Rosemary Widdy Fahy is the face behind Púca Paranormal. Based in Dublin, she is an avid explorer of some of Ireland’s most historic and spooky locations and the more abandoned and forgotten the better! She talks to ANN MASSEY.
What was your first paranormal encounter?
My first real paranormal experience would have to have been in 2002, I had just had my son. I got woken in the middle of the night to find a tall lady dressed in a dark navy gown with a baby above her head. I was living with others at the time and thought it could have been one of them. The lady said nothing, and I sat upright in my bed which felt like an eternity but was only a minute of two. I believed that it was my mother. Fast forward 17 years and I go to visit a medium who confirms that it was my mum and baby she had lost at 3 months. The medium told me that my mum had dropped in to see me and didn’t mean to wake or upset me. Personally, I found it a great comfort.
Do you believe in ghosts, and if so, what is a ghost?
If a ghost is spirit, then yes, I do. I believe spirit is the soul of a person who has passed.
What evidence have you personally uncovered that makes you consider ghosts are real?
As I mentioned before about my mum, but also, I have had things happen that I just cannot explain.
Are you sceptical of the claims others make of their findings?
With some, yes. I find audio work hard to hear at times but also believe in audio pareidolia. This is common, but I have also come across so very clear findings. I find that when someone feels the need to circle evidence, I feel that this is leading the viewer’s mind finding something. I personally think it is better not to do this and if someone sees something, or even the same as you, brilliant.
How do you prepare for a ghost hunt?
Normally, I travel on my own and have a playlist I listen to. I call on my ancestors to protect me and guide me. I also use crystals to help protect me.
What tips would you give for someone going on a paranormal investigation for the first time?
Bring comfy shoes, a torch, layers of clothing, hot drink, food and to enjoy it. Also to ask questions. Bring tissues.
What is your favourite piece of paranormal investigation equipment?
My Rods!! These are my go-to piece of kit. I am a firm believer in using old school methods. I cut them down to a size for me and the parts that were left over I have placed in special places.
Are you psychic? Do you consider being psychic a help or hindrance for paranormal investigations?
I am not psychic at all. I would call myself sensitive, I can get headaches, and nausea and can pick up on different smells.
What makes a great haunted location?
Personally, a location that hasn’t been investigated too much or somewhere new. In the summer 2020 I booked a stay in a country home, which happened to have a castle as part of the property. I had never heard much about it but myself and my friends decided to investigate, with permission and did happen to pick up on stuff. We went back a second time and got more. It was new and fresh, and we had no idea what was in store for us.
If you could investigate any haunted location where would it be?
I visited Alcatraz and would love to have a few days of investigation there. There is so much to explore there.
What scares you the most about ghost hunting or paranormal investigations?
The part that scares me the most would be if I connected with a malicious spirit, and I was unable to control me and my surroundings. I am very careful about who I work with and what kit they might use. There are some things I feel some don’t know how to use properly and this can be dangerous.
In your opinion, what is the most haunted area in the UK or Ireland?
I recently visited Spike Island, and personally I found it extremely active from start to finish, but somewhere I find active, another investigator won’t. I think it depends on the person also.
Read any good paranormal books or watched any good paranormal TV shows/movies recently?
I recently watched Paranormal: Captured and found it good as there are some good investigators and psychologists and they discuss what people claim to have caught. It’s not OTT of people running around claiming to be possessed by a piece of dust.
Tell us your favourite moment from a paranormal investigation
Summer 2020, in Oranmore Castle, County Galway. A group of us were there for the night and we were all at the same spot and we asked a question to a spirit and suddenly we all heard “yes”, the only piece of recording equipment was a mobile phone, but it was caught. We all looked at each other and you could feel the energy in the room charge higher, we were all on a natural high as we had all heard it but even better had caught it on camera!
You can follow Puca Paranormal on Facebook.
