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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In this episode, Gavin and Anne are joined by well-known local Irish language pedagogue and itinerant ukulele songster, Dr Ian Malcolm!

Join us on our visit to the remains of an old shebeen on Knock Iveagh & the nearby birthplace of Patrick Bronte (Prunty), the father of the famous Bronte sisters.

We'll take a closer look at the landscape in which Patrick grew up to discover a place rich in inspiration and myth - from the hill where Gaelic chieftains received their inaugurations to the nearby fort which was the likely location of their gatherings and horse races!

Remember, if you've got a favourite place you think we should visit LET US KNOW! You can reach us on and Twitter. @historyhomespun