Discover the Castles Where Legends Still Whisper

Ireland’s misty hills and ancient ruins are steeped in history, mystery, and a touch of the supernatural. From eerie fortresses to shadowy towers, the country’s haunted castles are more than stone walls — they’re gateways to centuries-old stories of love, betrayal, and restless spirits.

If you’re brave enough, here are six of Ireland’s most legendary haunted sites.

Leap Castle – Ireland’s Most Haunted Fortress

Hidden deep in the heart of County Offaly, Leap Castle has earned its title as the most haunted castle in Ireland. Built in the early 1500’s by the O’Bannon clan, the castle has been home to centuries of bloodshed — and countless hauntings.

The castle’s “Bloody Chapel” tells one of its darkest tales: legend says one O’Carroll murdered his brother, a priest during mass. Visitors still report flickering lights, cold drafts, and many claim to have seen The Priest himself, forever lingering in the chapel where his life was cut short.

Barberstown Castle – A Haunted Haven with Rock ’n’ Roll Roots

Photo Credit: Barberstown Castle

Just outside Dublin in the charming village of Straffan, Barberstown Castle blends 13th-century history with a dash of modern legend. This ivy-covered fortress has stood witness to more than seven centuries of Irish history — from Norman knights to rock royalty (it was once owned by Eric Clapton!).

But behind its elegant stone walls lies a whisper of mystery. The ghost of a nameless lady is reported to have visited Room Four, the Katherine Dillon room, not once, not twice, but three times. The friendly spirit smiles at guests then turns and slips out the window.

Despite its ghostly reputation, Barberstown’s warmth and charm make it one of Ireland’s most inviting stays — the perfect blend of luxury, history, and a hint of the supernatural.

Charleville Castle – The Ghostly Child of Tullamore

Photo Credit: Charleville Castle

Also in County Offaly, Charleville Castle is a Gothic masterpiece with a chilling twist. It’s said to be haunted by Harriet, the youngest daughter of the third Earl of Charleville, who tragically fell to her death while sliding down the bannister on the main staircase in the early 1800s.

Visitors and paranormal investigators often report hearing a child’s laughter echoing through the halls — or catching glimpses of a little girl with golden ringlets drifting past the staircase where her story began.

The Hellfire Club – Dublin’s Mountain of Myths

Perched atop Montpelier Hill, overlooking a spectacular view of Dublin city, the Hellfire Club to Dubliners is the stuff of dark legend. In 1725, William ‘Speaker’ Conolly built a hunting lodge on the same site as an ancient passage grave with a cairn of stones stacked on top. It is said, Conolly destroyed the cairn while building the lodge.

After Conolly’s death, the lodge was sold and became a meeting place for the Irish Hellfire Club – founded by Richard Parsons – a man known for dabbling in black magic.

Stories tell of black masses, ghostly apparitions, and even a visit from the Devil himself, who appeared one night during a card game. Today, hikers still brave the trail to the ruins, where howling winds and a view of Dublin below create an atmosphere that’s equal parts beautiful and unsettling.

Dunluce Castle – The Ruin on the Cliff with a Haunting Legacy

Photo Credit: Tourism Ireland

Perched dramatically on a basalt outcropping along the Antrim coast, Dunluce Castle is equally renowned for its spectacular views and its ghostly tales. The stronghold, once home to the MacQuillan and later MacDonnell clans, now stands in ruins — yet it seems the past still lingers within its stone walls.

Legend tells of the young and sorrow-stricken Maeve Roe, locked away in a turret while her true love tried to rescue her. Their boat never reached safety, and Maeve is said to wander the castle’s ruined halls, eternally waiting.

Beyond its haunted past, Dunluce Castle has inspired storytellers for generations — even C.S. Lewis, whose vision of Cair Paravel, the royal castle in The Chronicles of Narnia, was said to be influenced by these dramatic coastal ruins.

Ross Castle – The Lady of the Lake

On the edge of Lough Leane in Killarney National Park stands Ross Castle, a 15th-century stronghold surrounded by serenity — and sorrow. Legend tells of Sabina, the daughter of the castle’s chieftain, who fell in love with an English soldier. When her father forbade their union, the couple fled across the lake, only for their boat to capsize.

Sabina’s body was never found, and her grief-stricken spirit is said to wander the castle still, waiting for her lost love to return. Guests have reported soft footsteps, unexplained chills, and the sound of a woman’s sigh echoing through the halls.

Dare to explore Haunted Ireland?
Discover tours that visit some of these legendary sites and experience the island’s mysterious past come alive.