While the Emerald Isle may appear warm and welcoming, don’t be fooled – here is a list of Ireland’s haunted places for you to steer clear of.
It’s true that Ireland is famed for its laughter, craic, and beautiful landscape. But did you know that there are a wealth of terrifying locations that pepper the Emerald Isle?
From abandoned hospitals to disused prisons, we have outlined some of Ireland’s haunted places.
Read on below for the spookiest places throughout the country – but only if you dare.
10. Coolbawn House – watch out for the eerie silhouette at the window
An abandoned Tudor home, legend says that a young servant girl watching a storm from inside was struck by lightning through the window. Her likeness was burned onto the glass, and it is said that she still haunts the house to this day.
Address: Coolbaun, Ferns, Co. Wexford, Ireland
9. Loftus Hall – the huge haunted hall
When a stranger on horseback visited the Tottenham family in Loftus Hall on a stormy evening, he was invited in to play with the family. Lady Anne Tottenham was subsequently smitten by the stranger.
However, upon leaning down to retrieve a dropped card, she noticed the stranger had cloven hooves instead of feet.
The stranger disappeared in a ball of flames, and it was said that Lady Anne never recovered from the fright and that she haunts the hall to this day.
Address: Hook Head, New Ross, Co. Wexford
8. Carrickfergus Castle – panoramic views and paranormal visits
While Carrickfergus Castle has stunning views of the town, it is also known as one of Ireland’s haunted places. The most notable paranormal visitor is a spectre called Buttoncap, who was accused of having an affair with the wife of his captain’s brother.
Following his execution, it’s said that you can still hear him protest his innocence to this day.
Address: Marine Hwy, Carrickfergus BT38 7BG
7. Charles Fort – where the White Lady of Kinsale roams free
Completed in 1692, Charles Fort is a national monument of Ireland that previously served as a defensive structure for the south of the country.
While tourists are welcomed into the beautiful grounds with stunning sea views, there are still tales of Wilful Warrender, or the ‘White Lady’, who died by suicide by jumping into the ocean following the murder of her husband-to-be.
Enjoy the views of the coast – but don’t be surprised if you see something more than just seafoam!
Address: OPW, Summercove, Kinsale, Co. Cork
6. Our Lady’s Hospital, Cork – birthplace of brutal psychiatric treatments
Also known as the Cork District Lunatic Asylum, the hospital closed in 1992 and lay abandoned for more than thirty years. Now being converted into apartments, the new residents will have the ghosts of past patients to contend with in their new homes.
A favourite for ghost hunters and urban explorers alike, people have noted hearing the screams of former residents, many of whom were subjected to inhumane treatments like Hallaran’s Chair – a chair that spun at 100 revolutions per minute.
Address: Sunday’s Well, Cork
5. Kilmainham Gaol – hauntings in the dungeons
First built in 1796, Kilmainham Gaol is famous for its associations with the Irish struggle for independence. It was here, following the Easter Rising of 1916, that many revolutionary leaders were executed.
As one of Ireland’s haunted places, ghosts have lurked in the gaol’s dungeon throughout its long history. Perhaps most frightening among them, a painter who was hit by an invisible force and struck against a wall while working.
Address: Inchicore Rd, Kilmainham, Dublin 8
4. Malahide Castle – where ghosts lament lost love
Malahide Castle has long been known as one of Ireland’s haunted places. Owned by the Talbot family from 1185 to the 1970s, their eight-century tenure was peppered by several ghostly sightings that continue to this day.
One of their most infamous ghostly guests is court jester Puck, who can often be found nursing a broken heart after a string of failed romances.
Address: Back Rd, Broomfield, Dublin
3. Wicklow Gaol – haunted prison turned interactive museum
Don’t be fooled by the fun interactive museum that now stands onsite – Wicklow Gaol is home to a rather sordid past. The gaol is shrouded in paranormal activity.
From death and disease throughout the Great Famine to execution and exile during Ireland’s many rebellions, bodies were often buried within the walls or cast into the sea.
Address: Kilmantin Hill, Corporation Lands, Wicklow
2. The Hellfire Club – Satanic worshippers’ secluded spot
Situated at the top of Montpelier Hill, the Hell Fire Club is an old hunting lodge founded in the 18th century. Its members were known to dabble in dark magic and satanic rituals.
Tales of cat sacrifice for black masses, purposeful arson attacks, and even visits from cloven-hooved Lucifer himself shroud the ruin in some seriously scary vibes.
Address: Mountpelier, Co. Dublin
1. Leap Castle – famed in popular culture
One of Ireland’s most haunted places and widely considered one of the most haunted houses in the world, this Irish fort has been visited by paranormal investigators from television channels such as ABC and the Travel Channel.
Legend has it that an entity known simply as ‘it’ roams the castle with a frightening decaying face. A lady in red and two young girls called Emily and Charlotte also haunt the castle walls. Not for the faint of heart, book a private tour if you dare.
Address: Leap, Roscrea, Co. Offaly
