The Chicken Eater of Myross
Deep in the forests of Myross, a sense of unease settled over the local population in 1921. It started with a mysterious decline in the number of chickens in the area, and soon, fingers were being pointed at a strange creature lurking in the woods. One local man claimed to have caught a glimpse of the beast as it sat on a rock, and his description would send shivers down the spines of even the most sceptical of folk. According to the witness, the creature was about the size of a dog, with a feline appearance, but it had a distinctive tapering, bald tail that set it apart from any ordinary animal.
This was a time of great change in rural Ireland, with many communities struggling to make ends meet. The appearance of this mysterious creature, which came to be known as the Chicken Eater, was just one more thing to worry about for the people of Myross. The witness's account remains the only documented evidence of the creature's existence, but it is a fascinating insight into the kinds of strange and unexplained phenomena that can occur in the most unexpected places. While we may never know for certain what the Chicken Eater was, its legend has endured as a curious footnote in the history of cryptozoology.
Rural Ireland in the early 20th century
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Phantom Staircase Apparition
Old Ground Hotel, Ennis
The Old Ground Hotel in Ennis has a reputation for being one of Ireland's most haunted hotels. Part of the hotel is made up of the former town hall, which used to house a jail. The staircase from this old jail is said to be haunted by a phantom presence. Although details of the haunting are fleeting, the hotel's ghostly reputation has endured. Guests and staff have reported strange occurrences on the staircase, which is now a popular spot for paranormal enthusiasts.
Ghost of Henry Bennett
Road near Wallstown Castle, Wallstown
Near Wallstown Castle, a rather eerie sight has been reported by travellers for years. It's said that Henry Bennett, a Cavalier, appears on the road dressed in his uniform, wielding a pole to block the way. He was killed during the siege of the castle back in 1642, which led to the structure being burnt down. If you ask him to move his pole, he'll do so, but be prepared for a rather unnerving encounter.
Smerwick Sea Monster Sighting
Beach, Smerwick
Smerwick Beach in County Kerry, Ireland, is known for its rugged coastline and dramatic ocean views. On 18 November 1839, a storm washed up a mysterious sea creature that would leave a lasting impression on the local community. The creature, described as a 'sea orangutan' or 'a frightful looking devil', measured 4.14 metres from head to toe and had an impressive arm span of 3.4 metres when stretched out. This bizarre find sparked curiosity and fear among those who encountered it, and it remains one of the most intriguing cryptozoological sightings in Irish history.
Ghostly Airman of Dublin
Temple Theatre Nightclub, Dublin
Temple Theatre Nightclub in Dublin was once a hub of paranormal activity. This former church turned nightclub was allegedly home to a ghostly airman, whose presence was reportedly encountered by none other than P Diddy. The airman's ghostly apparition was said to have made an appearance during a visit to the club. It's worth noting that the nightclub is no longer in operation, but its haunted past continues to fascinate paranormal enthusiasts.
The Faceless Woman of Dublin
Flat near the North Circular Road, Dublin
On the North Circular Road in Dublin, a strange and unsettling encounter took place back in the late 1980s. Two friends were chatting outside a flat when they spotted an elderly woman walking along the road, pausing occasionally to pick up scraps of rubbish. They found her situation quite pitiful and continued to watch as she climbed the stairs to a house on the opposite side of the road. It was then that the woman turned to face them, revealing a shocking sight - her face was glowing brightly, and her legs and hands were illuminated too.
Theatre Door Ghost
Tivoli Variety Theatre, Dublin
The Tivoli Variety Theatre in Dublin has a long history of paranormal activity. A door at the theatre would always be found open, and locals would whisper about the ghost of a chorus girl who took her own life. The theatre, which closed its doors in 1930, has a reputation for being haunted by the restless spirit of this young performer. It's said that she still roams the empty halls, searching for something or someone.