With its long history, it’s no wonder that Ireland can be a bit spooky. Wherever you visit, there’s always the possibility of ghostly goings-on. From flickering lights to drops in the temperature, many people will swear that they’ve felt a strange ghostly presence...
If you’re ready to get spooked, head to
County Offaly’s notorious
Leap Castle. It is said many spirits reside there, but the most famous resides in what is known as ‘The Bloody Chapel’. The ghost is said to be one of the O’Carroll brothers, who died after his brother plunged his sword into his heart. His spirit has haunted the chapel ever since. Many people have reported hearing footsteps within the chapel, but finding the room empty when they enter...
Not all the ghost stories and legends in Ireland are violent, some are far more tragic in origin.In
Charles Fort in
County Cork, the story goes that the daughter of the commander fell in love with one of the soldiers stationed there. But on the night that they were married, in a case of mistaken identity, her father shot him and the daughter drowned herself in despair. It is said that she wanders the fort to this day, still in her wedding dress always looking for her lost love.
Ballygally Castle in
County Antrim also has a tragic history. One of their most famous spirits is Lady Isabella. She gave birth to a daughter rather than a son, which enraged her husband and he locked her in the tower. Desperate to escape, she tried to leave through the window but tragically fell to her death. Now a hotel, guests today regularly report knocking on doors, Lady Isabella appearing in their rooms, and a strange green mist in the courtyard…Would you be able to stay the night at this castle?
A more mischievous ghost resides within the walls of St Columb’s Cathedral in the
Walled City of Derry. The cathedral was the final resting place of Bishop William Higgens, but his grave was disturbed during renovations and he has haunted the place ever since. It is said you can hear his footsteps as he wanders through the cathedral, and the organ plays even when no-one is around!
Can our Community members think of any other ghost stories that they’d like to share?