Spooky Sites Along Ireland's Ancient East

Murders, Massacres, Ghosts & Ghouls… Uncover the spooky stories from Ireland’s Ancient East.

With the days getting shorter and Halloween just around the corner, we’ve decided to go on the hunt for the spookiest sites along Ireland’s Ancient East, a historic land with 5000 years of history.

Hill of Tara

Would you believe, the very first celebrations of Halloween trace back to Ireland’s Ancient East. The festival of Samhain dates back to the Boyne Valley some 2000 years ago where great fires were ignited on two historic hills (Tlachtga and Tara). People attending the event wore costumes to blend in with the roaming spirits and ward off any harmful spirits that might be near.

Loftus Hall

Labelled Ireland’s most haunted house, Loftus Hall is home to the ghost of Lady Anne Loftus who is said to have been driven mad after meeting the devil. One stormy night, a boat docked close by to the property and a man searched for shelter with his family. They found shelter in Loftus Hall. During a card game with the family, Anne had bent down to pick up a card and noticed that the man had a cloven foot. Anne stood up immediately and announced that the mysterious man had a cloven foot. The man went up through the roof and left a huge hole in the ceiling. After the encounter, Anne became mentally ill and was locked away in the tapestry room until she died. Over the past number of years, there have been countless reports of sightings of a young woman, presumed to be Anne. Many staff that previously worked at the home have witnessed the ghost of Anne walking down the stairs. Halloween tours are available for anyone brave enough to endure the paranormal activity.

Kinnity Castle

Kinnity Castle in County Offaly has a rich history. Built in 1209 by druids and bards, the castle was burned to the ground in 1922, it was rebuilt in 1928. The Castle looks quite spectacular with the original abbey wall structure still in place today. Many of the rooms in the castle are believed to be haunted with the castle’s ghostly monk, appearing to guests and staff!

Leap Castle

Built in 1250AD by the notorious O’Carroll Clan, Leap Castle in Tipperary has a fatal past and is said to be occupied by several ghosts. There have been many sightings of the ghost who died in the Chapel.  Leap Castle is said to be Ireland’s most haunted castle and it sure looks it in person! The building has a large tower with walls nine feet thick! If you’re looking to visit, the castle is only open to visitors on request. Are you brave enough?

Wicklow Gaol

For hundreds of years, Wicklow Gaol was home to many prisoners locked in terrible conditions. The prisoners that occupied the cells were tortured before being executed. The horrific past of Wicklow Gaol has now made way for an interactive tour exploring the dark past. It’s one of the top attractions to visit in Ireland’s Ancient East and is a must for anyone visiting in October.

Duckett's Grove

“A stunning yet spooky ruin”, is the perfect way to describe Duckett’s Grove. The huge towers dominate the Carlow skyline and visitors love taking a stroll through the beautiful walled gardens and along the perimeter of the castle. It once belonged to the wealthy Duckett family and it is believed that William Duckett’s lover put a curse on the family. To this day there are reports of sightings of unusual figures and banshee-like wails. Carlow county council has since closed the grounds at night for health and safety reasons... we can only wonder as to why!

Posted: 10 Oct 2018 by Niall McKee | with 0 comments

Tags: halloween, Ireland's Ancient East