It's Halloween, so of course we HAD to pay a visit to the seat of the Kings of Ulster, Navan Fort! After all, it says in the Book of Leinster that if you don't attend at AllHallows you're as good as dead... So why not come with us?

Hear the story of how Emain Macha got its name, learn about the great *6 DAY* Samhain fire festival that was held here, & contemplate the mysterious mound & the curse of the Ulstermen!

Then we travel to the nearby 'King's Stables' to talk Bronze Age ritual offerings, portals to the otherworld, the Red Branch Knights and much more.

And don't forget to share the podcast, we appreciate it!

Nb. Story & Music Copyright Anne Harper Music & Stories 2024

In a special ***BONUS EPISODE*** Gavin & Anne make a detour on their way home from County Fermanagh to visit the scene of one of Ireland's most famous and well-documented hauntings...

Bridget Murphy and her children were reportedly terrorised by paranormal phenomenon at their small farmhouse in Cornarooslan townland.

The 'ghost' moved objects around, banged and scraped on the walls & floor, shook the children's bed violently, and appeared to respond to questions asked in English, Irish and Latin.

The phenomena went on for months and attracted widespread attention. It was reported in the press at the time. There were many witnesses to the haunting including local farmers, neighbours, and 'half a dozen' priests. The property was even visited by the local MP Mr Cahir Healy, who went on to write about his experiences in 'Ireland's Own' magazine.

There were numerous attempts at exorcising the 'ghost', but none were successful and the haunting continued.

Some said that the house was haunted before the family moved in and others blamed the fairies. Unfortunately for the Murphys, more and more local people seemed to turn against them as time went on. They claimed that the haunting was the result of witchcraft and blamed the family for their misfortune. The Murphys were ultimately forced to flee their home and leave the country.

Is the Cooneen (Coonian) Ghost House still haunted? Should it be saved?

Listen and make up your own mind.

Gavin & Anne are BACK with a bumper episode from an iconic location!

Join us as we venture beyond Co. Down to visit Boa Island in Co. Fermanagh, for a very special Spring visit.

We cover:

• acid jazz (!),
• news from the world of Irish archaeology & history,
• Turlough O'Carolan's Fermanagh connection,

& come up with new theories about the meaning behind the famous 'Janus' statue & the possible origins of the Sheela la Na Gig!

View photos from the day here

The Patrick Sarsfield Homecoming Project

French Consul of Limerick

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Music performed by Anne Harper

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