Ghost hunters invite public to probe at spooky mill

Ghost hunters invite public to probe at spooky mill

9 January 2013

BALLYDUGAN Mill may unearth its secrets later this month, after spooked staff gave the go-ahead to a public ghost hunt.

Ghost Searchers Ireland are returning to Downpatrick after what they say was a successful investigation of Downpatrick Railway Museum, and hope the 18th century flour mill will prove just as fruitful.

Built in 1792 and restored by current owner Noel Killen into a restaurant and hotel, Ballydugan Mill was previously investigated by the team on a private basis.

And now they know where all the “hot spots” are the six strong team, based in Bangor, is holding a ghost hunting evening on Friday, January 25, which is open to the public.

Ghost Searchers Ireland member Gary Watters said they had recovered what they believed to be paranormal activity on their last visit which corresponded to accounts given by members of staff.

“It was a place we were interested in,” he said. “We are able to stream live across the world and one of the cameras we had set up in the restaurant caught what appeared to be a head coming round the corner.

“That had been seen before.

“We also got a short recording of a voice, known as an EVP, which seemed to be saying ‘Hide the Book’ by the back stairs. 

“We have checked the history but do not know what it means. It is 400 years old, though, and it would have been a hard working mill.”

Gary said several members of staff were convinced there was some sort of ghostly activity in the place, and that one of them would be talking about the history of the place and their experiences on the night.

“The lift has a tendency to go up and down on its own, for example,” he said. “The engineers have looked at it but it seems like someone pushing the button.”

Ghosts or no ghosts it will certainly be a taste of 18th century 

history. Ghost Searchers member Anne McKinnstrey pointed out that one of the rooms they would be using on the night still has its original wooden floor, and that grinding stones used in the mill can still be seen throughout.

“On the night the team will be carrying out an experiment using the Singapore Theory,” she added. “Each team member will be dressing up in a costume from the 1900s era. While doing this we try to recreate the environment of the specific era, attempting to stimulate paranormal activity.

“We invite our guests to join us in dressing up. Nothing expensive — a flat cap and shirt for the men and a long skirt and shawl for the ladies and if you feel this is not for you please come dressed as you are. Everyone will be made very welcome.”

Tickets for the Ghost Hunt are £20 each payable at the door. This includes a light supper. Doors open from 7pm.