Derry ghost kept alive in a new children's book exploring Ireland's haunting stories

A Derry ghost story has been remembered in a new children’s book.

Derry’s story is about the notorious John MacNaghten, the man who was hanged twice and whose ghost is said to haunt Prehen House, just outside of Derry City.

Kieran Fanning’s ‘Haunted Ireland: An Atlas of Ghost Stories from Every County’ explores a world of haunted houses, castles, and bridges, encountering ghosts, banshees, witches, and monsters across Ireland.

The book visits every county in Ireland through 32 spooky stories. From well-known hauntings like The Ghost of Loftus Hall and The White Lady of Kinsale to lesser-known sightings like The Black Pig of Kiltrustan and Father Hegarty’s Phantom Horse, there’s a story and a site to discover wherever you are in Ireland.

This beautifully presented gift book features a map of all the story locations so you can carry out your very own ghost tour—or stay safely at home poring over the stunning illustrations by Dublin artist, Mark Hill.

The story takes place across six years, from 1756 until 1761, when Andrew Knox, a member of parliament for Donegal, rekindled his friendship with his childhood pal, John MacNaghten.

A plan was hatched by the broke MacNaghten to swindle his way into the wealth of his friend Knox by marrying the MP’s daughter, and this kicks off the events that would lead to the double hanging of MacNaghten and his famous words that led to his notorious name Half-Hanged MacNaghten.

The hardback book is set for release on October 3, at the price of €24.99.

‘Haunted Ireland’ is Fanning’s eighth book for young people. For more information on him or his books, visit www.kieranfanning.com.