Terror And Tiaras

Moira McCarthy has always had a passion for storytelling and history.

Originally born in San Antonio, Texas, another deeply historic (and some would argue incredibly haunted) city, she was raised surrounded by culture, diversity, historical prevalence, iconic architecture and a deep love for major events that change the face of the world. Her parents nurtured this drive by including museums, art galleries, science exhibits, and many other educational adventures that helped expand her world view, as they graduated from Texas A&M and University of Texas San Antonio respectively.

After nearly a decade as an award winning performer in her local as well as state choir and theatre programs, Moira went on to expand her education and repertoire at West Texas A&M University, specializing in Musical Theatre. While there, she also learned unique skills such as performing in outdoor venues, costume building, prop making, and others that would become key assets later on in her career.

In 2013, she would find herself on a new adventure in Houma, Louisiana, surrounding herself in the cajun culture, food, music, history and traditions that make up the unique landscape that is the southern Louisiana bayou. In 2017, while assisting in film and tv production, she was approached with the opportunity to learn tour guiding in New Orleans. Already entranced by how the city and surrounding area inspired productions like Pirates of the Carribean, Haunted Mansion, Interview with a Vampire, Princess and the Frog, and more, she was thrilled at the chance to combine her love of history, and performance, into a career.

For almost a decade, Moira has given tours to celebrities, politicians, authors, travel channels, national press, and more. She has learned over a dozen different types of tours in her career, from cemetery bus tours to literary tours and more, but she specializes in French Quarter tours, Garden District Tours and Cemetery tours. She has had hundreds of five star reviews and satisfied customers over the years, thanks to her dedication to authenticity, her unique presentation of storytelling, and yes, some have said her iconic style. She continues to her expand her knowledge by consistently reading, conducting in person interviews with local culture bearers and attending symposiums or lectures. She is currently enrolled in Loyola University’s Tourism certificate program to promise she presents the most accurate, diverse and inclusive information possible.

As a promise to herself, her guests, and the citizens of the Crescent City, Moira is committed to making sure you have the best experience possible. She believes in collaboration and cooperation above competition with her fellow guides. If she does not provide a specific tour or experience, such as an authentic voodoo tour or LGBTQ+ History, she will find dedicated members of that community, to include any practioners, to ensure the most respectful, accurate, informative and authentic experience.

Thank you so much for choosing Terror and Tiaras, as well as Moira as your tour guide. We cannot wait to share our stories with you and see you on the streets!