  While the physics of equilibrium systems composed of many particles is well
known, the interplay between small-scale physics and global properties is still
a mystery for athermal systems. Non-trivial patterns and metastable states are
often reached in those systems. We explored the various arrangements adopted by
magnetic beads along chains and rings. Here, we show that it is possible to
create mechanically stable defects in dipole arrangements keeping the memory of
dipole frustration. Such defects, nicknamed "ghost junctions", seem to act as
macroscopic magnetic monopoles, in a way reminiscent of spin ice systems.
