New home revealed for Islandmagee Memorial Stone
Tuesday 28 April 2026
A memorial stone marking the last witch trial on the island of Ireland has found a new home with the Islandmagee Community Development Association.
It is now located beneath ‘Willow,’ a striking garden sculpture that offers both symbolic and physical protection within the much-loved volunteer-led Islandmagee Community Garden.
The unveiling of the relocated memorial 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.
Speaking at the unveiling, Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, 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 Islandmagee Witch Trials took place at Carrickfergus Courthouse in 1711 and were the last known witch trials in Ireland when eight woman and a man were found guilty of performing witchcraft against a young girl, Mary Dunbar. The memorial stone is now located in a community space on the scenic Islandmagee Peninsula at Ballystruder Road, Islandmagee.
Maureen Pimley, Chairperson of the Islandmagee Community Development Association, explained: “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.”
The garden is a volunteer‑run community growing space, part of a wider community wellbeing and food‑sharing project managed by the Islandmagee Community Development Association.
This site now serves not only as a place of remembrance, but also as a living, caring space rooted in community, reflection, and inclusion.
The Witches of Islandmagee is now the subject of research and interactive exhibitions. Visitors can find out more about the Witches of Islandmagee at Carrickfergus Museum which has an interactive animation and video game and contemporary documents for visitors to browse.