Curraghbinny Woods, located on the eastern side of Cork Harbour, is a quiet and scenic woodland area known for its walking trails and coastal views. By day, it is a peaceful place. By night, however – like many wooded areas – it can take on a very different character.

In March 2007, a group of friends entered the woods in the late afternoon, intending to pass a few hours exploring the area. As evening approached and the light began to fade, they decided to make their way back toward the car park.

It was during this return journey that the experience began.

According to the account, a dense fog descended suddenly and without warning, reducing visibility within moments. While fog is not unusual in coastal areas such as this, the speed and intensity of its arrival unsettled the group.

As they continued along the track, they became aware of additional footsteps behind them – distinct from their own. At first, it seemed as though someone else might be on the path. However, when they listened more closely, the sounds did not match the number of people in the group.

Other noises followed – described as movement through the trees, shifting branches, and indistinct sounds that appeared to come from multiple directions at once.

Concerned, the group began to walk faster.

According to the account, the quicker they moved, the more intense the sounds became. What had begun as faint footsteps developed into louder, more forceful noises, as though something was keeping pace with them just out of sight. The combination of the fog, the darkness, and the surrounding woodland created a sense that they were being followed.

The group broke into a run.

As they emerged from the trees into the open space of the car park, the experience ended abruptly. The fog lifted almost as suddenly as it had appeared, and the sounds ceased completely.

No one was visible behind them.