Mermaid at Runneraw Point, Fahan, County Donegal (1838)

CC image of Fahan Creek by Malcolm Granville.

A MERMAID AND NO MISTAKE.
A very general disbelief in the existence of the mermaid is likely to receive a severe shock from the truth of the following statement:-- A creature, in every respect answering the usual description of the "sea woman," was caught yesterday in the salmon nets at Runneraw Point, near Fahan, county Donegal. She is at present under the protection of a gentleman of that neighbourhood, who has kindly permitted the country people, who are flocking in hundreds about the place, to "see and believe." The members of the Londonderry Natural History Society, we understand, are to proceed to-day, at twelve o'clock, to investigate this extraordinary phenomenon, for the purpose of sending an immediate report of their observations to the British Association, now sitting at Newcastle. We understand that if the novel monster should survive the sudden change in her situation, she will be sent to Viscount Melbourne as a present to the Queen -- if not, the body will be preserved in spirits, and will grace the now forming museum of our local society. A minute description shall be given in our next. -- Derry Standard.

Reprinted in Bell's Life in London and Sporting Chronicle, September 16, 1838.