Ireland has been inhabited for over 10,000 years, and plenty of those years have been filled with tragic events, the kind that leave a mark on a country. So, it's no surprise that haunted happenings occur all across the island.
These are just some of the haunted hotspots I think you should explore this spooky season.
Ballinastoe Woods, Wicklow
This woodland, where trees enclose the trails, looks like something from a fairy tale. However, there’s a dark story lurking within.
According to legend, a coachman, who worked at the Powerscourt Estate, was sentenced to death for a crime he didn’t commit. The coachman now haunts the woods seeking vengeance.
Those brave enough to venture into the woods at night have reported hearing the sound of hoofbeats, and some have even spotted the phantom coachman driving his horse-drawn carriage through the woods.
Derry City Walls, Northern Ireland
The Derry walls are over 400 years old and hold a gruesome history. During the siege of Derry in 1689, thousands of people died from sickness, starvation and conflict.
It is said that a soldier who was beheaded during the siege now haunts the walls as Derry’s very own headless horseman. The sound of footsteps, whispers and sword-clashing often follows people along the walls late at night. People have even reported seeing a spectral elderly woman dressed in grey rags roaming the walls on misty evenings.
Derry is home to the largest Halloween festival in Europe, so it’s the perfect place to visit to celebrate Oiche Shamhna.
Wicklow Gaol, Wicklow
Legend has it that this is one of the most haunted buildings in the country. The gaol opened in 1702 and operated for hundreds of years. There are so many supernatural stories about this place that they could fill their own article!
A hooded figure has been seen walking from the first-floor cells and then vanishing. In the upper-deck ship exhibit, visitors report seeing a silent male figure standing in the corner. Female visitors have reported feeling an uncomfortable and threatening presence.
While the gaol has been closed for renovations, it was recently announced that it will reopen at the end of the summer, just in time for Halloween.
Kinsale, Cork
The White Lady of Kinsale is one of the more tragic Irish ghost stories. On her wedding day, a young woman’s groom was accidentally shot and killed by her father, the Commander of Charles Fort. On hearing the news, the heartbroken bride threw herself from the fort walls to her death.
She now roams Kinsale still in her wedding dress. Apparently, she is kind towards women and children, but threatening to men (particularly those in uniform). A ghostly fisherman is also said to haunt the lanes of Market Square before drifting out towards the sea.
Book the Kinsale Ghost Tour departing Tap Tavern for an eccentric and exciting taste of the paranormal in Ireland’s most colourful town.
Hook Lighthouse, Wexford
With its neighbour Loftus Hall closed, Hook Lighthouse can take the supernatural spotlight. Built in 1172, Hook is the oldest working, intact lighthouse in the world.
It is believed that William Marshall, who built the lighthouse, watches over the tower and can be seen standing guard on stormy nights. Visitors and staff have reported uneasy, heavy feelings while inside the lighthouse. There have also been sightings of a medieval monk pacing around the grounds.
To learn more about the history (haunted or otherwise) of the lighthouse, you can take a tour, if you’re brave enough!
Blarney Castle, Cork
The castle is famous for the legendary Blarney Stone - a magical stone said to deliver the gift of eloquence. Many have kissed it without issue, but some have reported seeing a phantom man watching them while they kiss the stone. Head rush? Maybe. But it’s spooky season, so I choose to believe.
It’s not just ghosts who haunt; a witch is said to be trapped in the witch's stone by day and roam the castle grounds at night. The witch allegedly cursed the castle so that no one can remove even a stone from the grounds without bringing misfortune upon themselves.
Every year the castle receives stones in the post with letters of apology and stories of bad luck caused by the stolen keepsakes. So if you do visit Blarney Castle, make sure your pockets are empty before you leave.
Trim Castle, Meath
Trim Castle is over 800 years old and full of dark secret passages, making it the perfect spot to haunt for any spirits with unfinished business. Visitors to the castle have experienced unexplained cold spots, feelings of dread and have even reported seeing a tall, thin man in a dark cloak pacing the battlements.
If you’re planning to visit Trim Castle, I recommend visiting during the Puca festival in October and booking "Beyond the Veil - The Puca Trail" for a spooky storytelling stroll through Trim.
Glasnevin Cemetery, Dublin
With the gruesome history of grave robbing and body snatching in Glasnevin Cemetery, it’s no wonder there’s a few ghosts hanging around. Not to mention the 1.5 million people buried within the 124 acres.
But ghosts don’t necessarily have to be people! A dog is said to haunt the final resting place of his owner, John McNeill Boyd, hoping for him to return. As far as ghosts go, that sounds like one I could get along with.
You can book a tour of the cemetery to discover more about its residents, but keep an eye out for a ghoulish lantern-bearer who has a habit of disappearing.
Oh, and don’t worry about the otherworldly echo of shovels digging in the distance - that’s perfectly normal!
St Canice’s Cathedral, Kilkenny
Dame Alice Kyteler, a 14th-century woman accused of witchcraft by the bishop of St Canice’s Cathedral, is said to haunt this place of worship. Alice fled Kilkenny before she could be punished, but her maid, Petronella, was executed in her place.
A ghostly female presence has been seen walking the stairs under the western window. Visitors and guides have felt unexplained cold spots, a heavy presence and even shortness of breath. They say Alice haunts the cathedral, but I reckon Petronella has more cause to come back as a vengeful spirit.
Whether you’re out ghost hunting or simply taking an evening stroll this spooky season, keep your ears open for the wail of a banshee and your eyes peeled for any shadowy figures floating across your path.
Happy haunting!
The views expressed here are those of the author and do not represent or reflect the views of RTÉ
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