Skip to main content

Headless Horseman of Ballymena

Road leading to the White Gates, Ballymena, Devon Apparition 19th century

On Crebilly Road, just outside Ballymena, a chilling apparition is said to appear on Halloween night. This is the spot where a desperate robber, fleeing from a house, met his grisly end. He was riding his horse at breakneck speed when he failed to notice a thin wire stretched between the gateposts of the White Gates. The wire proved fatal, severing his head from his body. To this day, locals claim that on 31 October, the decapitated spirit of the robber can be seen, still mounted on his horse, riding the road where his life was cut short.

The story of the Headless Horseman of Ballymena dates back to the 19th century, a time of great poverty and crime in rural Ireland. It's said that the robber was attempting to escape with stolen goods when he met his untimely demise. Since then, numerous people have reported seeing or hearing the ghostly horseman on Halloween, a night when the veil between the living and the dead is at its thinnest. While some believe the apparition to be a harbinger of doom, others see it as a tragic reminder of a life lost in a moment of reckless abandon.

Historical Context

The story of the Headless Horseman is deeply rooted in local folklore, reflecting the darker aspects of rural life in 19th century Ireland.

Location

Location Details

Location Type
Road
Activity Types
Visual Audio
Witness Credibility
Multiple Witnesses
Threat Level
Harmless
Accessibility
Public Access
Date / Era
31 October (reoccurring)
Postcode Area
BT12

Nearby Haunted Places

Apparition 1 mi

RAF Harrowbeer Phantom Pilot

RAF Harrowbeer, Yelverton

RAF Harrowbeer in Yelverton, Devon, is home to a bizarre and intriguing paranormal sighting. In August 1987, a woman took a solo flight in a helicopter and captured a photograph that would become a famous ghost story. After developing her film, she was shocked to find a figure sitting in the pilot's seat beside her, despite being alone in the aircraft. The image sparked debate about whether it was a genuine paranormal occurrence or a trick of the light.

Former Royal Air Force Base World War II
Read Full Story
Apparition 1.6 mi

The Lady in Black of Burrator Inn

Burrator Inn Inn, Dousland

The Burrator Inn in Dousland, Devon, is home to a mysterious presence known as the Lady in Black. This strange dark figure has been seen walking around the building, rattling a large bunch of keys. The atmosphere is always calm when she appears, but the sudden sound of keys jingling can be quite startling. Locals and visitors alike have caught glimpses of her, but the exact date and time of these sightings remain a mystery.

Historic Inn Victorian
Read Full Story
Apparition 1.6 mi

Burrator Inn - Phantom Postmistress Apparition

The Burrator Inn, Yelverton

The Burrator Inn in Devon has a long history of paranormal activity. One of the most well-documented cases is that of the phantom postmistress, who is said to haunt the part of the inn that used to be a post office. According to local legend, the woman dressed in black, clutching a bunch of keys, is believed to be the ghost of the former postmistress.

Historic Inn Unknown
Read Full Story
Apparition 2.1 mi

The Hugger of Whitchurch Inn

Whitchurch Inn Inn, Tavistock

The Whitchurch Inn in Tavistock, Devon, has a rather unusual ghost story to tell. Back in 1979, the landlady of the inn had a very unsettling experience. She felt someone hug her, but when she turned around, there was no one there. It was as if an invisible presence had suddenly materialised and enveloped her in a warm, albeit unwelcome, embrace. This bizarre incident was just the beginning of a series of strange occurrences that would become synonymous with the Whitchurch Inn's ghostly reputation.

Historic Inn Victorian
Read Full Story
Legend 2.7 mi

Burrator Reservoir Ghost Village

Under water, Burrator Reservoir

Burrator Reservoir lies shrouded in mystery, its tranquil waters hiding a secret from the past. Beneath the surface, an old village slumbers, submerged when the reservoir was constructed in 1898. Locals whisper that on quiet evenings, the church bells of the lost village still ring out, their melodic tones echoing across the water. It's a haunting reminder of what lies hidden, a ghostly presence that continues to fascinate and intrigue.

Submerged Village Victorian
Read Full Story
Apparition 2.8 mi

Ghostly Landlord Returns

Who'd Have Thought It Inn Inn, Buckland Monachorum

The Who'd Have Thought It Inn in Buckland Monachorum seems like an ordinary pub at first glance, but dont be fooled. This charming Devon inn has a couple of ghostly residents who just cant seem to leave. Abe, the former landlord, still returns to his beloved bar, perhaps to check on things or relive old times. His presence is a comforting one, and patrons have grown accustomed to his friendly spirit.

Historic Inn Pre-Victorian
Read Full Story

Stay Nearby

Haunted hotels and accommodation near Road leading to the White Gates