Hollow Hill

Eight Ways to Spot Fake Ghost Photos

After spending years trying to create convincing, fake, ghost photos, I learned that it’s not as easy as I thought… or as simple as skeptical critics claim.

Spider webs with moisture in them

Some people might confuse the lines for ectoplasm, but most won’t.

Damp, foggy morning, using the flash in all photos

As you can see, there were no orbs, even in thick fog. The third photo (lower left) has something odd in it, but it’s not an orb, as I’d been expecting from so much dampness.

Hair

In some cases, hair could be confused with light streaks or vortex images. The color of the hair is the clue. (My hair is auburn.)

However, notice the last of these four photos, at the lower right. It looks like it has large, overlapping orbs. That’s also a photo of hair; when the light catches it in a certain way, it appears as a series of large, faint orbs.

Smoke

Frankly, the only way we could get smoke to show up in pictures, consistently, was to use actual stick incense.

The results open some interesting questions. Some of these photos could be mistaken for anomalies. But if someone nearby were using incense, wouldn’t a photographer notice the fragrance?

Pollen

Pollen was very difficult to capture in photos. Even shaking ragweed directly over the camera lens, the pollen rarely showed up at all. (See the third photo, in the lower left, where I was shaking the ragweed in front of the lens.) The final photo in this series shows what it looks like to crush the ragweed with your hand, and then sprinkle the pollen in front of the camera lens. These extremes suggest that pollen is rarely a problem for an experienced ghost photographer.

However, in the few photos where it did show up, it could look similar to orbs with “faces” in them.

Unless you’re standing directly underneath a tree that’s sprinkling pollen, or it’s a very bad night for hay fever, I don’t think pollen is a major concern. Among the few photos that showed pollen orbs, even fewer were orbs that we’d confuse with actual anomalies.

Is it possible to confuse pollen for an anomalous ghost orb? Yes. Is it likely? No.

Dust and dirt

Dust particles – from household dust and dust (or dirt) kicked up while walking – were equally difficult to confuse with anomalous orbs.

In the first photo (immediately below this text), that’s a Swiffer duster, caked with dust, that my husband was shaking in front of the lens. Nothing showed up, except the actual duster.

In the next two photos, you can see orbs and other shapes created by reflected dust. They’re more likely to be confused with ghost orbs, but I think I took 50 photos to get these results.

The final photo in the dust & dirt series shows what very dry, fine dirt looks like, sprinkled in front of the lens. This is the same powdery, dusty dirt that could be kicked up by people walking or a car driving past you during an investigation. It looked almost identical to pollen, but a finer texture.

Keep in mind, all of these particles were sprinkled within three inches of the camera lens. Few produced images large enough to look like ghost orbs, and other characteristics — such as a solid, dark dot in the middle, or an irregular, notched circumference — usually don’t match anomalous orbs. However, a few dust orbs did look like anomalous “ghost orbs.” (Some researchers might argue that those few were actual ghost orbs. After all, most of these photos were taken in haunted cemeteries.)

Rain

Rain produced such obviously fake results, I don’t think rain is an issue for professional or experienced investigators. First of all, you’re likely to feel the rain even if you don’t see it right away. Then, some of the drops reflect such as solid reflection, I doubt that you’d confuse a photo of rain with an actual, anomalous orb.

Breath

In my opinion, the number one issue for ghost photographers is breath. Though these photos were all taken on a winter night, I was able to achieve similar results on a warm summer night when the dew point was high. These are a few of many photos that show strange forms and mists, the result of exhaling sharply at the exact moment I took each photo. So, these are extremes.

The third photo (lower left) intrigues me the most. It’s a fairly benign-looking misty shape. It could be confused with an actual, ghostly anomaly.

Before I completed the first edition of Ghost Photography 101, I showed these photos to someone else who’s been studying ghost photos for years. He insisted that some of the photos did represent ghosts (particularly pictures like the third in the breath series.)

I could see his point, but in my research, if something could be explained by something normal, I have to discount it.

I’d rather err on the side of caution.

On the other hand, I think we need to explore another possibility: If we give the spirits something to work with – like breath or incense – should we look to see what the spirits do with it?

After all, that’s not too different than using white noise to give the ghosts sounds to work with, to form EVP. And, it’s also similar to using a device like a Frank’s Box, ghost box, or “shack hack” to give entities sounds and words to use.

Ghost Photos – Sparkles and Other Surprising Anomalies

The following is an excerpt from the first edition of Ghost Photography 101, by Fiona Broome.

Your camera can suggest “hot spots” for good ghost pictures. One of the best indications is a phenomenon called sparkles.

In the late 1990s, my research team noticed bright, sparkling lights that slowly drifted towards the ground after I took photos in haunted areas. They appear to flare when the flash goes off, but the lights linger for about half a second afterwards. On rare occasions, they fade over a period of nearly two seconds.

I called them “sparkles” in my earliest ghost hunting website articles in the 1990s, and the term is now used throughout the ghost hunting field.

If we could capture those sparkles in photos, they might look like the following photo. (It think it’s actually a spiderweb or some hair.)

Sparkle-type image — What sparkles can look like. (That’s actually a spider web or hair, in daylight.)

Sparkles usually appear about 20 – 30 feet away from the camera. They look about the size of ping-pong balls or walnuts. We see dozens of them, sometimes all at once and sometimes in a subtle sequence.

Usually, the sparkles are white or pale pastel colors. Some researchers report more vivid colors.

Sparkles seem to have mass, or they wouldn’t drift towards the ground as if pulled down by gravity. However, people standing immediately underneath them don’t see or feel them as they fall. So far, we have no idea what causes sparkles.

We know what they aren’t. They aren’t bugs (including fireflies), dust or pollen. They aren’t rain or moisture.

Note: Insects immediately in front of your camera can also seem like bright lights, but only when the flash highlights them. In addition, if you’re in an area with fireflies, we’ve noticed that some fireflies “answer” the flash on the camera by flaring their lights as well.

Remember, the anomalous sparkles never show up in photos. (I wish they did.)

They’re best seen through the camera’s viewfinder (or lens), but most spectators (about 80%) see the sparkles whether or not they’re looking through a camera. Both film and digital cameras seem to highlight sparkles. Some cameras are better than others.

My oldest camera is among the best to reveal sparkles. It’s an Olympus AF-1 Twin that my mother bought me, many years ago. It uses 35 mm film. Today, you may find cameras like it at thrift shops for just a few dollars. (I recently found one at Goodwill for $1.50. It works well, too. You might find something similar at Amazon.com.)

Once you see sparkles, you’ll know exactly what I’m describing.

Take as many photos as you can when sparkles appear. There’s an increased likelihood that your photos will include anomalies… just not the actual sparkles you saw.

Can a Ghost Read Your Mind?

Can a ghost read your mind? That’s what Maddy from Santa Monica asked me, today.

That’s not a simple question to answer. It depends on the context.

Here’s my 2023 video answering this question:

Here’s my opinion about whether ghosts can read your mind.

First, we’re not sure what ghostly phenomena are. Are they all spirits of the dead… really? I’m not convinced of that. The more I work in this field (over 30 years), the more certain I am that some (not all) of what we’re encountering aren’t “dead people.”

That includes such a wide range of possibilities, it all depends on what’s real for you: Pranks by humans (people who are alive), angels, demons, aliens, faeries, the person’s imagination, or… well, I’m sure there are another dozen or more explanations that could work equally well, depending on your beliefs.

My personal view: I believe that at least 50% of what I encounter in the field is actually someone alive and well and living in his or her own time stream.

In some cases, that time stream is our past. And, I think that moments of intense emotion convey across the barrier between our worlds.

I also believe that some ghostly phenomena are caused by other paranormal entities… things outside our current definition of “normal,” but they may turn out to be not-so-weird, after all.

However, I don’t expect most people to agree with me.

For many ghost hunters, 100% of what they encounter will be spirits of the dead.

But, let’s consider the possibility that ghostly phenomena aren’t always caused by people who’ve died. And yes, some of them may be dangerous.

Demons and malicious entities

It’s well documented that demonic entities may have the ability to read the victim’s mind.

They may also read the minds of almost everyone who attempts to remove, banish, or exorcise the demon.

I wouldn’t rule out deliberate, mind control techniques by other malicious entities. Though reports of that kind of problem are extremely rare, each ghost hunter should be aware of this.

This is important: If – even before the investigation – you feel like something malicious is trying to connect with you, stay at home. Also, alert others who are going ahead with the investigation.

By contrast, many people who communicate with angels (and other benevolent entities) will assure you that angels are given many spiritual gifts. They may know your own thoughts and wishes better than you do. Of course, that’s more empathic than mind-reading.

Some other entities, including faeries and aliens… well, it’s anyone’s guess if they can use their ability to use telepathy as a one-way or two-way communication stream.

For many ghosts, “It’s all about me”

So, let’s get back to the subject of ghosts. The next thing to consider is the question: Why do people haunt?

If we assume that they’re stuck here for some reason, those reasons become important to them… and to us.

Maybe the person refuses to believe he or she has died.
Perhaps the person recognizes the death, but has unrealistic expectations about what’s supposed to happen next.
The ghost may have unfinished business or a story to tell, before letting go of this existence.

In almost every possible scenario like that, the ghost’s attention is on him- or herself. From the ghost’s perspective, why would the ghost want to read your mind… even if that were possible?

So, if a spirit that’s haunting for the usual reasons, mind reading is unlikely.

Guardian angels, spirits and rapport

The second most likely situation is where a family member, friend, or other benevolent and caring spirit is visiting from the other side. That’s a lot like an angel.

He or she is interested in you. That’s the opposite of a ghost with a personal agenda.

It seems reasonable that a guardian spirit would have empathic gifts, at the very least.

So, the spirit may care deeply about you, and want to know how you’re doing.

Perhaps he, she, or they are looking for ways to help you. In that case, I think mind reading is a possibility.

So, the answer is mixed.

Remember, this is all speculation. If you start with the idea that ghosts are real and most spirits you encounter will be from “the other side,” you can use logic to decide whether or not a ghost might want to read your mind.

Is it a ghost with a very personal agenda – something he or she needs help with, urgently? In that case, the ghost is less likely to care what you’re thinking. He or she is focused on getting help.

Mind reading is unlikely in that situation.

So, to answer Maddy’s question: Yes, a ghost probably can read your mind, but most won’t. They’re focused on their own interests.

On the other hand, if it’s a spirit visiting from the other side, checking to be sure you’re okay, an empathic connection (aka, mind reading) is not only possible but likely.

Three Kinds of Ghosts You Can See

Are you looking for ghosts?

Not sure what they look like?

Start with this short video. It may answer a lot of your questions.

[For more information like that, see my article, How to See a Ghost]

Next, here are more more details about what might be a ghost.

(Warning: This may be more than you ever wanted to know, unless you’re a pro or planning to become one.)

While ghost hunting, I’ve seen weird things like unexplained lights, shadows, and figures just out of the corner of my eye.

Here’s the basic rule: If they can’t be explained by something normal, we consider them paranormal.

Anything that’s seen or sensed that can’t be explained, except in paranormal terms, can be called an anomaly.

In ghost hunting, that means one (or both) of two things:

We can’t explain it. We see three gravestones, but a fourth one shows up in a photograph. Or, we can hear a certain investigator’s voice on our EVP recording, but she wasn’t there during the investigation.
Even if we could explain it, it’s still very weird and doesn’t make sense. It’s “statistically unlikely” in the context of where it happened or was recorded. This is the kind of evidence that skeptics pounce on. Sure, that orb could be humidity, but why did it show up in just two of about 15 photos, each taken within two minutes of each other… and by two different cameras?

So, when we’re at a location that’s supposed to be haunted, we’re researching paranormal activity and we’re documenting anomalies.

Those aren’t necessarily ghosts, or even evidence of ghosts.

However, when it’s something best described as a ghost, we call it a ghost. It’s as good a label as any, for now, and — when we say “a ghost” — others recognized the kinds of phenomena we’re talking about. Whether the person believes it represents the spirit of someone dead… that’s another matter.

As ghost hunters, we’re collecting evidence, trying to figure out what’s going on in haunted places. Often, ghosts are the most logical explanation, so that’s the word I’ll use in this article and at this website.

There are at least three kinds of ghosts you can see: Ghosts that emit light, ghosts that are shadows, and ghosts that are apparitions. (There may be a fourth category, ghosts that absorb light, but we’re not sure yet.)

Ghosts that emit light

The most frequently photographed ghosts are those that emit light. We see orbs (translucent circles or spheres) in our photos. Those orbs usually have fairly crisp edges; they’re not reflections from headlights or lens flares.

In the photo below, the orb is very faint, and over the EMF meter on the right. In a series of photos, the orb seemed to float between the meters, back and forth. When it was near one of the EMF meters, that meter would signal. Then, the orb would float back to the other meter, leaving both meters dark in the interim.

At the time, we described it as spiritual ping pong.

This photo was not altered with Photoshop or any software, so the orb is very faint. My photo is among many taken that night, at Tenney Gate House (Methuen, MA), showing the orb floating back and forth, triggering the EMF meters.

Two EMF meters and a faint orb, at Tenney Gate House, Methuen, MA. — Two EMF meters, spiking alternately, and the orb that floated between them.

Using Photoshop with a typical orb, the characteristic colors are revealed. This next photo could have been taken anywhere, but I was at Fort George in Ontario, Canada. Though skeptics will look at this kind of photo and explain it as dust, pollen, or moisture, this orb was photographed by about four of us, each standing about 10 – 30 feet apart, pointing our cameras in the same direction. Mapping its location relative to landmarks we were seeing from different angles, it was easy to show that we were all photographing the same orb.

Typical orb. Perfectly circular. Looks three dimensional.

Some photos show a streak of light, often described as a vortex. Unfortunately, a large number of vortices (plural of vortex) look identical to camera straps. So, we’re not sure how many of those photos show something paranormal. It’s too easy to explain them as a forgotten camera strap that fell in front of the camera.

However, if you have a photo with an image like this and you’re sure no camera strap or similar object was near the lens of the camera, you might have an anomaly we call a vortex.

Sometimes, we see light-emitting shapes or figures in real life, not just in photos. Weirdly, those anomalies rarely show up in photographs.

They could be circular shapes or spheres. They might be rods of light. Or, in very rare cases, they assume the form of a figure, like an apparition.

These kinds of ghostly figures are best seen and photographed after dark. Though I’ve taken photos of daytime orbs, with no flash or possibility of lens flare, the vast majority of light-related anomalies are photographed at night.

That’s one reason for a lights-out investigation at haunted sites.

Ghosts that are shadows

Ghostly shadows — sometimes “shadow figures” — are among the most disturbing ghostly phenomena we encounter. We don’t know what they are, but they can seem a lot more covert and sinister than the ghosts we usually study.

The photo below, taken at a private residence near Laconia, New Hampshire, shows an eerie shadow figure we saw in a fully-lit basement. It’s one of many troubling photos from that investigation. In real life, the figure looked like a tall man. There was nothing to explain that shadow. I could see the cause of almost every other shadow, but not that one.

Laconia-basement3-shadow-230x300

The figure in the photo, above, is unusual because shadow figures usually seem to hide among other shadows.

We’re not sure what these figures represent. Sometimes, they appear individually. At other times, they seem to travel in groups or packs.

In general, I don’t recommend lingering at any location where you see shadow figures. We’re not sure that they’re as benign as what we usually call “ghosts.”

Ghosts that Absorb Light

At the present time, we’re not sure if shadow figures or “ghost shadows” are actually casting a shadow, if they are simply dark figures, or if they’re absorbing light like a black hole.

If they’re absorbing light (and perhaps energy), that’s another very good reason to be cautious if you ever see a shadow figure.

We don’t know what these are, and if they’re a separate kind of entity.

Ghosts that are apparitions

Apparitions are ghosts that look like they did in life. Sometimes they’re more-or-less translucent. Others look like living people, but they may appear to be in historical costumes.

It seems that there are very few photos of apparitions. Here’s a classic, the Brown Lady, photographed in 1936 by Captain Hubert C. Provand.

Brown_lady

I have three of theories about why we don’t see more credible photos of apparitions:

Most apparition photos aren’t credible, and look like double exposures or as if they’ve been created in Adobe Photoshop.
Often, the anomalies we see in real life don’t show up in our photos, and vice versa.
Many apparitions seem so lifelike, we don’t realize they’re ghosts until they fade or abruptly disappear… and then it’s too late to get a photo.

Those are the three kinds of ghosts you can see… maybe: Ghosts that emit light, ghosts that are shadows, and ghosts that seem to have physical form and look a lot like they’re living people.

A fourth category, ghosts that absorb light so they’re not just shadows but something like black holes, is a troubling concept that has yet to be explored.

Pendulums – How to Use Them for Ghost Hunting

This article is strictly for professional ghost hunters. If you haven’t researched at 20+ haunted sites, do NOT experiment with pendulums, or any divinatory tools.

What is a pendulum?

In popular use, a pendulum usually refers to any weighted object that can swing back and forth.

You’ve probably seen pendulums (or pendula) on old clocks. The pendulum is the round thing below the face of the clock, and the pendulum swings back and forth, rhythmically, keeping time.

If you pause the pendulum, the clock stops working.

In ghost hunting, a pendulum is usually a small, heavy object – like a stone, a crystal, or even a piece of metal – suspended from a cord, ribbon, or chain.

A necklace – one you regularly wear – can be ideal for this. (After all, when you’re investigating a haunted site, it’s smart to carry only the most essential, dedicated ghost hunting equipment. A necklace is one less item to pack in your ghost research kit.)

Some pendulums are highly decorative. Some of them have been blessed. Each one is unique and will respond differently.

A person – perhaps a psychic or a medium – holds the cord, ribbon, or chain so the heavy object can swing freely. Then, that person asks a question.

Or someone else in the room may ask the question. Sometimes this works. Sometimes it doesn’t.

The movement of the pendulum determines the answer.

How to Use a Pendulum

The end of the string is held between the forefinger and thumb so that the object can swing freely. You can pinch the cord or chain at the very top, with your hand at an angle so your fingers are out of the way.

Or, you can drape the cord or chain over the middle of your index finger, and keep it from slipping by applying gentle pressure from your thumb onto the cord or chain, against your finger.

Fiona Broome's advice If you’d just like to experiment with this, you can make your own pendulum by tying any heavy bead or small pendant to a string or cord. The string should be about ten inches long.

You should be able to decide if pendulums work for you (they won’t work well for everyone) and if you like them.

The Best Way to Use a Pendulum

Some people are naturally gifted at pendulum use.

That seems to have no connection with whether they’re believers or skeptics.

When trying to communicate with a ghost, they just hold the pendulum at the top of the chain (or cord, or ribbon) and wait for the weighted end – the fob or bob or “weight-stone” – to move.

They’re waiting for something external to move it.

If the bob moves, great. If it doesn’t, maybe the site isn’t haunted. Or the ghost (or ghosts) have nothing to say.

Either way, the person holding the pendulum remains objective and somewhat mentally detached. To them, it’s like asking any stranger a question: Maybe the stranger replies. Maybe they don’t.

But… Don’t Ask Spirits to Talk “Through You”

Sometimes, a person might use a pendulum, but they internalize the energy.

That is, they ask the spirit to speak through them.

(For example, in a haunted setting, the person may ask the ghost to use the investigator’s hand to channel the energy to the pendulum.)

That’s not a good idea. In fact, it can be downright dangerous. (Basically, you’re asking for a spirit – good or evil – to take possession of your body. This can be just as risky as using a Ouija board.)

THIS IS IMPORTANT: If you can’t remain completely separate – mentally, spiritually, and emotionally – from the pendulum you’re using, stop immediately.

Never allow outside energy to be channeled through your body to the pendulum. (And, if you can’t tell the difference, don’t use a pendulum. The risks are too great.)

If you decide that a pendulum is right for you, I recommend professionally crafted pendulums. You’re likely to get better results.

However, try a homemade pendulum or two, before investing in a professional-grade pendulum.

Baseline Every Time

If you’re using a pendulum regularly – especially in haunted locations – start with some baseline readings.

It’s important to verify these every time you use the pendulum.

First, hold the pendulum entirely still. (It’s okay to steady it with your other hand, and then release it.)

Then ask a question with a yes or no answer that you already know.

Note the way that the pendulum swings in response. It may swing from side to side or from front to back. Or, it may swing in a clockwise or counter-clockwise manner.

Now, ask another question with a different yes or no answer, that you already know. Compare the results.

Repeat this several times until a clear pattern is established. (If no pattern emerges, you may need to use other divinatory tools. Pendulums don’t work for everyone, and it has no bearing on the person’s psychic abilities.)

What to Ask in Haunted Places

In haunted sites, you can start by asking, “Is this room (or battlefield, or cemetery) haunted?” or a similar question.

However, if the ghosts think they’re still alive – or otherwise rejects the “haunted” idea – you may need to start with a question like, “Is a stranger present?” (Whether the ghost thinks you’re the “stranger” or they are, the answer should be yes.)

Then you can ask how many spirits are present, or how old the ghost his, and so on.

The more active the pendulum movement, the stronger the spiritual energy is at that site.

Even in the hands of a skeptic, I’ve seen a pendulum swing so wildly, the weight snapped off a new chain and flew across the room.

In other words, pendulums can be very powerful.

Free Pendulum Charts

I’ve created two different charts for use with your pendulum. Visit my author website, FionaBroome.com, and go to my Free Downloads page.

Scroll down to the Misc Printable Charts section. Download the pendulum charts and print them. (They’re free PDFs.)

To use either chart, hold the string so that the tip of the pendulum is about two inches above the center “dot” at the bottom of the half-circle. Then, ask your question.

One chart is designed for simple, yes/no questions. You can draw this on a sheet of paper, and use it yourself. The pendulum should favor one direction/answer more than any other. If it doesn’t rephrase your question, or take a break and return to this later.

The next kind of chart can be used to ask anything with numbers, such as the ghosts age when he or she left physical form. (Or, if the ghost believes that he or she is still alive, ask what year it is now.)

You can create your own charts on paper, providing many other kinds of answers, too. They could include letters of the alphabet, people’s names, places, or things specific to the life of the ghost you’re contacting.

When the Pendulum Swings the Wrong Way

No matter which chart you use, if the pendulum swings towards you, off the chart, try rephrasing your question. Or, the ghost may want you to answer the question for yourself, first, and then have spirit confirm it with a yes or a no.

If you are adept with a pendulum, I recommend professional pendulums designed for ghost hunters and psychic mediums, such as those from Sean Paradis. (I’m not sure he’s still making pendulums, but his are still among the ones I trust the most.)

Homemade Pendulums or Purchased Pendulums?

If you’re shopping for a pendulum, try it in the store. See how it works for you.

Compare each with your homemade pendulum(s).

If you did just as well (or better) with your own, keep using it. There’s no reason to buy one, unless it seems more powerful or attractive.

I own several pendulums, and choose them intuitively for the location and the energy at it.

Sometimes, I like the conductivity of a copper pendulum. (Some people believe the metal helps spirits make contact with the pendulum.)

Other spirits seem attracted to pretty colors. So, a colorful pendulum with an “ooh, shiny!” attraction might get better results.

Whichever pendulum you use, it should be one that seems attractive to you, too.

You Can Ghost Hunt Without Tools

Some people achieve remarkable results with pendulums.

Others don’t.

Some have a knack for recording EVP, but never get great ghost photos. And vice versa.

It’s not a measure of how good you are at ghost hunting or communicating with spirits.

It’s more like singing or running… different people have different talents. Someone who can play the violin may be perfectly awful at the piano.

However, one of the great things about pendulums, besides their simplicity, is: You can try this on your own without spending a cent.

And then, if pendulums work for you, decide which seem to work best. (I’ve linked to a couple of my favorites, below.)

But really, if a homemade pendulum works well for you, keep using it, at least until you know if it’s a tool you’ll use regularly

Duckett’s Grove Castle Ghosts – Ireland

Duckett’s Grove Castle in Carlow (Ireland) is haunted.

It’s so haunted, it was featured in a March 2011 episode of the SyFy TV show, Destination: Truth.

Unfortunately, the purpose of that show was to find evidence of Banshees.

I never recommend looking for Banshees.

Despite that, Duckett’s Grove Castle (via Wayback Machine) and several local sites are well worth investigating, but for ghosts.

Directions to Duckett’s Grove Castle

Duckett’s Grove Castle is in County Carlow, Ireland, about 40 miles from Dublin.

Driving directions: From Naas Road (Dublin), take the M7 to the M9 toward Waterford, and exit at the R418. Follow the R418 to the signed junction for Duckett’s Grove.

Parking is free, and parts of the site are wheelchair accessible. Some areas aren’t.

The castle grounds are open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and admission is free. After hours, you’ll need permission to visit or investigate ghosts at the site.

Duckett Family History… and Curse

Duckett’s Grove is named for the Duckett family, originally of England.

Though the Duckett name is often associated with Ulster (Northern Ireland), it’s appeared throughout the Republic as well.

No matter where they lived in Ireland, most Ducketts trace their roots to England. In 1572, Lionel Duckett was London’s Lord Mayor.

Some records indicate that the first Duckett in the Carlow area was Sir George Duckett of England; he arrived during the 17th century when Cromwell was a controversial figure in English politics.

That was shortly before 1669, when the Duckett Family Curse afflicted George’s English cousins, and – perhaps – spread throughout the family.

History describes at least two George Ducketts:

One was an attorney and an MP for Calne. He was born in 1632 and, if records are correct, lived 100 years.
The other was Sir George Jackson Duckett, 1st Baronet (1725 – 1822), of Hartham.

Two mottos have been associated with the Duckett family:

Je veux le droit, literally “I want what’s right,” but usually translated to mean “I desire justice.”
Spectemur agendo, “Let us be judged by our acts,” the motto of The Royal Dragoons (1st Dragoons) regiment of the British Army. This also appears on the Irish family crests of the McAleer, Donnelly, Shannon and Mott families.

With mottos so strongly connected to justice, it’s easy to understand the politics of the family. And perhaps the curse.

Duckett’s Grove Castle History

Thomas Duckett – not George – is most often associated with the original house at Duckett’s Grove.

According to some historians, the house began as a modest cottage and was later enlarged at least twice. The biggest transformation was made for owner J. D. Duckett by Carlow architect Thomas A. Cobden, around 1830. That’s when it became a castle.

Since most of the work on the castle took place in the early 1800s, the building is usually described as “mock Gothic.” In other words, the ruins aren’t necessarily as old as you might expect.

A tragic fire that destroyed much of the building in 1933. The site is currently being restored and it’s a historic location with lovely landscaping and ruins.

Ghost Hunting at Duckett’s Grove

To investigate the site after dark, contact the Carlow Tourism Office, Website : www.carlowtourism.com. Tel : +353 (0) 59 9130411.

The landscaped and garden areas are flat and have smooth paths. You’ll need a flashlight after dark, but you’re unlikely to trip or fall there.

The ruins are less accessible, especially after dark. Trousers, long-sleeved shirts, and running or hiking footwear are recommended.

Paragenealogy tip – You may trigger even more hauntings if your family tree includes these surnames: Campion, Crosthwaite, Cumming, de la Poer, Duckett* (also Duchette), O’Grady, Philpotts, Seton, Thompson (any related spelling), or de Windesore (Windsor, Winsor, or variations).

Also, carrying anything related to the Roman Catholic Church is likely to evoke extra paranormal activity at Duckett’s Grove Castle. At least one of the Duckett’s Grove’s former residents was scathingly antagonistic towards Catholics.

In the same general part of Ireland, I’d recommend researching Castledermot (exit 4 off the M9), where the area’s history — related to Robert Bruce and Henry VIII — could present spirits from Viking raids as well as more recent spectres.

While you’re exploring Castledermot, if Kilkea Castle is open, it’s one of Ireland’s oldest castle hotels.

If your paranormal research includes paragenealogy connections, you may have the best Kilkea ghost encounters if your family tree includes these surnames: Delacy, Delancy, Moore (or O’Moore), and Dempsey (or O’Dempsey).

For those with nerves of steel, the ring fort area at Mullaghrelan wood (near Athy and not far from Castledermot) is an important site. However, I do not recommend the risks if you’re visiting Mullaghrelan wood — or any fae-related location — at dawn, dusk, or midnight.

Athy has its own quirky history, and some may be intrigued by the literal roots of the town’s name: the ford of AE.

For Additional Research

Duckett’s Grove brochure (PDF)

Duckett’s Grove website (from the Wayback Machine)

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*In the United States, most people with the Duckett surname live in Arkansas, Georgia, the Carolinas, Pennsylvania, or Texas. According to one (of several) family stories, three Duckett brothers left England in the late 17th century. One died at sea and the other two settled in Maryland or around the Carolinas.

In the 19th century, most Duckett descendants in America were farmers.

In the U.K., members of the Duckett family usually trace their immediate roots to Yorkshire or Lancashire.

Scottish Ducketts are usually from the Dumfries area, Lanarkshire, or Stirlingshire.