Seeking a paranormal experience? These are the ten most haunted places to see a ghost in Ireland.
Ireland is an ancient land rich in history and heritage sites. Over centuries of battles and conflict, high kings and wayward invaders, it comes as no surprise to learn that there are many places in Ireland where ghosts reside.
Whether you are looking to see a spirit or visit a truly spine-chilling place where paranormal presence is undeniable, these are the top ten most haunted places to see a ghost in Ireland.
10. Belvelly Castle, Co. Cork – for a face to remember
Several ghosts are said to haunt the ancient tower that is Belvelly Castle in County Cork. The most prominent is Lady Margaret, who was so vain in the days of her reign that she surrounded herself by mirrors, obsessed with her beauty.
She kept many suitors on tenterhooks before one man strategically starved her into submission. By the time she surrendered her love, she had lost her beauty, and the suitor rejected her.
Today she is seen wandering the castle grounds, faceless – earning her the nickname, “The Faceless Lady”.
Address: Belvelly Castle, Belvelly, Co. Cork
9. Malahide Castle, Co. Dublin – for a handful of ghostly presences
Although five ghosts are said to roam Malahide Castle, the most famous is Puck – the jester who fell in love with one of Lady Elenora Fitzgerald’s noblewomen.
One evening he was seen outside the castle, and confusing him for an intruder, was killed by the guards. As he died, he swore he would come back in search of his love.
Today there are many sightings of Puck year-round and Malahide Castle remains one of the most haunted places to see a ghost in Ireland.
Address: Malahide, Co. Dublin
8. Coolbawn House, Co. Wexford – the stormy night servant girl
This 19th-century Tudor Revival house is home to the ghost of a servant girl who was tragically killed by lightning when standing by a window here many moons ago.
Today – although the home was later burnt to ashes by the IRA – her face is still seen peering through glassless window frames on stormy nights.
Address: Grange, Co. Wexford
7. Renvyle House Hotel, Co. Galway – for a W. B. Yeats-approved haunted house
Renvyle House is a dreamy little seaside resort in Connemara, County Galway, but it is also one of the most haunted places to see a ghost in Ireland.
Ireland’s own William Butler Yeats experienced the paranormal activity here, as well as Dublin surgeon and poet Oliver St. John Gogarty.
Address: Renvyle, Connemara, Co. Galway, H91 X8Y8
6. Glenuilin, Co. Derry – for the original vampire
Arguably the Abhartach was the first male vampire, and it is buried – standing up but upside-down – on Irish soil.
He was called the “red bloodsucker” by Druids and locals, and even today, those aware of the legend will not traipse his grave.
District: Coleraine
5. The Hellfire Club, Co. Dublin – for a walk with the devil
The Hellfire Club is located in the Dublin mountains and is said to have once been the staging ground for a sect who dressed in satanic outfits and indulged in alcohol and sex.
It is said they even ate a servant girl and would call on the devil to grant them their most inner desires. Ghostly presences remain today making this one of the most haunted places to see a ghost in Ireland.
Location: County Dublin, Ireland
4. Charleville Castle, Co. Offaly – the one featured in Living TV’s Most Haunted
Charleville Castle is so surely haunted that it has been featured on the likes of Living TV’s Most Haunted.
The whispers of former-owner Charleville William Bury are heard in the corridors, and the sound of children playing in the nursery are bound to make your blood run cold.
Address: Charleville Demesne, Tullamore, Co. Offaly
3. Dobbins Inn Hotel, Co. Antrim – one of the most haunted places to see a ghost in Ireland
This hotel is haunted by the ghost of Elizabeth Dobbins – wife of the once-owner Hugh Dobbins – who was killed by her husband when he found out about her illicit love affair with a soldier.
If you’re seeking a good scare, this is one of the most haunted places to see a ghost in Ireland.
Address: 6-8 High St, Antrim St, Carrickfergus BT38 7AF, United Kingdom
2. Leamaneh Castle, Co. Clare – the disturbing presence
Leamaneh Castle is haunted by “Red Mary”, a disturbing presence who was, in fact, a sadistic psychopath in life. She wed a whopping 25 men, murdered many of them, and tortured her handmaids by cutting off their breasts.
She eventually found her fate when locals sealed her in a hollow tree trunk and starved her to death. Today her presence is still a force to be reckoned with.
Address: Leamaneh North, Co. Clare
1. Cork District Lunatic Asylum, Co. Cork – the most spooky setting
If in search of the most haunted places to see a ghost in Ireland, look no further than Cork District Lunatic Asylum.
The spirits of many tortured souls still walk these halls, and their screams of pain cannot be mistaken.
Address: 1 Rose Hill Upper, Sunday’s Well, Cork, T23 KW9F
