The Other Realm

Our lives consist of a series of decisions, mostly small and inconsequential in the grand scheme of things but, every so often, one comes to the proverbial fork in the road, facing a decision which can change one’s life irrevocably, producing repercussions which may continue far past death. Here are the stories of two ghosts who made eternally regrettable  decisions.

Can emotions set loose by the victim of an undiscovered murder somehow imprint themselves into the scene of the outrage and be projected into the mind of an uninvolved party, calling out for discovery of the crime? Three true stories of such visions suggest that this may, indeed, be the case. 

Are there places in this world where it is possible for one to walk into the past, where one might observe physical landmarks which no longer exist, see individuals long since dead and, perhaps, even interact with them? If so, the parkland adjacent to the Petit Trianon on the grounds of the Palace at Versailles might be one such place.

Can the desire to return home to the warmth and security of home at the moment of a crisis persist long past the moment of death? True cases of phantom hitchhikers may prove this to be the case.

Every family, it is said, has its secrets. If that is true, perhaps, no family has secrets as old and as dark as those kept by the Lyons of Glamis Castle.

Have you ever had the eerie experience of clearly recognizing someone on the street whom you knew, without a doubt, could not be there as he was miles away at the time or, even more disturbing, have you ever come face to face with your own double? If so, you may have encountered the doppelganger.

Is the Irish belief in the Banshee, the ancient herald of death, merely the stuff of legend or could the banshee actually exist? These true accounts may convince you that the banshee does, indeed, exist.

Is it possible that a thoughtless act could precipitate fatal curse? This account may make you a believer.

When a haunting is recorded by a highly intelligent and thoughtful witness and is carefully investigated by a distinguished officer of the British Society for Psychical Research, we have an example of paranormal phenomena which gives even the most hardened skeptic cause to reconsider his beliefs.  Such is the case of the Cheltenham ghost.

I would prefer to not believe in the existence of the Devil or other demonic entities. But, in Ireland, there are disconcerting tales which give me cause for thought. Here are three disturbing examples.

Is it possible for the spirit of a living person to temporarily leave the physical body and travel to another location miles away where it can be seen and physically interact with another person? The true accounts presented in this episode prove that it is, indeed, possible.

Is it possible for a ghost to manifest physical proof of its appearance or to predict the future? The incredible story of Lord Tyrone's ghost may convince you that it is, indeed, possible. 

While many may scoff at the very idea of fairies and consign them to superstitious notions of a bygone era, there are still many in Ireland who feel certain that the “Little People” and their ilk are more than just legend. The stories in this episode may cause you to believe in their existence as well.

Why would members of an aristocratic invent a terrifying tale concerning a Satanic force invading their own home? Could it be to cover up a much more embarrassing incident; an incident which was to create an equally terrifying haunting? Such was the case at Ireland's Loftus Hall.

Is it possible that certain places offer a portal into the past where one might observe centuries old events replaying themselves out again and again complete with long ago demolished physical landmarks? If so, Knighton Gorges on the Isle of Wight is clearly one such place. 

Is it possible for the dead to remain here on earth in the hope of exposing a crime or to briefly return to correct an injustice? These three true accounts may cause you to believe that it is, indeed, possible!

Can a strong sense of responsibility, whether the desire to fulfill one’s commitments or guilt over a terrible mistake sometimes delay or completely prevent one’s spirit to, at least temporarily, pass on to the Otherside? Three true accounts indicate that this may well be the case.

Unexplainable bangs and thumps in the middle of the night. Doors opening and closing of their own accord. Objects thrown through the air. Furniture moving about without rhyme or reason. These may be signs of the mysterious phenomenon known as the poltergeist.

Many ancient castles can lay claims to a fair share of ghosts. But few can hold a candle to Leap Castle, long know as “The most haunted castle in Ireland.”