New home revealed for Islandmagee memorial marking Ireland’s last witch trial

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Jackson Minford and Maureen Pimley, Chairperson of the Islandmagee Community Development Association with representatives from the Islandmagee Community Gardening Group and the Islandmagee Community Fridge.

A memorial stone marking the last witch trial on the island of Ireland has been given a new home in a community garden on the Islandmagee Peninsula, placing a centuries-old story at the heart of a modern space focused on wellbeing, inclusion and local connection.

The stone has been relocated to the volunteer-led Islandmagee Community Garden on Ballystruder Road, where it now sits beneath ‘Willow’, a striking garden sculpture designed to offer both symbolic and physical protection.

The unveiling event brought together the Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Jackson Minford, members of the Islandmagee Community Gardening Group, representatives from the Islandmagee Community Fridge, and the Chairperson of the Islandmagee Community Development Association.

A story rooted in history

The memorial commemorates the Islandmagee Witch Trials of 1711, held at Carrickfergus Courthouse, widely recognised as the last known witch trials in Ireland.

During the trials, eight women and one man were found guilty of performing witchcraft against a young girl, Mary Dunbar, in a case that has since become one of the most talked-about and controversial episodes in local history.

By relocating the stone to a prominent community setting, organisers hope to ensure the story remains visible, accessible and open to reflection for future generations.

A new setting with deeper meaning

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Jackson Minford with Maureen Pimley, Chairperson of the Islandmagee Community Development Association.

Speaking at the unveiling, Councillor Jackson Minford said:

“By unveiling this relocated plaque in the heart of the Islandmagee community, we are showcasing local history and encouraging visitors to learn more about this story which happened over 300 years ago.”

The garden itself is part of a wider volunteer-led initiative focused on community wellbeing and food sharing, managed by the Islandmagee Community Development Association.

Maureen Pimley, Chairperson of the Association, said:

“The memorial stone is now under the protection of ‘Willow’ and will be cared for and maintained by the Community Gardening Group affiliated with the Islandmagee Community Development Association.”

From past injustice to present reflection

The relocation transforms the memorial from a standalone marker into part of a living, shared space — one shaped by care, community involvement and ongoing activity.

The site now serves not only as a place of remembrance, but also as a setting for reflection within a wider project rooted in inclusion and collective wellbeing.

Interest in the story of the Islandmagee trials continues to grow, with the events now the subject of ongoing research and interactive exhibitions.

Visitors can explore the history further at Carrickfergus Museum, where interactive displays, including animation, a video game and contemporary documents, offer deeper insight into the trials and their legacy.

By placing the memorial within a space built on community spirit and care, the project links a difficult chapter of the past with a present-day commitment to learning, reflection and shared understanding.

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At a glance

• Memorial stone marking Ireland’s last witch trial relocated to Islandmagee Community Garden

• Now positioned beneath ‘Willow’ sculpture for symbolic and physical protection

• Islandmagee Witch Trials took place in 1711 at Carrickfergus Courthouse

• Eight women and one man found guilty of witchcraft against Mary Dunbar

• Garden is part of a volunteer-led wellbeing and food-sharing initiative

• Memorial will be maintained by the local Community Gardening Group

• Visitors can learn more at Carrickfergus Museum’s interactive exhibition