Ireland’s Haunted Sites and Castles

Leap Castle - The Bloody Chapel and the Elemental

Leap Castle, in County Offaly has a myth quite unlike any other, and is quite literally built on death. The castle was built in the 13th century, and has seen all kinds of blood-soaked betrayals, religious massacres and is packed full of mysterious and disturbing features. For instance, an oubliette was discovered behind what turned out to be a false wall, and it was packed full of human bones. The main attraction of this castle is the Bloody Chapel, a room that was used as a sanctuary. Until, that is, a power hungry man killed his own brother, the priest, during the mass.

This act, according to the legend, cursed the space. It is believed that there is an Elemental, or inhuman spirit, that can be summoned to this space through occult rituals. These aren't just fairy tales made to scare people, as some guests have felt spooky drops in temperature, have seen glowing red eyes in the shadows, and even smelt the reek of rotting flesh in the castle. This is a castle you don't want to miss.

Charleville Castle – The Girl on the Stairs

Charleville Castle sits near Tullamore, and is an epic gothic revival masterpiece. From an architectural standpoint, it is a fantastic amalgamation of styles and engineering prowess. From a haunted tour guide's view, this is the perfect destination to bring horror fans and people with a penchant for the spiritual. The castle has looming towers, creaky floors, and long corridors with creepy whispering echoes. However, the main star of Charleville Castle is Harriet.

She was 8 years old when she died in the 1800s, falling from the grand staircase. According to the legend, though, Harriet never left Charleville Castle. In the centuries after her death, countless visitors have heard her singing in the halls, and running up and down the spooky corridors. Some have even reported feeling her tugging at their hands. There is definitely a creepy aura around the castle, but this is not your malevolent haunting, it is more sad. Charleville is open for tours, events, and even overnight stays if you have the nerve. Just don’t talk too loudly around the staircase. She doesn’t like noise.

Kilkea Castle – Magic, Hermits, and a Sleeping Sorcerer

Kilkea Castle in County Kildare is a place where history and myth tangle into something beautifully weird. Built in the 12th century, it once belonged to Gerald, the 11th Earl of Kildare, an alchemist, magician, or madman, depending on who you ask. The story goes that he vanished into the castle, promising to return every seven years on a silver-shod horse. Some say he still does.

Today, Kilkea operates as a luxury hotel and golf resort. It’s beautiful, polished, expensive and from afar, almost completely innocuous of its dark past. But even behind all that shine, the energy remains. Locals won’t joke about Gerald. They’ll just nod politely and change the subject. That tells you enough.

Practical Tips to Follow Before You Visit

Before you pack your things and set off for a ghost hunt, there are a few practical aspects to lay down first. Some of these sites and destinations are closed during certain parts of the year. They may not be always open, or at least open for public visitors. Other places we look at may have certain restrictions, or areas inaccessible to the general public as they are privately owned. Or, there may be no official guides or tours offered.

Weather and temperatures must also be considered. We don't just mean prepare for tepid Irish summers, but to prepare specifically for castles, stone forts and other ruins, which can get quite chilly even during peak summer in Ireland.

As far as photography is concerned, most places allow visitors to bring their cameras. You can take photos and try to capture something eerie, but don't get overexcited and make flash photos of every nook and cranny. Last but not least, check ahead and book early. Weather permitting, you have the perfect day plan set up, but make sure you don't miss out as the tours can get fully booked.