Northern Ireland Scene 2

Right, we can have a couple of hours here before we have to head off to our hotel.

We’re here in Northern Ireland to learn how to surf and Ashlie’s insisting we also take time to see the sights.

We are at Dunluce Castle. It’s famous because it’s supposed to have its own ghosts.

Come on – let’s go see if we can find a ghost.

Stephen, look! It says here that part of the castle fell into the sea during a terrible storm. All the cooks drowned except for a young kitchen boy who survived.

Scary story, but what an interesting place. Here, give me that book. What’s the name of our hotel?

It’s the Ballygally Castle Hotel.

The Ballygally Castle Hotel? Ballygally Castle is said to be one of the most haunted places in the area.

Come on, Stephen. We’ll be fine!

Hi there. We have a reservation for two rooms. The name is Walker.

Ah yes. How are you enjoying Northern Ireland?

Oh, it’s great. We’ve been surfing today and we went to a haunted castle, Dunluce. We didn’t see any ghosts, though.

Did you know we have ghosts here in the hotel?

Really?

Yes, we even have a Ghost Room you can visit. The man who built the castle here trapped his wife in one of the rooms and she escaped by jumping out of the window. People who visit the hotel say they hear strange noises and things move by themselves.

A Ghost Room! How do we get there?

You go down the corridor, turn left and up the spiral staircase.

I thought the receptionist was joking when she said the hotel had a ghost. But they really do have a haunted room. How scary is that?

Oh Stephen, you’ll believe anything. But I do want to see this Ghost Room. Let’s have a look.

I’m not sure about this, Ash.

Come on, you big baby!

Hmm. I don’t like the look of this.

Look, it’s just an ordinary room. It’s a bit gloomy and the bed’s hard, but I would be happy to spend the night in here.

Well, I wouldn’t! It’s cold and it’s creepy. Anyway, I’m going to my room to change before we eat.

Whoooo!

Come on, Stephen, we don’t want to be late for dinner.

Oh Ash! You’re so sensible sometimes.

Oi! Wait for me.

Wasn’t that a lovely meal, Stephen? I am ready for bed – all that surfing. I’m exhausted. I’m going to sleep well tonight.

Me too. But I’ve found all the ghost stories a bit scary. I feel a bit nervous about spending the night in this haunted hotel, don’t you?

All these ghost stories are absolute nonsense! I don’t believe in ghosts. How could you possibly believe that rubbish? Now, go to bed.

Ashlie – actually, your room isn’t that way.

What?

I had your room changed. You’re in the Ghost Room. I had all your stuff sent up there.

What?

Well, you said all these stories were nonsense. You said you didn’t believe in ghosts. Go on, Ash – spend a night in the Ghost Room. You’re not scared, are you?

No. I’ll sleep like a log. Goodnight.

Goodnight. Don’t get scared!

All this talk about ghosts has got me thinking the hotel is haunted! I’m as bad as Stephen! I hope he’s OK.