with Dr. Robyn Atcheson

Thursday 29th October

11am - 12.30pm (Few tickets remaining)

2pm - 3.30pm (Sold Out)

Shankill Road Library

A special free workshop for children aged 6-11, in association with Queen's University Belfast & Greater Shankill Partnership

Due to overwhelming demand QUB have kindly agreed to fund this additional session of this Junior Historian's Club event - no additional tickets will be released once this one sells out so book early to secure your tickets!

This half-term, Junior Historians Club will be bringing the fascinating history of Shankill graveyard to life in a special free workshop in Shankill Road Library.

If your child likes Horrible Histories, they will love this!
Led by Dr. Robyn Atcheson, the Junior Historians will investigate the long history of the graveyard, learn about the deadly diseases of the past & take part in activities designed to ignite their curiosity.

Grown-ups will stay with their Junior Historian throughout the workshop.

At the end, all Junior Historians will receive a workbook full of activities to complete in the Shankill graveyard & at home to keep on practising their historical detective skills.

with Michael Burns & Dr. Rebecca Watterson

Saturday 31st October

11am - 1pm (few tickets remaining!)

2pm - 4pm

Join award-winning historians Dr Rebecca Watterson & Michael Burns as they delve into the darker side of Comber’s History on this special tour for Halloween 2026.

Walk the streets of comber and hear the stories of death, disease and misfortune that history has forgotten on this unrushed, accessible, 2 hour walking tour.

Learn the theories behind how the Ghaist’s Hole/Hollow of Killinchy Street earned its name! Or join us to hear some of the mysterious stories of Comber Ghosts; Skiboo- said to patrol Andrews property in 1940s, the Headless Horseman of the Coach Road or the Grey Lady of the Georgian House!

We’ll also look at the less paranormal but no less grim stories of murder and misfortune that have befallen the people of Comber over the centuries; from Viking raids, rebel attacks and executions in 1790s to 20th century murderers.

Come along if you want to hear about the often harsh realities of life in rural County Down, including disease, injury and darker side of life in the past.

Join us at 11am on Halloween at the Gillespie Monument to explore the darker side of Comber’s History- If you dare!

With Róisín Ní Con Ulaidh

Wednesday 25th November

7pm - 8.30pm

Carnegie Oldpark

Have you ever wondered why we honour the dead in November?

Why we keep carved vegetables at our doorsteps?

Why aren't you supposed to eat blackberries off the brambles after October 31st?

Join expert folklorist Róisín Ní Con Ulaidh for an exciting new talk about the folk traditions of Samhain – the ancient festival giving rise to Halloween customs that have been shared across the globe.

You’ll hear about the ways our ancestors celebrated Samhain, how they braced themselves against the cold winter nights, about the creatures they most feared, and about how those customs evolved, survived and how they remain with us today, over a thousand years later.

The History Collective provide private, fully insured and expertly guided walking tours.

Historical tours are arranged for all kinds of groups - current and retired work colleagues, church and community groups, families both local and visiting, tourists and all manner of clubs and associations.

Get in touch to discuss your requirements.

Bring history to life with a private talk or workshop tailored to your group, organisation or event. All of our speakers are highly experienced history communicators and storytellers and are experts in their respective fields.

For those further afield talks can be delivered online and the team is fully equipped to deliver top-notch audio and video quality with dedicated equipment and support.