Lough Allen, a large lake in County Leitrim. In the early 19th century, it was common for residents from the northern side of Lough Allen to travel by boat to the weekly market in Drumshanbo, where they sold surplus farm produce and returned with essential provisions. On Good Friday, April 2, 1831, a group of 25 people gathered at Corry Shore with plans to make the trip across the lake. However, the boat’s capacity was only 18 passengers, and seven individuals were turned away. With the boat fully loaded, sails hoisted, and four strong oarsmen at work, the craft made excellent time crossing between Rosbeg and Corry Point, aided by a favourable wind.

The travelers arrived safely and agreed to reconvene at 3pm for the return trip to ensure they would be home before nightfall. But their return was delayed by several hours. Furthermore, the boat was now laden with supplies of seed oats and potatoes in addition to the passengers. Mrs. Forde was well accustomed to making the journey and noted that the boat was sitting unusually low in the water. She expressed her concern to her neighbour, Paddy Travers, and the two decided that they would not travel in the boat. Two other men from Ballinaglera, also felt the load was unsafe and chose to find another way home.

As the remaining passengers set off from the canal bridge near Drumshanbo, the weather took a sudden and violent turn. Thick black clouds gathered, and a sharp wind rose — soon escalating into a gale. Lough Allen, was known in ancient times as “Loch na Scadog” or “Lake of the Gusts” and it was certainly living up to its name. Fierce squalls swept down from the surrounding mountains, churning the water into a wild, angry swell.

Roughly two miles into the journey, darkness fell, and panic reportedly set in among some of the passengers. But it was too late to do anything. Caught in the storm and battered by towering waves, the vessel capsized, flinging its occupants into the freezing, turbulent waters. Meanwhile, on shore, a group had gathered to greet the vessel on its return, but now all they could do was watch on in horror. At dawn, a group set off to search for survivors but sadly, all fourteen passengers had perished.

Local stories that have been handed down by word of mouth over the generations, and these reference unexplained sounds and sightings near the water’s edge. They believe that these could be the souls that were lost nearly 200 years ago.