The Highwayman's Tragic Wife
Upper Dunmurry Lane in Drumbeg is home to a heartbreaking apparition. A withered lady carrying a young child in her arms has been spotted here. Her story is one of love, loss, and tragedy. They say she was the wife of a highwayman who met his end on the gallows nearby. Consumed by grief, she took her own life and that of her child. Now, her spirit roams these roads, forever trapped in that moment of unimaginable sorrow.
The tale of the highwayman's wife is steeped in local folklore. It's said that her husband's life of crime eventually caught up with him, leading to his execution. The exact date is unclear, but it's believed to be sometime in the 18th or 19th century. What happened next is a tragic echo of his fate. Overcome with grief, his wife ended her own life and that of their child. This act of desperation has led to her spirit being seen on Upper Dunmurry Lane, a poignant reminder of the devastating consequences of his actions.
The area has a history of highway robbery and execution.
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Ghostly Night Watchman Footsteps
Clothing Mill, Dunmurry
In the sleepy town of Dunmurry, a strange phenomenon occurred at the local clothing mill. For three weeks after his death, the sound of footsteps could be heard patrolling the factory and leaving the night watchman's former cottage. It was as if William Tannahill, the deceased night watchman, was still carrying out his duties. The eerie footsteps were a mystery to those who heard them, and they seemed to cease only when a new evening guard was appointed.
Lady in Blue Apparition
Old Ard Mhuire Friary, Creeslough
Old Ard Mhuire Friary in Creeslough seems like an unassuming spot but locals know it harbours some pretty unusual secrets. A priest on the staircase caught a glimpse of a ghostly lady dressed in blue hovering at the top. It's not clear what she's doing there but her presence has been noted. There's also talk of another phantom, this one a woman in white, haunting the path that leads to the beach. And if that's not enough, some say a man killed by the Whiteboys organisation is also haunting the place.
The Woman in Headscarf
Owencarrow Viaduct area, Creeslough
Perched high above the rugged Irish landscape, the Owencarrow Viaduct stands as a testament to engineering prowess, yet its history is marred by tragedy. In 1925, a freak gust of wind had a devastating impact, blowing a train over the edge of the viaduct and claiming the lives of four people. Since then, locals and visitors alike have reported encountering a ghostly figure - a woman dressed in attire reminiscent of the 1920s, complete with a headscarf. Her presence is a poignant reminder of the lives lost on that fateful day.
Phantom White Horse Apparition
Father Hegarty's Rock, Buncrana
Father Hegarty's Rock on the cliffs of Buncrana is the spot where a chilling encounter took place one night in the early 1990s. Four friends out quad biking were making their way along the cliff path when suddenly they had to slam on the brakes. A ghostly white horse had appeared out of nowhere, rearing up in front of them. The friends were shocked and amazed as the phantom horse vanished into thin air. It quickly dawned on them that if the horse hadn't intervened, they would have driven right over the edge of the cliff. It was a terrifying and unforgettable experience that left them shaken.
Galloper Thompson Haunting
Alexandra Park Avenue and Shore Road, Belfast
Along the scenic Alexandra Park Avenue and Shore Road in Belfast, a rather unusual haunting has been reported. This eerie phenomenon centres around a member of the Thompson family who had a passion for horses. Following his death in the nineteenth century, his spirit was said to take to galloping along the Avenue after dark, with his horse seemingly materialising from the family stable. The poor animal would be found exhausted the next morning, bearing witness to the ghostly nocturnal activities of its former owner, affectionately nicknamed 'Galloper Thompson'.
Belfast Prison Ghost Footsteps
Belfast Prison, Belfast
Belfast Prison, a foreboding Victorian-era jail, has a long history of reported paranormal activity. One of the most intriguing incidents occurred in October 1986 when a prison officer was making his rounds. He distinctly heard the sound of heavy rubber-soled boots, which was unusual as all staff were issued with sneakers. Initially, he thought his colleagues were playing a prank on him, but when he checked on them, they were engrossed in a game of cards. A couple of hours later, the officer heard a voice call out 'numbers C3', but again, he couldn't find anyone responsible. His coworkers denied playing a joke and advised him not to mention it to anyone.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Upper Dunmurry Lane
