Ghost Catcher Isles

Ghost Catcher Isles is a blogger with a keen interest in the world of the paranormal, folklore and Forteana, chronicling the weird, wonderful and eerie of the islands of Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland. As a paranormal investigator in the Republic of Ireland with the former paranormal group ‘BumpzInTheNite’, she originally began the blog to log these investigations. Since moving back to Great Britain, the blog has expanded to recount tales of ghosts, cryptids, UFOs and all that is strange in both Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland. Join Ghost Catcher Isles on her adventures into the strange and paranormal of these eerie islands.

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We often see hares as gentle signs of spring, but folklore tells a different story. Across Britain and Ireland, they appear as ghosts, omens, and even witches in disguise. Curious? Have a read and discover their darker side.

The Phantom Hares of Spring

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Dead Maids Crossroads: Duels, Dogs and Dark Folklore in Wiltshire

A tale of jealousy, violence, and a spectral hound. (Image: Dead Maids Junction on the A36. Source: Maurice Pullin 2008) Some place names are scenic. Others are puzzling. And then there are those that stop you mid-journey. “Dead Maids.” I first noticed the name while travelling through the quiet Wiltshire countryside near Salisbury, at a crossroads on the A36. Surrounded by rolling fields and…

Dead Maids Crossroads: Duels, Dogs and Dark Folklore in Wiltshire

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From Rebecca to The Others, Gothic cinema reminds us that ghosts are never just ghosts. I’ve rounded up 5 paranormal favourites and dug into why they linger long after the credits. Have a read!

Classic Gothic Horror Movie Picks

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Punkie Night: Somerset’s Lantern Festival and Its Connection to Halloween, Samhain & Púca Night

Light flickering in the Autumn Dark When the October sky over Somerset turns a bruised purple and the moon hangs low, the village streets spring to life with a glow that feels both ancient and mischievous. Children clutch glowing carved lanterns, their faces lit by flickering candles, while the air fills with a chant that has echoed through the countryside for generations: “It’s Punkie Night…

Punkie Night: Somerset’s Lantern Festival and Its Connection to Halloween, Samhain & Púca Night

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Pirates, Witches and Ghostly Knights: Exploring Great Yarmouth’s Darker Side

(Image: Haunted Seaside Resort. Source: WordPress 2025) Great Yarmouth isn’t just a seaside town of sugar donuts and amusement arcades; it’s a place rich in weird tales, ghostly sightings, and strange histories. From pirates to witches, from mystics to mummies, the town bubbles with secrets that float through its streets and graveyards. Join me as we walk through Great Yarmouth’s darker side,…

Pirates, Witches and Ghostly Knights: Exploring Great Yarmouth’s Darker Side

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Old Man's Day: Sweeping Up the Past

(Photo by u041 on Pexels.com) Celebrate Old Man’s Day in Braughing! Did you know that today, 2nd October, is “Old Man’s Day”? If you happen to be wandering through the Hertfordshire village of Braughing, you’re in for a treat! This day is a curious celebration filled with history, laughter, and a strong sense of community.The tale begins with Mathew Wall, a young local farmer who, back in 1571,…

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On 28 June 2025, I attended the Looking Beyond online conference, celebrating the 50th anniversary of The Christian Parapsychologist journal. As a humanist, I found it fascinating to hear insights from speakers like Alan Murdie and Dr. Mark Fox. Their discussions on parapsychology and spirituality offered me thought-provoking ideas, even from a Christian perspective. If you're curious about my takeaways from the event, do check out my blog post for a more detailed reflection!

Unlocking New Perspectives: A Humanist's Insights from the Looking Beyond Online Conference

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Hello, dear readers! While my posts have been a bit sporadic, the mysteries of ghosts, folklore, and the paranormal are calling me back. Prepare for a thrilling surge of captivating tales, intriguing articles, and a brand-new podcast on the horizon! Thank you for your unwavering support! Join me as we delve into the unknown together! #BlogUpdate #Paranormal #Folklore

Exciting Updates and New Adventures!

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We celebrated the magic of the Summer Solstice at the historic Hellfire Caves! With Morris Dancers, insightful talks, and plenty of family fun, it was a day filled with community spirit. This special occasion symbolised light, renewal, and connection. Check out my latest blog post, "Firelight Tales: A Festive Summer Solstice," to relive the wonderful moments we shared! #SummerSolstice #HellfireCaves #CommunitySpirit #Folklore

Firelight Tales: A Festive Summer Solstice at the Hellfire Caves.

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Ever heard of *Jack in the Green*? Dive into one of Bristol’s most magical May traditions; a vibrant celebration of folklore, music, and community spirit. Discover the roots of this joyful event and why it still captures hearts today. Read more on the blog: "Jack in the Green: Keeping Folk Traditions Alive in Bristol" #Bristol #JackInTheGreen #FolkTraditions #MayDay #CulturalHeritage #BritishFolklore #SpringFestivals

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Just wrote my first paranormal book review! Here I’m diving into *Paranormal Perspectives – One Big Box of 'Paranormal Tricks'?* From ghosts to poltergeists to the idea of one unifying power… it’s a fascinating read. Curious? Pop over to the blog and check it out!

Book Review: Paranormal Perspectives: One Big Box of 'Paranormal Tricks'?: From Ghosts to Poltergeists to the Theory of Just One Paranormal Power by John Fraser

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CASE FILE: UNCANNYCON 2024

Case File: UncannyCon 2024 🔍 Strange sightings, bizarre events, and a convention shrouded in mystery. I dove deep into the investigation, and the findings are uncanny 🕵️‍♀️. Read the full case file

STATUS: RESOLVED LOCATION: Southbank Centre, London, UK DATE: December 2024 SUBJECT: The Uncanny Convergence Summary of Findings Experts, enthusiasts, and witnesses of the unexplained converged at the Southbank Centre this past weekend for UncannyCon 2024, an extraordinary gathering dedicated to uncovering the truths behind our world’s mysteries. What unfolded was a mix of chilling…

CASE FILE: UNCANNYCON 2024

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Oweynagat Cave and the Irish Origins of Samhain and Halloween

🖤 Discover the dark origins of Halloween! 🌌 Dive into the legends of Oweynagat, Ireland’s "Cave of the Cats"—a mythical gateway to the Otherworld and home to eerie Samhain tales like "The Adventures of Nera." 🍂👻 Read more on the blog! #Halloween #Iris

(Neopagans in Ireland celebrating Samhain. Image Credit: Unknown author, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons) Tucked away in the beautiful scenic landscape of County Roscommon, Ireland, lies a mysterious and legendary cave known as “Oweynagat” (pronounced “Oen-na-gat”), also known as ‘Cave of the Cats’. This ancient cave is believed to be the mythical entrance to the Otherworld, Ireland’s Gate…

Oweynagat Cave and the Irish Origins of Samhain and Halloween

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Step Into the Paranormal: Highlights from the Live Vlog on the GhostÉire Channel

👻✨ Dive into the mysteries with GhostÉire & Ghost Catcher Isles! Explore the Uffington White Horse, Wayland’s Smithy, & the eerie Whispering Mummies. Read and watch the recording! #Paranormal

(GhostÉire interview with Ghost Catcher Isles. Image Credit: GhostÉire Channel) If you’re someone who feels the tantalising pull toward the strange and supernatural, then this one’s for you. Picture this: a quiet Saturday night, lights dimmed, a flickering candle perhaps—and there I was, live on the GhostÉire Channel, diving headfirst into the world of the paranormal. Together with my incredible…

Step Into the Paranormal: Highlights from the Live Vlog on the GhostÉire Channel

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Join Ghost Catcher Isles Live for a Paranormal Deep Dive on GhostÉire!

Join me & host Anthony Kerrigan on the GhostÉire Channel for a live paranormal vlog! We'll dive into my blog Ghost Catcher Isles, the Uncanny podcast, Uffington White Horse, & St. Michan's mummies. Don’t miss the spooky stories & live chat! #paranormal

(Live Vlog. Image Credit: GhostÉire) Are you fascinated by the paranormal? Intrigued by folklore and eerie legends? Then you won’t want to miss my exclusive live vlog interview on the GhostÉire Channel, where we explore the unknown and the mysterious. It’s time to sit back, relax, and join me and my host Anthony Kerrigan as we delve into the world of the paranormal. On this episode, Anthony…

Join Ghost Catcher Isles Live for a Paranormal Deep Dive on GhostÉire!

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My First Podcast Experience: Ghosts & Stories

I recently joined Owen Staton on his podcast *The Time Between Times* for my first interview! We talked about my writing, fascination with the paranormal, the Phantom Drummer Boy of Hickling Broad, and my blog *Ghost Catcher Isles*. Listen now!

(Time Between Times. Image Credit: O.Staton and Spotify) I’m thrilled to share that I recently had the incredible opportunity to join the captivating storyteller Owen Staton on his podcast, The Time Between Times. It was my first podcast interview, and we had a wonderful conversation about my writing, my obsession with the paranormal, and, of course, my all-time favourite Norfolk ghost story;…

My First Podcast Experience: Ghosts & Stories

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Magic and Mystery at the Grand Opening of Bristol’s Haunted Bookshop

I recenly visited the grand opening of the Haunted Bookshop in Bristol! Spooky vibes, hidden stories, and esoteric books galore. Dive into my full experience on the blog!

(The Haunted Bookshop, Bristol. Image Credit: ©E.Holohan) On a mild autumn afternoon, I found myself standing in front of a brand-new gem in Bristol’s literary scene: the Haunted Bookshop. From the moment I saw its name gleaming on the sign above the shop, I knew I was in for something special. “Step into a world of spine-chilling tales, mystical splendours, and ancient folklore as you explore…

Magic and Mystery at the Grand Opening of Bristol’s Haunted Bookshop