The Odd Story of Dame Alice Kyteler, the First Witch in Ireland

Photo © Kathryn Darden

The strange but true story of Dame Alice Kyteler of Ireland is a very interesting, little-known Irish tale. Alice Kyteler is recorded in history as the sorceress of Kilkenny and the first person accused and condemned for witchcraft in Ireland.

Born in 1280, Kyteler's family was a noble Irish family and an important part of the Kilkenny community. Alice Kyteler first married William Outlaw. She was married again in 1302 after Outlaw died. For a short time, Kyteler and Adam le Blund (husband #2) were accused of killing Outlaw.

When her second and third husbands also died, Kyteler was wed to John le Poer. When le Poer became seriously ill in 1324, he told people he was being poisoned and that he had found her chest full of potions and satanic instruments. At this point his children and the children of Dame Alice's other husbands accused her of sorcery and witchcraft.

What followed was a convoluted tale and trial built upon intrigue, family ties, politics, and religion all centered around a woman who had four husbands die under strange circumstances. The investigation led to the first woman being burned alive for sorcery and witchcraft in Ireland.

Read the full story at: The Strange History of Irish Witch Dame Alice Kyteler--the Sorceress of Kilkenny

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