Explore 15 Haunted Castles in Ireland: Visit and Stay If You Dare!

It is fascinating to note that many of the haunted castles in Ireland have now been renovated and transformed into beautiful hotels. You can stay at some amazing places in Ireland like these haunted castles and you can also visit the ruins of many an ancient haunted Irish castle.

There is an engrossing history of haunted places in Europe and Ireland is no exception from the some of the most haunted places like the Hellfire Club to castles and pubs across Europe searching out the haunted places makes for some amazing adventures. I can’t say I’ve ever seen a ghost or believe in hauntings but as sure as my name is Faith there is some weird stuff that goes on these haunted castles.

Have you always wanted to stay in a haunted castle? Well in Ireland anything is possible and there are many haunted castles in Ireland that you can book a stay at and experience for yourself the best. There are also many haunted castles in Ireland that you can visit that are in ruins and you can visit at no charge.

How to plan your dream trip to Ireland

Finding haunted castles in Ireland

Did you know that Ireland has over 30,000 castles? Ireland is the land of ghosts and hauntings, steeped in the arcane, ancient bardic tales of spirits, bloody battlefields, and gruesome murders. The legendary Fae, banshees and the Tuatha de Danaan.  If you are brave of heart you need to experience breathtaking landscapes, deep dark castles and legends whose origins are now lost in time. So pick your stay or visit one of Ireland’s haunted castles very carefully you never know who you may disturb.

Some of these haunted castles are in ruins and others have been converted into boutique hotels and B&Bs. Leap Castle for example is a private castle and they do occasionally do tours of the castle to raise money for the reconstruction work that is ongoing.

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All the FAQS about visiting haunted Castles in Ireland

What are some of the most famous haunted castles in Ireland to visit?

When it comes to haunted castles in Ireland, several locations stand out due to their rich history and ghostly tales. One of the most famous is Leap Castle in County Offaly, known as one of the most haunted locations in Ireland. Another notable mention is Ballygally Castle in County Antrim, which is said to be haunted by the ghost of Lady Isabella Shaw. Other castles such as Kinnitty Castle and Kilkea Castle are also popular among visitors looking for a spooky experience.

Is Ashford Castle haunted?

Rumour has it that the hotel has acknowledged the presence of at least one spirit – a young girl is said to haunt the castle but no-one has come forward to actually declare any hauntings.

Why is Leap Castle considered one of the most haunted castles in Ireland?

Leap Castle in County Offaly is infamous for its dark history, which includes tales of betrayal and murder. It is said to be haunted by a variety of spirits, including the resident ghost known as the “Elemental,” a sinister presence that has terrified many visitors. The castle’s bloody chapel, where many gruesome events took place, adds to its haunted reputation. Many who visit Leap Castle report experiencing strange noises and ghostly apparitions.

What can visitors expect at Ballygally Castle?

Ballygally Castle, located in County Antrim, on the Causeway Coast offers visitors a unique blend of history and hauntings. The castle now operates as a hotel, allowing guests to actually stay in a haunted house in Ireland. Guests often recount experiences with the ghost of Lady Isabella Shaw, who is said to roam the castle grounds. The castle features a beautiful coastal view and rich historical artifacts, making it a must-visit for anyone interested in haunted places in Ireland. You will also find one of the Game of Thrones doors here. They were felled in a huge storm and then carved into fanciful doors for the Game of Doors Tour.

Are there any haunted places in Dublin?

In the heart of haunted Ireland, Dublin is renowned for its eerie locations. A notable site in Dublin is St. Michan’s Church: Known for its catacombs, where mummified remains can be seen, St. Michan’s Church is said to be haunted by the spirits of those buried there. Kilmainham Gaol this historic prison, now a museum, has a reputation for being haunted. Many people have reported seeing apparitions and feeling an unsettling presence in various parts of the prison.

19 Haunted Castles in Ireland

Ireland haunted castle vacations are always doable and in this list you will find 8 actual Castle hotels you can stay in.

1.  Kilkea Castle, Kildare

Kilkea Castle has been standing since 1180 when legends tell of the Earl who haunts the Castle. Now a luxury hotel, it is said you can still hear the clash of steel on the staircases where deadly battles were fought. The Wizard Earl, famed for his attempts at alchemy, is said to ride out from the Castle in the dead of night, every 7 years galloping over the windswept plains of the Curragh on a magnificent white stallion whose hooves glint with silver.

The estate boasts 140 bedrooms with several accommodation options. Each of the 11 Castle Bedrooms are uniquely designed and the Carriage Rooms are located within the courtyard of Kilkea Castle where guests can choose from interconnecting and wheelchair accessible rooms.

BOOK YOUR STAY AT KILKEA CASTLE NOW a suite starts at € 855

2.  Cabra Castle, Cavan

Cabra Castle in Cavan was once voted the second scariest hotel in the world. Cabra is set in the beautiful Dun Na Rí Forest Park. The Castle is actually two castles, one now converted into a luxury hotel and the other a crumbling ruin. Cabra is set in the 565-acre Park which is a National Forest.  Local legend would have you believe that a true Romeo and Juliet story is the centre of the ghost haunting Cabra.

The locals believe that in the 1780s the young man of the castle fell in love with a servant girl (Sarah) and his disapproving family murdered the girl and her unborn child, dragging her from her bed and hanging her from the nearby bridge.  It is said that you can hear the cries of a baby within the castle walls weeping, lonely and lost crying for its mother.

The Forest itself is a stunning park with a dramatic gorge, romantic glens, the Lady’s Lake and Sarah’s Bridge. The Bridge was built in 1801 in memory of Sarah Mountmorris who married into the family. Local folk like to associate it with the more luridly romantic, but fictional, story of Sarah the servant girl. 

The Forest is steeped in history as far back as the Iron Age.  It is said that Cuchulain camped here near the river during his defence of Ulster against Maeve’s armies.  The original ruined castle that stands on high ground near Cromwell’s Bridge was built around the 1500s but due to family dramas and Cromwell who confiscated the castle in the 16th century some of its history has become lost to time.

BOOK YOUR STAY AT CABRA CASTLE NOW from €360 per night

3. Castle Leslie Estate, County Monaghan

One of the last great Castles of Ireland still owned by the original family, the wonderfully eccentric Leslie’s has a colourful history. Tracing their ancestry back to Attila the Hun the family estate has been handed down for over 300 years. The Castle has hosted celebrities such as W.B. Yeats, Mick Jagger and many more; in fact, Paul McCartney was married to Heather Mills here in 2002.

Castle Leslie’s hauntings are varied there are rumours of strange happenings in the castle, bells ringing, and mysterious figures wandering the corridors.  The Mauve Room is said to visit occasionally by Lady Constance,  who died in 1925.

There are also stories about a mysterious monk appearing to visitors and a baby’s cry can sometimes be heard in the night.  It is said that Norman Leslie, who was killed during the First World War visited his mother on the night he died.  Lady Marjorie was sleeping in the Red Room and awoke to see his ghost standing near the foot of her bed, looking through some letters. The ghost turned, smiled at her and then faded away.

Room rates at Castle Leslie €120.00 to €304.00 per night depending on which room you choose to stay in. All rates are for 2 and include breakfast.

Monaghan is truly an outdoor lovers’ paradise, you can hike the majestic Mourne Mountains, climb Slieve Donard or explore the Game of Thrones filming sites in the area including Tollymore Forest.

BOOK YOUR STAY AT CASTLE LESLIE MEWS NOW from €547 per night A 2 Bed house next to the Estate

4. Mount Falcon Estates, County Mayo

Surrounded by 100 acres of magical woodlands the luxurious Mount Falcon Country House Hotel is located on the west bank of the River Moy County Mayo.  The Estate was created from the love of one young man for his bride who felt she deserved a “castle to live in”. The jewel in the crown of Mount Falcon is its adjoining two miles of fishing rights on the River Moy. Famous for its salmon pools, it is undoubtedly one of Europe’s most bountiful salmon rivers.

Here you can rest in luxury in an area whose history and main village, Ballinea, dates back to the Stone Age. Explore Cairns, ruins, graveyards Fae filled woodlands and enjoy all that this luxury Manor House has to offer. Numerous guests from all over the world including Vivien Leigh, Peter Sellers, Tiger Woods, Mark O’Meara, and Nick Faldo, have been honoured guests at Mount Falcon.  

The Estate offers rest and relaxation in many forms: Particularly interesting for the traveller is the ability to learn about and fly falcons and hawks and to fly fish for the best salmon in Ireland. Truly you will be haunted by the beauty and luxury of Mount Falcon and it will remain in your memory for years to come.

BOOK YOUR STAY AT MOUNT FALCON NOW

5. Leap Castle, County Offaly

For those of you with strong hearts, a visit to  Ireland’s most haunted castle, Leap Castle is demanded. Leap Castle is world-renowned as the most haunted castle in Ireland if not the world. Its dark halls and history contain many secrets and tragedies.

This castle is haunted by the spirits of brothers Thaddeus and Teighe O’Connell, who met tragic fates within its walls. Legend tells that one brother starved to death, while the other locked himself in a tower, forever haunted by their dark history of black magic and betrayal. 

The “Bloody Chapel” where a murder between a Priest and his brother took place during high mass is just one tale.  The oubliette is home to many secrets of a dark and terrifying past.  In 1922 workmen at Leap Castle found an oubliette in a secret dungeon hidden behind a wall in a corner of the Bloody Chapel.  When they explored the sinister dark hole further they made a horrific discovery – there were enough human skeletons amassed on top of wooden spikes that it would take three cartloads to remove them for a Christian burial.

A tale of infamous treachery is said to have taken place at Leap Castle. The O’Carrolls, who owned the Castle, hired 40 men from the McMahon Clan to train their men in the new methods of warfare. After the training sessions, the McMahon men were invited to a feast, however, the men were unaware that the dark and evil O’Carrolls had poisoned the food so they could avoid paying the bill.

The gruesome history of Leap continues with the Darbys who in the early 1900’s practised the dark arts of the occult.  Mildred Darby is said to have dabbled in these black arts and it is she who is held responsible for unleashing an Elemental.  These are primitive malevolent ghost spirits that attach themselves to a place and cannot be removed.

Local people avoid the Castle completely when dark falls its reputation for hauntings and ghost sitings have terrified folks for centuries.  For over 70 years the castle was boarded up after it had been gutted by fire and the local citizens’ report seeing the windows light up at the top of the castle where the ghostly priest is said to walk. Leap was burnt out and destroyed in 1922 by the IRA while the Darbys were living in England. The castle lay in ruins until it was purchased by the current owners in 1991 that are touring musicians and when they are at home provide tours to help with the restoration of the castle.

Visit Birr Castle when in Offaly

6 Dunguaire Castle, Country Galway

If you want to attend a medieval feast this is the castle to book one at. Dunguaire is probably the most famous landmark associated with Kinvara. The castle was built in 1520 on the gloriously rugged shores of Galway Bay. This restored 16th-century tower house sits on a rocky outcrop on the Bay, 300 yards outside the village of Kinvara in County Galway.

The bards tell of the time that the High King of Connaught, Guaire had set a feast at the castle to reward his men, nearby the hermit Saint Colman, who had been fasting in the nearby mountains of Connemara, called upon God and his angels to provide him with food and drink.

Miraculously, the food set out for the King was seen flying from the plates up to the Saint’s Altar in the mountains.  The Kings reputation for generosity was immortalized in Seanchai (storyteller) tales and his good spirits are said to haunt the place today.

To this day the Castle has a fine tradition of superb feasts with bards, poetry readings, storytelling and much entertainment to be had at the best medieval banquet in Ireland.  Guests will gather in the main hall and be welcomed with a cup of mead. Jugs of wine are set out on the tables and thick handmade beeswax candles light the way. 

7 Kinnitty Castles famous ghost – County Offaly

Kinnitty Castle, renowned as one of Ireland’s most haunted hotels, has drawn the attention of countless paranormal investigators over the years. Securing a room here, especially around Halloween, is highly competitive due to its infamous ghostly reputation.

This enchanting castle hotel offers 37 guest rooms and is surrounded by 650 acres of land, including the remnants of an Augustinian Abbey, the castle’s paranormal lore is rich. The spirit of a guardian monk, affectionately known as Hugh, has been frequently spotted in the banqueting hall and Dungeon Bar by both staff and guests. Hugh, a playful yet harmless presence, once interacted with a staff member named Margaret, telling her she reminded him of a woman named Mary Kelleher, though no one has been able to identify Mary. Hugh is also said to enjoy weddings, occasionally playing small pranks like hiding cutlery and mingling among guests.

The Geraldine Room is particularly popular among those hoping to encounter supernatural activity. Visitors in this attic room have reported sightings of a young girl, heard childlike laughter and footsteps, and witnessed shadows or a woman in white. Guests have also claimed to see the ghost of a man roaming the corridors, heard mysterious breathing, watched shadows dart across their rooms, and even experienced televisions changing channels on their own.

On the castle grounds, a circle of standing stones adds to the eerie atmosphere, where witnesses have reported strange lights and shadows.

BOOK YOUR STAY AT KINITTY CASTLE HOTEL NOW Rooms are around €227

8  Malahide Castle near Dublin

Malahide near Dublin is reported to be haunted by a jester called Huck who fell in love with a Noblewoman and was murdered for his pains and as he lay dying he vowed to haunt the castle forever. When Cromwell evicted the Talbot family, Miles Corbett was granted the castle and lands, he committed multiple atrocities at the castle, including desecrating the abbey. After the restoration of Charles II, he was hung, drawn and quartered for his crimes. His ghost appears in full suit of armour, then falls into four pieces. 

9  Dunluce Castle in Co Antrim, Northern Ireland

Dunluce clings to the side of a cliff on the Causeway Coastal Route of Northern Ireland. The castle kitchens collapsed from the rest of the building taking the entire kitchen and servants with it. Their screams are said to be heard on foggy stormy days.  

You will find Dunluce Castle rising up out of the mist when you travel the road down from the Giant’s Causeway.

Take a moment and have a tour of the magnificent Glens of Antrim when you visit Dunluce you won’t regret it.

10.  Athcarne Castle, Dulleek County Meath 

This castle was built in Meath 1590 so it is Elizabethan in its architecture. A ruin now is supposedly haunted by the ghost of the fallen King James. He died in the nearby Battle of Boyne and reportedly stayed in the castle just prior to his death. Also heard are the agonized screams of soldiers who died at Boyne.

A worker on the site one day reported seeing a young girl with her hands dripping blood and it is also said that a man was hanged at a nearby oak tree. A few visitors have complained about a “feeling” of not being welcome at the ruin.

11  Charleville Castle Tullamore, County Offaly

Built by the Earl of Charleville in 1798, this castle in Tullamore is a tribute to Ireland’s victory over France. Apparently, the ghost is that of Harriet the youngest daughter of the third Earl.

Harriet died tragically falling down the main staircase of the castle. She was only 8 years old, visitors have heard singing, laughter and screams in the castle and it has been investigated many times by paranormal investigators. 

12 Ross Castle in Oldcastle, County Meath

This castle was built in 1533 by the infamous Black Baron. You can stay at this castle as it is now a BnB, which Lonely Planet has called one of the least-known haunted castles in the world. Guests have reported seeing ghostly apparitions and hearing voices, doors apparently open of their own accord and close as well.

It is said that the Black Baron who built the castle had a daughter called Sabina. Sabina was a beautiful young woman who fell in love with a Chieftans son called Owin. They decided to elope as she knew her father would never allow her to marry Owin. Unfortunately, they eloped on a stormy night and Owin drowned in the loch. Sabina survived only to pine away and die and her ghost has haunted the castle since.

13. Carrickfergus Castle in County Antrim, N. Ireland

This Norman castle in Carrickfergus, County Antrim, played a very important role during 1928 and has been the focal point of many attacks throughout the centuries. The Scots, English, French, and Irish have all besieged it.

Carrickfergus Castle was first constructed during 1180 AD-1204 AD by John de Courcy, the Norman Lord of Ulster. In the 800 years, it has been standing the castle has been strengthened and extended many times. In the 18th century, the castle was used as a prison.  

One of the most prominent ghosts in the castle goes by the name ‘Buttoncap’, a young soldier who was stationed here during the late 18th century. It is believed he was executed for having an affair with the wife of his Captain’s brother.

14 Ballygally Castle Hotel Causeway Coast, N. Ireland

Walk the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge

The Ghost of Ballygally has been around for the best part of 400 years. Locals believe that the ghost is that of Lady Isabella Shaw, wife of Lord James Shaw. This Castle is also a hotel and has one of the phenomenal carved doors from the Game of Thrones show.

Legend has it that Lord Shaw desperately wanted a son, and when his wife finally delivered the child he was said to have snatched the baby away from her and had her locked in a room at the top of the tower. The story is told that she attempted to escape and find her baby but fell to her death from the tower window. 

Lady Isabella’s ghost is reputed to be a “friendly” spirit who walks the corridors of the old castle. Over the years many guests have reported strange experiences and have felt a presence in their rooms! There are also endless stories of unexplained noises in the night and an eerie green mist over the castle!

A room at the hotel starts at a reasonable €138.88 and goes up to €162.02 for the Tower Suite. The cost does include a full Irish breakfast.

BOOK YOUR STAY AT BALLYGALLY CASTLE NOW Room rates from € 204

15. Clifden Castle in Connemara County Galway

Clifden Castle in Connemara was built in the 19th Century but went into decline during the Great Famine of 1845. The castle is said to be haunted by the spirits of the poor and deprived who sheltered in the castle grounds during this period.

16 Antrim Castle, N. Ireland County Antrim

There are a number of hauntings that are reported to occur at Antrim Castle. In front of the castle gates, there is a stone wolfhound statue that is said was once real. The dog is said to have warned the castle occupants about an attack and a witch turned it to stone. 

17.  Ballyseede Castle – Tralee, County Kerry

A reader kindly brought to my attention the fact that I had left Ballyseede Castle of my list – shame on me this is a beautiful castle in Kerry that has a lovely ghost.

Kerry’s only Castle Hotel Ballyseede is located near the Ring of Kerry. Set in 30 acres of woodland this is a boutique-style hotel with a resident wolfhound and naturally a ghost.

A friendly ghost called Hilda who was the last of the owner’s line. Hilda was a Nurse during WWI and had seen a lot of bloodshed in France and Belgium at that time. On her return to her home, the Rising had begun and the Tralee area was the site of many a rebel battle and murder.

Hilda is usually to be found in the Crosby Room which was her bedroom and interestingly although no roses are used in the hotel it is said that Hilda’s ghost brings with it the smell of red roses from the gardens. Room rates range from €140 to 275 including an excellent breakfast.

From Ballyseede you can easily take a tour of the Ring of Kerry or hike Carrantohil mountain said to be Ireland’s tallest. Or simply head for some great walks in Killarney National park and make a stop at Muckross House. Visiting Killarney is a treat and you can pick up a horse and buggy to tour the Ring.

BOOK YOUR STAY AT BALLYSEEDE NOW

18. Blackwater Castle County Cork

Blackwater Castle is located in County Cork, near the village of Castletownroche. The castle has a long history, with its origins dating back to the 12th century. It’s situated on a hill overlooking the Blackwater River, which adds to its picturesque and somewhat mysterious ambiance.

As for whether it’s haunted, there are various stories and legends associated with the castle. Like many old castles, it has its share of ghost stories and paranormal claims. Some visitors and locals have reported unusual occurrences and eerie feelings, which are not uncommon in historic sites with such a long history. Whether these experiences are due to actual hauntings or just the atmospheric setting is up for debate, but they certainly add to the castle’s appeal.

The hunt  for haunted Ireland and Dark Tourism sites has unveiled a treasure trove of eerie tales and spectral sightings across the Emerald Isle. Among the many castles, Ireland’s most haunted castle, Leap Castle, stands out due to its chilling history involving the brothers Thaddeus and Teighe O’Connell, who met tragic fates. It is said that in Castle Leslie a banshee wails in the dead of night, echoing throughout the castle, a harbinger of doom tied to the Leslie family and their ties to black magic.

Notably, Blackwater Castle in Offaly is one of those haunted places where tales of spirits linger, and where one legend tells of a lady who locked herself in a tower to escape her fate. Ghost hunters and enthusiasts frequently compile a list of the most haunted locales, with each visit revealing more about the tragic stories of those who starved to death or perished while saying mass. The castle estate holds secrets that make it a pivotal part of Ireland’s rich and haunted history.

19. Waterford Castle – County Waterford

Set on its own private island, Waterford Castle is not only luxurious but also rumored to be haunted by spirits from its long history, though these tales are less well-known than those of other haunted castle hotels.

The haunting of Waterford Castle is tied to its long and storied history, although its ghostly reputation is subtler compared to some of Ireland’s more notorious haunted locations. Situated on a private island on the River Suir in County Waterford, the castle dates back to the 16th century and was once the ancestral home of the Fitzgerald family, a powerful Anglo-Norman dynasty.

While Waterford Castle is more known for its luxury and charm, there have been occasional reports of paranormal activity that add to its mystique. The Fitzgeralds, who lived in the castle for centuries, are believed by some to still linger on the grounds. Guests have reported sensing unexplained presences in certain areas of the castle, especially in rooms tied to the family’s history.

There are some legends that speak of a Lady in White, a common figure in Irish ghost folklore. She has been spotted by a few guests wandering the halls, though sightings are rare. The identity of this figure is unclear, but she is thought to be connected to the castle’s past, possibly a former resident or someone tied to the Fitzgerald family.

A few guests and staff members have reported hearing soft whispers, footsteps, and the sensation of being watched, especially in the older parts of the castle.

BOOK YOUR STAY AT WATERFORD CASTLE NOW

You will see many ruined possibly haunted castles in Ireland and there are also some amazing Abbeys, ruined churches and graveyards to explore.

Interested in more castles?

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