Fermanagh is a land rich in history, but it also hides a darker side filled with chilling tales and eerie folklore. From haunted castles to mysterious creatures lurking in the shadows, the county is brimming with ghostly legends passed down through generations. As Halloween approaches, there’s no better time to delve into these spine-tingling stories and discover the supernatural secrets that have captivated locals for centuries. Prepare to be intrigued—and maybe even a little frightened—by Fermanagh’s most haunting legends!
The Cooneen Ghost: A Chilling Tale
In 1913, Mrs. Murphy, a widow, lived in a cottage near Brookeborough, Co. Fermanagh, with her six children. After her husband's tragic death, strange events began—knocks at doors and windows, footsteps in the attic, and eventually plates and furniture flying across the room. Despite two failed exorcisms by Father Coyle, the disturbances escalated, and the family became ostracized by their neighbors, who accused them of witchcraft. Desperate, Mrs. Murphy fled with her children to America, but the ghost followed them onto the ship and haunted them for years. Eventually, the haunting faded, but the trauma lingered, with one of Mrs. Murphy's daughters spending her life in a mental institution. The cottage still stands today, with many reporting a lingering eerie presence inside. Would you dare visit? We dare you!!
The Haunting of Crom: Beware the Lady of the Lake This Halloween
Crom's vast estate lies on the shores of Lough Erne and is closely linked to tales of the Lady of the Lake, a famous figure in local folklore who is said to appear gliding across the lake. Some believe her to be the spirit of the mythical Princess Erne, who was fleeing from a giant with her maidens when they fell into a river and drowned, their bodies dissolving to create the lough that now bears her name. Crom's ancient landscape has been inhabited for over 6,000 years, as one couple discovered during a visit in 1992. Exploring the lake in a rowing boat, they stopped on the island of Inishfendra. The husband lay down for nap at the water's edge. Moments later, he was surrounded by bare-chested men wearing roughly woven trousers. Fleeing to the visitor centre, they learnt that the spot was a 'votive stone', where Celts would have made offerings to their gods.
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The Stone Hounds of Big Dog Forest: Fionn MacCool’s Cursed Companions Await This Halloween
Big Dog Forest is said to be named after the larger of two hills that decorate the forest’s skyline, named, “Big Dog” and “Little Dog”. The hills are named after Irish legend Fionn MacCool’s Irish Wolfhounds, Bran and Skeola. Legend has it that this wild pair were once chasing after an ancient witch. However, the witch got the better of the wild dogs and cast a spell, turning them both into stone.
A Halloween Tale: The Whispering Horse of Benaughlin Mountain
Benaughlin Mountain is a beautiful site within the foothills of Cuilcagh Mountain. Benaughlin or Binn Eachlabhra as it is known in Irish, translates as “the peak of the speaking horse”. This comes from an old folk tale that tells of a mythical white horse that would appear every Bilberry Sunday to foretell the future. Bilberry Sunday is a traditional Irish festival, celebrated during the Summer months, where people would flock to hillsides, mountain tops and peatlands to pick bilberries and, if they were lucky, find a spouse.
The Cursed Coffin of Devenish Island: Dare to Seek Its Healing Powers This Halloween?
One of the intriguing features on Devenish Island in Lower Lough Erne is the stone coffin located next to the ruins of the 6th-century St. Molaisse Church. Local legend claims that the coffin has healing powers—anyone who lies in it and turns over three times, especially on St. Molaisse’s feast day in September, will be cured of their ailments. However, some say the experience might just leave you with a few new ones!
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As Halloween approaches, Fermanagh offers a variety of events to immerse yourself in the spooky spirit of the season. From haunted tours and ghostly tales to family-friendly activities, there's something for everyone. To discover all the exciting happenings in Fermanagh this Halloween, be sure to check out our Wicked Week in Fermanagh You never know—you might just encounter a ghost or two while exploring this enchanting region!
Set on the shores of Upper Lough Erne in County Fermanagh, Crom is one of Ireland's most important nature conservation areas.
Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Global Geopark is located in the rugged mountainous uplands and the gentle rolling lowlands of Counties Fermanagh and Cavan, stretching from the northern shores of Lower Lough Erne in County Fermanagh to the southern shores of Lough Oughter in County Cavan.
Famous for its perfect 12th-century round tower and ruined Augustinian abbey, Devenish Monastic Site was founded in the 6th century by Saint Molaise on one of Lough Erne’s many islands.
