The Last Witch Bridget Cleary

'The Last Witch Bridget Cleary' is a powerful and haunting one-woman theatrical production that brings to life the story of Bridget Cleary, a young woman from Tipperary who was tragically murdered by her husband in 1895 under the belief she was a fairy changeling. Often referred to as “the last witch burned in Ireland,” her case reveals a complex collision of folklore, misogyny, mental health, and societal change in rural 19th-century Ireland.
This original production, written and performed by Eve O'Mahony, reclaims Bridget’s voice and gives historical context to her story, highlighting the dangers of superstition and the erasure of women’s lives from historical narrative.
Purpose & Heritage Value:
This project seeks to:
Illuminate a lesser-known but deeply significant story in Irish social history.
Engage the public with themes of gender, folklore, justice, and rural life in post-Famine Ireland.
Contribute to ongoing conversations around how Ireland remembers and interprets its past, particularly concerning women’s stories.
Through a combination of dramatic performance, historical narration, and creative staging, the show offers a compelling way for communities to reflect on their cultural and folkloric heritage during National Heritage Week.
Proposed Activities:

Post-performance discussions with Eve O’Mahony, offering audiences deeper insight into Bridget’s story and the research and creative process behind the show.

Admission €15