Haunted places in Northern Ireland

Most haunted places for dark tourism across Northern Ireland

Irish history is full of legends, hauntings friendly ghosts and not so friendly ghosts. Haunted Northern Ireland locations offer a fascinating mix of history, folklore, and spine-chilling experiences. Whether you’re exploring castle ruins, ancient burial sites, or eerie gaols, these destinations will leave you with unforgettable memories. Perfect for history buffs, ghost hunters, and anyone with a love of the supernatural, these haunted sites showcase the darker, mysterious side of Northern Ireland.

These haunted spots combine history, folklore, and spine-chilling tales, making them must-visit destinations for anyone intrigued by Ireland’s supernatural side.

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FAQS about Northern Ireland’s haunted places

Why are there so many haunted places in Ireland?

Ireland’s rich tapestry of history, folklore, and mythology contributes to the abundance of haunted places in Ireland. Many of these locations, such as Leap Castle and Malahide Castle in the Republic of Ireland, are steeped in tales of tragedy and turmoil, often involving battles, betrayals, and loss of life.

There may not be as many haunted places in Northern Ireland but they do have their fair share. Places like Dunluce Castle on the Causeway Coast, Castle hotels such as Ballygally and the ancient megalith at the Giant’s Ring are all suspected of being haunted.

Additionally, the Irish culture embraces the supernatural, making it a fascinating destination for those intrigued by the paranormal. Many visitors also like to stay in haunted Castle hotels making their visit to Ireland a great story to tell their friends at home.

What are some of the most famous haunted places in Northern Ireland?

Some of the most famous haunted places in Northern Ireland include, Grace Neills Pub in Donaghadee, which is said to be haunted by smugglers and pirates. Another notable mention is Ballygally Castle in Antrim, where visitors have reported sightings of a ghostly figure believed to be the spirit of Lady Isobel Shaw. Each of these places offer a glimpse into Ireland’s turbulent past and are steeped in old tales and ancient stories.

What can visitors expect on a guided tour of a haunted house?

Visitors on a guided tour of a haunted house can expect to hear captivating ghost stories and historical anecdotes about the property. These tours often take place in locations like the Crumlin Road Gaol or in Carrickfergus Castle where guides share chilling tales of the spirits that are said to haunt the premises. Guests may also have the opportunity to explore eerie corridors and dark rooms, immersing themselves in the haunted atmosphere of these storied locations.

Paranormal Investigators Shadow Hunters NI

Shadow Hunters NI, Northern Ireland’s premier paranormal investigation team, is based in Belfast. Since 2014, we’ve blended cutting-edge technology with traditional investigative methods to explore and document paranormal phenomena. Previously the team at Crumlin Road Gaol, we are now the resident investigators at the Belfast Barge and Downpatrick Railway Museum, where the level of paranormal activity is truly “unbelievable.”

Their passion for the paranormal and unexplained happenings drives them to share these experiences with others through our paranormal tour. They host public investigations at historic sites, such as the Belfast Barge, allowing participants to witness the unexplained firsthand.  

19 of Northern Ireland’s most haunted places

Here are some of the best haunted places in Ireland to visit, perfect for fans of ghost stories, dark tourism, and eerie history:

Grace Neill’s Pub, Donaghadee, County Down

Grace Neill ran the inn for much of the 19th and 20th centuries and she is said to keep a watchful eye over the pub from beyond the grave with glasses and books moving around seemingly by themselves and lights being switched on and off. Grace Neill’s boasts an impressive 410-year history, making it no surprise that it is said to be home to a few spirits.

Over the centuries, Grace Neill’s has said to have been frequented by smugglers, pirates, sailors, and soldiers, all enjoying a drink in the original snugs at the front of the bar. The ghosts at Grace Neill’s are so legendary that paranormal TV crews and ghost hunters have paid visits, and séances have been held within its walls.

But beyond the spectral stories, the pub offers a cozy, traditional atmosphere with live music and delicious pub food. It’s not just spirits who’ve enjoyed a drink here—historical figures like author Daniel Defoe, composer Franz Liszt, and even Peter the Great of Russia have all raised a glass at the bar.

Carrickfergus Castle, Carrickfergus, N. Ireland

Carrickfergus Castle in Antrim is haunted by the ghost of “Buttoncap,” a soldier who died unjustly in the 19th century and now lingers within its ancient walls. The legend of Button Cap is that of mistaken identity. Robert Rainey, a fellow soldier found out that his fiancee had been cheating on him with a man named Jennings, who was attacked and killed by Rainey. But it turns out that he had mistaken Jennings for a man called Timothy Lavery. He attacked the man in the night and dealt him a fatal blow before fleeing. Jennings lived long enough to tell the story and he swore to haunt the castle forever. 

Newcastle Harbour, County Down

In the seaside town of Newcastle, County Down, locals have harrowing stories of a banshee seen walking among the boats and lobster pots. Described as a small woman with a high-pitched voice, her appearance is said to signal an impending death. 

Newcastle Harbour is home to the ghostly apparition of a banshee, described as a small woman with a high-pitched voice. She is said to appear near the boats and lobster pots, and her presence is considered an omen of death, adding an air of dark mystery to this seaside town.

The Dark Hedges, County Antrim

The Dark Hedges, an 18th-century avenue of Beech trees, are known for their beauty and eerie presence and have been a major tourist attraction in recent years thanks to the Game of Thrones program. At dusk, the “Grey Lady” is said to appear, silently gliding along the road before vanishing by the last tree.

Known for its beauty and eerie atmosphere, the Dark Hedges is a row of beech trees planted by the Stuart family in the 18th century. As the sun sets, the “Grey Lady” is said to appear, gliding silently among the trees before vanishing at the end of the avenue. This famous landmark is a favorite for both ghost hunters and Game of Thrones fans.

Crom Estate, Fermanagh

Crom Estate, set on the shores of Upper Lough Erne, is known for its stunning views and haunting tales. Join the ghost walk through the ruins, pass ancient yew trees, and witness spectral lights above Lough Erne, all while soaking in the scenic beauty. Crom Estate is set on the shores of Upper Lough Erne and is known for its beauty as well as its paranormal stories.

From Crom you can hike the Stairway to Heaven and discover Fermanagh’s treasures such as the Janus Head on Boa Island.

Ghostly lights have been seen above Lough Erne, and eerie occurrences are reported on the property, along with the voices of chattering servants making it an ideal spot for those looking to explore the supernatural in Northern Ireland. You can rent a wing of Crom Castle here.

Crumlin Road Gaol, Belfast

Crumlin Road Gaol, dating back to 1845, is one of Northern Ireland’s most haunted locations. Imprisoning some of Belfast’s most notorious characters in its cell blocks Crumlin Road is a popular tourist destination.

With 17 executions of mainly Republican prisoners over its history, many visitors experience strange sights and sounds. One of the most infamous haunted locations in Northern Ireland, Crumlin Road Gaol was in use for over 150 years. It housed notorious prisoners, the Hunger Strike of the 70’s and the gaol has a variety of self-guided and guided tours. Visitors have reported eerie sounds, shadowy figures, and unexplained noises. The prison offers paranormal tours, allowing visitors to explore the execution chamber, condemned man’s cell, and more, making it a must-visit for dark tourism.

Conway Mill

A linen spinning mill on Falls Road in West Belfast that is now home to several businesses. Some report seeing shadowy figures on the stairs and hearing loud growling noises in the corridors.

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. 

Scrabo Tower, Newtonards

The name “Scrabo” is believed to mean “cow pasture,” suggesting that this area was once a grazing ground for cattle. Stone huts and a cairn once stood around Scrabo Hill, marking the site of an ancient Irish chieftain’s resting place.

Locals claim to hear phantom whispers and strange banging sounds near the tower. Some have even reported seeing the apparition of a woman in period clothing, wandering the tower’s stairwell.

The White Horse Hotel, County Londonderry

The White Horse Hotel in Derry is said to be haunted by a ghostly mail stagecoach that mysteriously disappears after entering the hotel. The city’s Samhain, Halloween festival only adds to the spooky atmosphere. In the city of Derry/Londonderry.

Springhill House & Gardens, County Londonderry

Springhill House is home to the friendly ghost of Olivia Lenox Conyngham, who is said to roam the gardens and house, welcoming visitors to her former home. Springhill House is an early plantation house with a friendly ghost – Olivia Lenox Conyngham, the former lady of the house. Visitors claim to have seen her floating around the gardens and inside the house. This haunted site attracts those interested in both its history and the paranormal.

The Giant’s Ring, Belfast

This ancient site, dating back to 2700 BC, is a Neolithic graveyard associated with strange occurrences. Visitors have reported being lost in thick mist and finding themselves back at the Menhir, a druidic altar at the center of the ring. The Giant’s Ring is an ancient Neolithic site believed to date back to 2700 BC. Associated with unsettling experiences, visitors have reported strange occurrences, such as thick mists and mysterious movements. This sacred site in Shaws Bridge is a hotspot for those interested in dark tourism and the paranormal.

Cairndhu House, Larne, County Antrim

Cairndhu House, a 19th-century mansion in County Antrim, is considered one of the most haunted locations in Northern Ireland. Paranormal experts claim at least three ghosts haunt the derelict building, including a former resident. A derelict mansion dating back to 1880, Cairndhu House is considered one of the most haunted places in Northern Ireland. Paranormal experts believe at least three spirits haunt the estate, including a former resident.

Tollymore Forest Park, County Down

Tollymore Forest Park is home to the “Blue Lady,” a restless spirit believed to be the ghost of a former resident of Tollymore House. The ghost is said to wander through the forest, particularly on dark nights. This haunting location is popular among both hikers and ghost hunters.

Dunluce Castle, County Antrim

Dunluce is said to be one of Ireland’s most haunted castles due to its dramatic cliffside location it has legends of ghostly sailors and a banshee haunting its ruins. Perched on a dramatic cliff edge, this ruin in Northern Ireland is steeped in ghostly legends. The castle is said to be haunted by the spirits of drowned sailors and the banshee who warns of impending doom. Its tragic history includes part of the kitchen collapsing into the sea during a storm, killing the staff inside.

Ballygally Castle Hotel, County Antrim

Located in Northern Ireland, Ballygally Castle is now a charming hotel with a ghostly twist. It’s haunted by Lady Isabella Shaw, who was reportedly locked in a tower by her husband and fell to her death. 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. Guests have reported strange knocks on doors, ghostly figures, and icy chills in the tower room. Inside the hotel you will find one of the beautifully carved Game of Thrones Doors from the Tour of Doors passport.

Castle Ward (County Down)

Known to Game of Thrones fans as Winterfell, Castle Ward is also said to be haunted by ghostly soldiers and servants from its long history. Visitors have reported strange lights, whispers, and even apparitions in the grounds.

​Rathlin Island Haunted places

Rathlin Island, located off the coast of Northern Ireland, is home to several reportedly haunted locations, including the Manor House and the ruins of Bruce’s Castle.

Manor House

Built in 1760, this house is considered one of the island’s most haunted spots. Visitors have reported seeing shadowy figures, including a woman and a child carrying a candle. There have also been accounts of poltergeist activity and unexplained footsteps echoing through the rooms.

Bruce’s Castle

The ruins of Bruce’s Castle are steeped in eerie tales. Legend has it that fishermen who took shelter in the ruins during the night saw a mysterious hand holding a cup reach out to them. The castle was once a hiding place for Robert the Bruce, the King of Scots, and his soldiers after their defeat by Edward I’s army in Scotland.

Black Nun’s Grave, Ballycastle

The Black Nun’s grave in Ballycastle, County Antrim, is steeped in eerie folklore and local legend. Known as the final resting place of a nun who was deeply wronged during her lifetime, her spirit is said to haunt the site to this day. Visitors to the grave often report unsettling experiences, such as strange whispers, the sound of footsteps, or a chilling sense of being watched. The haunting tale adds to the mystique of Ballycastle, drawing both thrill-seekers and those intrigued by Ireland’s rich tapestry of ghostly stories.

Northern Ireland, part of the island of Ireland, offers a unique blend of dark tourism and immersive experiences for those intrigued by the macabre. From the mysterious Tollymore Forest to the eerie allure of Dunluce Castle, visitors can explore a variety of haunted hotels and heritage sites that boast a reputation as the most haunted locations in the region.