B.C. Investigators Launch Haunted Documentary Series in Ireland

Three paranormal investigators from British Columbia have embarked on an exciting journey into the supernatural, producing a series of documentaries that explore some of the most haunted locations in the world. Sisters Corine Carey and Leanne Sallenback, alongside lifelong friend Kelly Ireland, have teamed up with Vancouver’s Small Army Entertainment and the T+E channel to create captivating content that showcases their passion for the paranormal.

Their latest project, a one-hour documentary titled Destination Haunted: Leap Castle, is set to premiere on October 3, 2023, at 21:00 as part of T+E’s Halloweekend programming. Leap Castle, located in County Offaly, is renowned as Ireland’s most haunted site, steeped in a history of bloodshed and violence since its construction in the 13th century.

Carey expressed her excitement about visiting Leap Castle, stating, “It’s been on my bucket list, I think all of our bucket lists, for quite a long time. It was just amazing to go there.” The documentary also explores the Oweynagat cave, known as Ireland’s Gate to Hell, which is linked to the ancient festival of Samhain, or Halloween. Legend has it that this cave served as an entrance to the Otherworld, where mythical spirits are said to appear on October 31.

The documentary features the experiences of the Ryan family, who have lived in Leap Castle since 1991. They recount numerous unexplained phenomena, including sightings of ghostly children. “You never feel alone at Leap Castle,” Carey notes in the film.

The trio’s journey into the paranormal began over a decade ago when they founded their company, Beyond the Haunting Investigations. Sallenback, who resides in a remote area near Canim Lake, shared, “We’ve travelled together and just kind of looked at the paranormal, which has been a passion for Corine and me since we were very little.” This passion led to increasingly ambitious projects, culminating in their first television series, Haunted Gold Rush, released in 2022, followed by History’s Most Haunted in 2023.

Their television ventures have sparked interest in paranormal tourism, encouraging individuals to explore historic locations with intriguing and often eerie pasts. “Once COVID hit, we thought, well, maybe now’s the time to get in,” Ireland explained, noting how their passion evolved into accessible experiences for others.

The success of their initial series has proven significant, with Carey stating it was among the top shows on its network, leading to a tourism award and increased interest in their projects. “We are driving people to these forgotten places, forgotten history, and we’re essentially bringing it back to life,” said Sallenback.

While their television career takes center stage, the trio continues to undertake private investigations, helping individuals who have experienced unexplained phenomena in their homes. “A lot of the times they’ve seen something; they’ve had an experience in their own home, and they’re scared,” Carey explained.

Each of the women maintains a balance between their paranormal pursuits and everyday lives. Ireland is a stay-at-home mom, Carey works as a high school teacher, and Sallenback manages a remote resort campground. They have found that sharing their experiences has encouraged others to open up about their own encounters.

“It was like they’ve been holding it in for so long,” Ireland reflected. “It just gave them permission to share all these things that had been going on or that they had forgotten about from so long ago.”

Despite the eerie nature of their work, Carey emphasizes the importance of healthy skepticism. “You have to have a healthy degree of skepticism. But when you’ve experienced what we’ve experienced, it’s just hard for us to deny what’s happening.”

As they look to the future, the trio is excited about potential new projects, stating, “We are not slowing down. We just feel like our momentum is just getting started.” With a unique combination of passion and expertise, they continue to carve out a niche in the world of paranormal investigation, inspiring others to explore the unknown alongside them.