Discover and visit the top most haunted places in Ireland

Irish history is full of legends, hauntings friendly ghosts and not so friendly ghosts. Haunted 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 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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Haunted Places in Ireland FAQS

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, are steeped in tales of tragedy and turmoil, often involving battles, betrayals, and loss of life. The events that transpired within these walls have left behind a lingering energy, giving rise to numerous ghost stories. Additionally, the Irish culture embraces the supernatural, making it a fascinating destination for those intrigued by the paranormal.

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

Some of the most famous haunted castles in Ireland include Leap Castle in Offaly, known as one of the most haunted locations in the world, and Malahide Castle in Dublin, which is said to be haunted by the White Lady. 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 castles offers a glimpse into Ireland’s turbulent past and is steeped in legend.

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 Kilmainham Gaol or the Hell Fire Club in the Dublin Mountains, 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.

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

Leap Castle is renowned for its bloody history, which includes tales of murder and betrayal within its walls. It is said to be haunted by the bloody chapel spirit, a ghostly apparition believed to be the victim of a familial dispute. Visitors have reported feeling an unsettling presence and even witnessing paranormal activity, making it a must see.

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

Ireland is home to some of the most haunted places steeped in history and ghostly legends. Kilmainham Gaol in Dublin is a chilling former prison where executions took place, and visitors often report phantom footsteps and eerie whispers. The ruins of Leamaneh Castle in County Clare are haunted by the vengeful spirit of Maire Rua, a fierce noblewoman who is said to wander the grounds.

Coolbawn House in County Wexford, now a ruin, is rumored to have ghostly apparitions tied to its tragic history, with locals often seeing shadowy figures. The luxurious Shelbourne Hotel in Dublin is famously haunted by a young girl named Mary Masters, whose spirit is often felt in the halls.

The White Lady of Kinsale is a ghostly figure said to haunt Charles Fort in County Cork, grieving over her tragic love story. Belvelly Castle in Cork is tied to tales of ghostly screams and shadows, believed to be the spirit of Lady Margaret Hodnett, known for her tragic and vengeful history. Lough Sheelin in Cavan is surrounded by legends of ghostly maidens and mournful cries heard along its shores, making it an eerie yet enchanting spot to visit. These haunted places offer a mix of history, folklore, and the supernatural, perfect for those drawn to Ireland’s mysterious past.

Leamanah Castle, (County Clare)

Red Mary, or the “Red Lady,” is one of Ireland’s most infamous and chilling ghostly figures. Her real name was Máire Rua (Mary of the Red Hair), and she was a member of the powerful MacMahon and O’Brien families during the 17th century. Known for her fiery red hair and even fierier temperament she became notorious for her marriages, particularly her second one to Conor O’Brien, the owner of Leamaneh Castle.

After Conor’s death in battle, Máire Rua was forced to marry an English soldier to secure her family’s safety and preserve her wealth, a move that earned her the disdain of Irish patriots. She ruled over Leamaneh Castle with an iron fist and was rumored to be exceptionally cruel to her servants and tenants. Legend has it that she would have disobedient servants thrown out of the castle tower to their deaths.

After her death, her malevolent spirit was said to linger at Leamaneh Castle, dressed in a flowing red gown. She is believed to haunt the ruins of the castle and the surrounding lands, with sightings of her ghostly figure reported by visitors and locals. Her spirit is described as vengeful and restless, wandering the area as if searching for something—or someone. 

Leap Castle (County Offaly)

Leap Castle is often called the most haunted castle in the world. With a bloody history of betrayal and murder, its ghostly inhabitants include the terrifying Elemental, a dark spirit that reeks of death and decay. Visitors report chilling encounters, especially in the Bloody Chapel and the oubliette—a trapdoor dungeon where human remains were discovered. Leap Castle is a must-see for paranormal enthusiasts.

The Brazen Head, (Dublin City)

The 12th century Brazen Head is one of Dublin’s oldest pubs and has borne witness to 800 years of Dublin history, but its reputation as a spot for a paranormal pint dates back to 1803 and the hanging of Irish rebel Robert Emmet.

The pub was where he planned his ill-fated rebellion against British rule, which ended up with him hanged and beheaded on nearby Thomas Street. The gory story goes that the blood ran down the hill to his favourite watering hole, and if you stick around until closing time you might catch him in his favourite spot in the corner watching out for his enemies.

Kilmainham Gaol (Dublin City)

Ireland’s most famous prison is steeped in tragic history. Visitors have reported cold spots, eerie whispers, and the feeling of being watched, especially in the execution yard where Irish rebels were killed. This historic prison is a chilling site where many Irish revolutionaries were executed. Visitors frequently report hearing whispers, footsteps, and eerie cries. The execution yard and the cells are particularly known for their ghostly atmosphere.

Loftus Hall (County Wexford)

  Loftus Hall is a large country house on the Hook peninsula. Dubbed the most haunted house in Ireland, Loftus Hall is said to be haunted by the spirit of a young woman and a sinister presence linked to a mysterious guest who was possibly the Devil.

According to legend, one stormy night a mysterious stranger approached Loftus Hall on horseback and was invited in by the Tottenham family who were living there at the time. Legend has it that a mysterious guest, suspected to be the Devil, vanished in a flash of fire during a card game. Since then, the ghost of Anne Tottenham, a young woman who died of heartbreak, is said to haunt the halls.

The Hellfire Club (Dublin Mountains)

This abandoned old hunting lodge has a dark history of occult practices, black magic and sacrificial rituals. Visitors often report strange noises and an oppressive atmosphere. Located on Montpelier Hill, the Hellfire Club is a ruined hunting lodge with a dark reputation. Built on an ancient burial site, the members of the hell fire club were rumored to host satanic rituals and sacrifices. Visitors often experience strange noises, feelings of unease, and ghostly apparitions.

Charles Fort (County Cork)

A beautiful seaside fortress with a tragic love story. The White Lady, a ghostly figure, is said to wander the grounds, mourning her lost love. This star-shaped fortress is famous for its tragic ghost story. The White Lady of Charles Fort, a bride who leapt to her death after her husband was killed, is said to haunt the grounds. Visitors have reported seeing her ghostly figure wandering the walls. 

The legend of the White Lady is the tale of Wilful Warrender, daughter of the commander of Charles Fort, Governor Warrender.  She fell in love with an officer named Sir Trevor Ashurst, and soon they married.  After their wedding, Wilful and Sir Trevor were walking the grounds of the fort. 

Wilful saw beautiful flowers at the base of a battlement, and Sir Trevor decided climb down to get some for her. Then, an on-duty sentry volunteered for the job.  Sir Trevor took the man’s place as guard, and he waited.  Sit Trevor fell asleep when the sentry didn’t return.     

Governor Warrender had a reputation for enforcing a severe military code. When he saw the slumped sentry, Warrender called out a challenge.  It went unanswered.  Determining that the sentry was asleep on duty, Warrender shot him through the heart.  He only realized afterwards that he had shot his son-in-law. 

Grief-stricken, Wilful jumped from one of the ramparts, throwing herself into the icy waters below.  Wilful’s ghost is called the White Lady because she wanders the fort in her wedding dress.  Reputedly, she is looking for any sleeping sentries, wanting to awake them. 

Ross Castle (County Meath)

This medieval tower is said to be haunted by the ghost of Sabina Nugent, the daughter of an Irish chieftain, who died of heartbreak when her lover drowned. This 15th-century tower house is haunted by the tragic spirit of Sabina Nugent, the daughter of an Irish chieftain. Legend says she fell in love with an English soldier who drowned trying to elope with her. Devastated, Sabina starved herself to death in the castle. Her ghost is said to wander the ruins, still grieving her lost love.

The Old Abbey of Kilmacduagh (County Galway)

Known for its leaning tower and remote location, this ancient abbey is said to be haunted by monks and other spirits linked to its long history. This ancient abbey with its leaning tower is not only a historical site but also a haunted one. Visitors have reported ghostly monks and shadowy figures roaming the grounds at night.

Clonony Castle (County Offaly)

This lesser-known castle is said to be haunted by the ghosts of two women, thought to be cousins of Anne Boleyn, who were poisoned here. Visitors often feel an eerie presence in its dimly lit chambers.

Cork City Gaol (Cork)

A former prison turned museum, Cork City Gaol is known for ghostly apparitions of former prisoners and wardens. Visitors have reported hearing disembodied footsteps and voices. This former prison turned museum is a hotspot for paranormal activity. Many visitors have reported hearing disembodied voices and footsteps, and some have even seen ghostly apparitions of former prisoners.

The Murder Hole Beach (Donegal)

This isolated and stunning beach comes with dark tales of drownings and ghostly sightings, adding to its mysterious allure. This remote and eerie beach has a dark reputation tied to drownings and ghostly sightings. Its haunting beauty draws those with a taste for the mysterious.

Kinnitty Castle (County Offaly)

Kinnitty Castle, now a hotel, is home to The Phantom Monk of Kinnitty, who has been sighted roaming its halls. The castle’s Gothic architecture and dark history create a perfect backdrop for ghost stories. Guests often report unusual noises and fleeting shadows. You can book a stay at Kinnitty here.

Malahide Castle (County Dublin)

This beautiful castle is said to be haunted by several ghosts, including Puck, a jester who fell in love with a prisoner and died tragically. Visitors have reported hearing his laughter echoing through the halls.

Malahide Castle’s tumultuous 800-year history has contributed much to its haunted reputation. It is said that Malahide castle has at least four ghosts.

One of the castle’s most popular spectres is Lord Galtrim or Sir Walter Hussey. He was killed in battle during his wedding day in the 15th century and is said to wander the castle at night, groaning in pain while pointing to the spear wound on his side.

A spectre thought to inhabit the castle is Lady Maud Plunkett. She appears to castle workers and guests as she did on the day of her marriage to a Lord Chief Justice. She would chase her husband’s ghost through the corridors of the castle. 

Puck is the ghost of a jester once present in the castle. It is said that one snowy night in December, Puck, the jester, was found with a stab to the heart, still wearing his jester suit and cap. Numerous castle visitors have reported seeing the jester’s face on photos taken in and around the castle.

Lastly, there is the ghost of Miles Corbet. Miles Corbett was gifted the castle by Oliver Cromwell and was later hanged as punishment for the many crimes he had committed during his time as the castle’s master. Now it is said that the ghost of Corbett appears around the castle in full armour before suddenly collapsing, falling into pieces and disappearing.

Ardgillan Castle (County Dublin)

Ardgillan Castle is rumored to be haunted by the ghost of a drowned woman, known as the Lady’s Stairs Specter, who is said to wander near the castle’s bridge at night.

Castle Leslie (County Monaghan)

This 17th-century castle is still owned by the Leslie family and operates as a luxury hotel. Guests often report encounters with Sir John Leslie’s ghost, who is said to play tricks on visitors, and a ghostly priest who roams the chapel. You can book a stay at Castle Leslie here.

Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery (County Sligo)

This ancient site of tombs and stone circles is steeped in myth and legend. Locals say the spirits of the ancient dead linger among the stones.

Newgrange (County Meath)

This prehistoric neolithic passage tomb in the Boyne Valley is older than the Pyramids and is said to be haunted by spirits of ancient kings and druids. The site is rich in myth, often linked to the Tuatha Dé Danann, Ireland’s mythical gods.

The Rock of Cashel (County Tipperary)

The iconic Rock of Cashel site is said to be haunted by monks and spirits tied to its violent past. Visitors report strange lights and sounds within its ruins.

Blarney Castle (County Cork)

Famous for the Blarney Stone, the castle also has ghost stories tied to its dungeon and battlements. Visitors have reported ghostly shadows and unexplained noises.

Haunted Ireland Guided tours

Taking a trip to these haunted buildings offers a chance to voyage through layers of time and uncover the dark tales that have shaped these sites. The Hook Peninsula is another intriguing location, with stories of a good ghost story waiting to be told. Many visitors find themselves captivated by the rich tapestry of history interwoven with the supernatural, where the castle walls echo whispers of the past. With many ghosts still present, the experience is both chilling and enlightening, promising an adventure that lingers long after the visit.