James L.United States
Doctor Irene was knowledgeable, made us feel welcome, and personalized the tour for us. Would enthusiastically recommend her to anyone.
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Private tour in Edinburgh Irene M
History of Witchcraft in Edinburgh - Private Walking Tour
5.0
(11) reviews
-
2 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size
1
Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
2 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size
1
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
Irene M.
5.0
Guide rating
95
Reviews
Tours delivered
2 hrs
Avg. response time
Born in Milan, I spent my adult life in Edinburgh where I moved in 2009. This wonderful city stole my heart and here I am! Throughout this period I had the chance to get to know the city and dive in its history, culture and traditions. My academic background, teaching experience and passion for history and architecture, motivate me to research and create interesting tour outlines and narratives. I enjoy sharing the fascinating history of Edinburgh with visitors and bringing the stories behind monuments and streets to life! Having worked in the Education Department of local art galleries I love creating activities for younger audiences, and I have fun working with families and kids. I am a foodie and always looking for the best eating spots in town! Artisan food producers and local business are simply the best. From traditional Scottish food (haggis, anyone?!) to modern cuisine, I'd be happy to give you insider's tips and recommend off-the-beaten path restaurants, cafes, bars and food markets. On top of food, in my hands you will also find books. An avid reader, I enjoy Scotland crime novels among other genres - nothing better than a Tartan Noir story! Despite my reluctance to sit on planes, I love travelling! While I have already ticked many places off my list, there are still many destinations I wish to visit. Guiding clients from all over the world is one of the highlights of my job: it is so enriching to meet people from different countries and share experiences. Having travelled widely makes me sensible to visitors' needs and I realise the importance of meeting expectations. For this reason, all my tours can be customise and I would love to hear from you in order to create a unique and personalised itinerary. I look forward to meeting you, and I hope my tours will make you appreciate this wonderful city as much as I do. I hold a PhD and a Masters degree in history of art from the University of Edinburgh. I have been working as a tour guide since 2015. Emergency First Aid at Work (completed in 2025). I am not a driver guide. I can accompany you in your vehicle.
Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Irene M.
Discover the dark past of the city
Overview of your Edinburgh tour
Edinburgh has a long history of witchcraft. In this historical tour we will step back in time and discover the dark side of the capital city. We will talk about witchcraft in sixteenth and seventeenth century Edinburgh and consider the historical, social and religious context in which witchcraft developed. We will also place Scotland within the broader picture of European witchcraft. We will understand who witches were, why they were persecuted and what they were accused of. During our stroll around the Old Town we will visit the site of the former city prison, talk about torture methods, and see where the stake and pyre once stood. We will look at objects connected to witch hunting, such as charms and amulets. We will also discuss the role of 'witch prickers' and their search for the Devil's mark. *Please note that the aim of the tour is to provide an historical angle to witchcraft in Edinburgh. If you are after 'spooky tale', spine-chilling experience, you may wish to consider booking a different tour*
Recent Reviews
Robert M.United States
Irene is a splendid guide, and gave us an informative and well-organized tour of 'Dark Edinburgh.' She has a charming presence and a deep knowledge of Scottish history and Edinburgh lore in particular. You will enjoy any outing with her.
Kathryn H.United States
We had a great time on Irene's tour! She focused on the history of witchcraft, of course, but her knowledge of Edinburgh history (and even European history in general) is stunning. She made it easy for us to ask questions as we walked, and she even offered us restaurant suggestions as we parted ways. We highly recommend this tour and really any tour of Irene's.
Tod B.United States
We had a fantastic time with Irene. She was very knowledgeable about Edinburgh history, great to chat with and readily adapted our time together for our interests and the weather.
Sarah C.
Irene is an amazing source of historical information. She has obviously thought about how best to present this history by including maps, reproductions of archival records, and pictures along with her oral presentation. A delight to walk and listen to someone so thoughtful and intelligent. Additionally, Irene was honest when she didn't know something and generously offered to provide the names of sources she used during the walk so that we didn't have to spend time writing down notes. I highly highly recommend and the next time I am back in Edinburgh will definitely ask for Irene as a guide if she is available.
Jennifer B.United States
I am always so impressed with the credentials of all the guides at Tours by Locals. Our guide for this tour was a PhD from Edinburgh University who had a specialty in the middle ages when a lot of the activities concerning witches took place. Our tour was not about "scary stories"--but more about how the role of women and religion at that time determined how "witches" were idenfied and treated. She knew the city well and pointed out many points of interest not apparent to the casual tourist. We covered a lot of ground--literally and figuratively.
Your Edinburgh tour itinerary
• Edinburgh Castle Esplanade • The Witches Well Memorial • The Royal Mile • Grassmarket • The National Museum of Scotland (if open) • St. Giles Cathedral • The Heart of Midlothian • The Writer's Museum Please note this tour can be customised. Use the 'message guide' button to contact me for a customised tour.
Want to customize this tour?
Tell your guide which places matter to you, skip what doesn't, and tailor the experience for your group's needs. Not finding what you want? Message your guide to build something unique.
Transport details
Type: Walking
Walking Tour
What's included
Private Guide
What's not included
Other: Personal expenses.
Food Drinks Snacks
Meeting location
High Street, Scotland, Scotland, EH1 1RE, United Kingdom
I suggest meeting outside of St. Giles Cathedral. I live in the city centre of Edinburgh and can meet you in town or at your hotel in the city centre.
- You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
History
City Highlights
Off The Beaten Path
Tour reference number
1052184
Languages
English
ItalianActivity level
Minimal
Accessibility
Kid Friendly
Traveller reviews
5.0
FAQs
Who is this private tour in Edinburgh best suited for?
This private tour in Edinburgh is perfect for history enthusiasts and those interested in the historical context of witchcraft. It's also suitable for families, as it is kid-friendly, and for travellers who want to connect with a local guide like Irene M. for deeper insights into the city's past.
What should I bring or wear?
Can this private tour in Edinburgh be customized to focus on what I want to see and skip places I've already visited?
How long is the tour, and can the start time or duration be adjusted?
Where does the tour start and end?
How much walking is involved, and is it suitable for kids, seniors, or travellers with mobility concerns?
What languages is this tour offered in?
What's included in this private tour, and what should I budget for separately?
Is this a private tour? What is the maximum group size and the starting price?
AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide
-
2 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size
1
Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
2 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size
1
Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
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Book with a deposit
If your tour is valued over $200 USD and booked at least 45 days before the tour date, you can book with a 20% deposit!
How it works
- Your credit card will be authorized only for the deposit amount.
- Funds will not be withdrawn until your tour booking is fully processed.
- The remaining balance will automatically be charged to your credit card 30 days before your tour date.