Ghost of John Savage
Ardilea Street in Belfast is home to a rather intriguing haunting. This stretch of road has a dark history tied to John Savage, a local property owner who took his own life in the nineteenth century. Locals claim that his ghost returns to the area, perhaps searching for something or someone. The exact circumstances of his death are unclear, but it's said that his spirit has been roaming these streets for years.
The story of John Savage's haunting is deeply rooted in Belfast's history. During the nineteenth century, the city was undergoing significant growth and development, with many individuals accumulating wealth through property investments. John Savage was one such person, owning several properties along Ardilea Street. His tragic demise by suicide has led to speculation that his spirit may be restless, unable to move on. While there are no concrete witness accounts or documented evidence, the legend of John Savage's ghost has persisted, captivating the imagination of locals and visitors alike.
Nineteenth-century Belfast was a time of significant growth and development
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Nearby Haunted Places
Phantom Woman on Horseback
Roads in the area, Bandon
In the rolling countryside around Bandon, a rather unusual ghostly apparition has been spotted. This phantom woman on a white horse has become a local legend, with one notable encounter dating back to the nineteenth century. On that occasion, she gave a lift to a local man named Owen Kelly, who had failed to recognise her as a spirit. The story goes that she rode around in circles with Owen, eventually crossing a river three times, before vanishing into thin air and leaving him by the fence of his farmland.
Crumlin Road Prison Ghost
Crumlin Road Prison, Belfast
Crumlin Road Prison, a foreboding Victorian-era jail, has a reputation for paranormal activity. One of the most intriguing incidents involves a visitor who lay in a coffin for a photograph, only to discover a strange face next to his in the captured image. While this could be dismissed as pareidolia, it's not an isolated occurrence. The prison is also said to be home to a phantom man seen walking down C Wing, and disembodied voices, both male and female, have been reported.
Belfast Waterworks Ghost
Waterworks, Belfast
Belfast Waterworks has a rather unsettling reputation thanks to the ghost of John Herdman. He was shot back in 1862 and locals claim his spirit still haunts the area. It's said that his presence is felt by those who venture near the Waterworks, but details about the nature of his haunting are scarce. What we do know is that John Herdman's untimely death has left a lasting impression on the location.
The White Woman of Oriel Lodge
Oriel Lodge, Ballincollig
Oriel Lodge in Ballincollig has a spine-tingling secret. A husband and wife couple experienced a terrifying series of events pre-1930s when they encountered a ghostly presence. One night, they saw a white female phantom standing by the kitchen door. But that wasnt the worst of it - over three consecutive nights, they had their bed covers pulled from them by an unseen hand. Imagine waking up to find your bedding ripped off, with no one in sight.
The Tapping Ghost of Oranmore
Oranmore Lodge Hotel, Oranmore
Oranmore Lodge Hotel in County Galway is said to be haunted by a mysterious presence that makes its presence known with a simple yet unnerving action - tapping on the windows. While details about this non-threatening ghost are scarce, the hotel's reputation as a haunted location has piqued the interest of many paranormal enthusiasts. The hotel's long history and picturesque setting only add to the allure of this enigmatic haunting.
Cliodhna the Banshee Queen
Coastline, Glandore
Glandore's rugged coastline is home to a haunting legend. Cliodhna, the Banshee Queen, is said to have fallen in love with Keevan of the Curling Locks, a mortal, during a feast at Tir Tairngire. They escaped together in a ship, landing in Glandore. While Keevan went hunting inland, Cliodhna slept on the beach, but her rest was short-lived. Depending on the storyteller, she either drowned while sleeping or was tracked down by fairies and returned to Tir Tairngire. To this day, locals claim to hear Cliodhna's mournful cry, a deep and hollow roar, emerging from the caves along Glandore's cliffs when the weather is stormy.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Ardilea Street
