary productions, educational initiatives and community heritage activities, enabling diverse audiences to engage with Ireland's witchcraft history in new ways. Through partnerships with cultural organisations, schools, museums and creative industries, the project has expanded access to historical knowledge far beyond traditional academic audiences.
Historical Research at Ulster University
The project shows how understanding the past can help us better understand the present. By examining the consequences of fear, misinformation and social exclusion, it highlights the potential of historical research to contribute to cultural understanding, community dialogue and public awareness.
