Trial by fire: Remembering Ireland’s witchcraft trials — and their victims

On November 3, 1324, Petronilla of Meath became the first woman to be burned at the stake for witchcraft in the British Isles. On the anniversary of her gruesome death, Niamh Boyce explores the history of Irish witches

The witch trials that swept 17th century Europe resulted in thousands of executions. In contrast, there were few known cases in Ireland.

The witch trials that swept 17th century Europe resulted in thousands of executions. In contrast, there were few known cases in Ireland. Some say it was because there was no ‘witch-cult’ here.

As if a lack of persecution of witches, indicated a lack of witches. What it indicated, was a different culture.