Haunting castles in Wales or Ireland are a thrilling way to spend a holiday, either visiting or staying the night, but what exactly makes a castle “haunted?”
For some, it’s the thrill of witnessing a haunting, an unsettling visit from an apparition that leaves a lingering chill. For others, it’s the chance to be haunted, to have a spectral presence make itself known in a spine- tingling encounter. Whether you’re seeking a fleeting glimpse of a ghost or hoping for a full-on paranormal encounter, a stay in a spooky castle promises a night you won’t soon forget.
Content
- Our Connection with the Past
- Reality or Mumbo- Jumbo
- Luck of the Irish
- Stay in a Castle
- Wales and the Land of Castles
- A Ghostly Tale
- Fancy an Overnight Ghost Hunt?
Our Connection With The Past
Staying in a place filled with spooks, creaky floorboards, and items or furniture unexplainably moving about on their own, now this would be either fun or terrifying but mostly I think a haunting experience; one you’re not going to forget very quickly.
The word Haunt on the other hand can be used to express ‘A place often visited’ – You can be haunted by a memory, a haunting melody, a haunting experience of an image, sound, or smell, you can have haunting memories of joy or nostalgia.
England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland are filled with places that will haunt you- places to Stay, Eat, Drink and Visit; their haunting past is filled with stories which span the centuries.
Each piece of land we step on has been stepped on by someone before, it is hard to go anywhere that has not been trod by another in the past. We walk in the footsteps of our ancestors and some more than others feel their vibrations and even their memories.
In 2013 a storm exposed the oldest known footprints known outside on the sand of the beach in Happisburgh in Norfolk. These human steps were enjoying a walk more than 900,000 years ago.
Want to know more? HERE
Early Pleistocene Period approx 800,000 years ago – camera lens to show scale – thanks to Wikipedia for image
The UK and Ireland have an abundance of ancient Inns and historic houses to explore. Some of these great historic places are said to be haunted by happenings of the past, and exploring them is one of our favourite past times.
With more than 21 million people visiting historic houses alone each year in the UK, heritage sites like Stonehenge (hunter- gatherers lived and worked at this site in the Mesolithic period 8500 BC) are a massive draw for every age group, and that link with our past makes for tantalizing connections to our ancestors.
By discovering how they built things, how they travelled, where they travelled to, what they ate, and how they looked after one another -some of the mysteries of their way of life unfold in such a way we could be right there with them right now.
Our connection with the past and wanting to know more about the history of the land and its past inhabitants is strong within us. Just to walk around a Tudor building and know by touching a panel or a door that someone long ago would most certainly have touched that same spot fills us with a tie to the past like no other.
It can bring an excitement hard to put into words, it’s a bit like having a bond with a person you didn’t know but understood. ‘Being in their shoes’ or experiencing their world, a world of oak panels; which still smell rich and earthy. On being aware of a set burning fire with its heavy smoky smell, and knowing that smell would have lingered on your/their clothes likely even after washing or airing.
These experiences set the scene for us to enjoy a glimpse of the past that can fill us with connections to others and their ‘not so different’ from our lives.
We will feel lucky to have modern medicine, up-to-date technology, and ways of cleaning ourselves and our clothes like ‘they’ would have only dreamt of. If only for a time we can enjoy revelling in the history of our past, taking comfort in the knowledge it is just a quick glimpse and ‘the real world’ is just right there again.
Reality Or Mumbo Jumbo?
However there are those that want to linger longer and if you enjoy being scared or dabbling in the paranormal (all the things that are impossible to explain by known natural forces or by science) you might like to experience a weekend stay at a haunted Inn or hotel just for fun.
Or you might want to experience the ‘real’ thing and commit to a Haunted Ghost Package or an All Night Haunting, where you can get in touch with the dead through a ouija board or get to grips with some high tech ghost hunting gadgets like and EMF reader (Electromagnetic Field).
There is a group of people who have physic abilities which in themself is unexplainable. Lets explore this, it seems they can operate in three different areas.
- ESP or Extra- Sensory Perception – this can be explained by the person as having a gift in perception, telepathy, clairvoyance and precognition.
- Psychokinesis – having the ability to move objects with their mind.
- Survival – where evidence is presented of survival after death so, hauntings, spirit mediums and poltergeists.
Learn paranormal The Paranormal Academy
This talent, gift, or innate sense, is surely not to be dismissed as poppycock even when explained by science(?)
Even before Science, which is hard to put a date on because people have been trying to figure stuff out for longer than we even know – science can vouch for that, what we call paranormal can and does change because our understanding of the world is always changing, expanding and improving.
Now, and in every generation since the history of man, there have been things not understood.Time has been able to, and will be able to explain much more in the future.
Being able to see, sense or imagine things that are not actually there, is surely not so easily explained? or do we truly just turn to a paranormal belief when a scientific explanation isn’t available?
Famous and respected people like Arthur Conan -Doyle, Winston Churchill, George IV, to name a few, have all had ‘ghostly’ experiences and not been embarrassed to share it. Psychic experiences appealed to the writer Oscar Wilde, and his use of words like ‘vibrations’ and ‘atoms’ suggest an interest and regard possibly for the spiritual world.
So if you’re ready for that creepy Inn stay or a weekend away in a haunted room, or that full- on terrifying ghost experience here are a few of the most talked about stays in Wales and Ireland you can have.
I am going to be adding to this list this year and plan to add 25 new haunted stays in 2026, I will also be reviewing these experiences along the way. Wish me luck!
Luck of the Irish
Being one of the most castle rich countries in the world, Ireland has more than 30,000 castles and castle ruins. Having been built for the powerful, defence or luxury, we are lucky enough to still be able to spend the night at some of these places.
Let’s start with what is supposed to be one of the most chilling place to spend the night –
Ireland – Cork – Kinnitty Castle Hotel
A Gothic splendor. This castle hotel has a long and turbulent history and is haunted by many ghosts, not least the famous Phantom Monk of Kinnitty.
From time to time he will appear in solid form out of nowhere to both staff and guests. The Geraldine Room and The Elizabeth Room are said to be the most haunted with sounds of a child and sightings lingering in the shadows of a little girl.
Built in about 1200 and having been added to and rebuilt by many of its past owners, it’s also been an Augustininian Abbey; it remains a truly atmospheric place. It is located on the foothills of the Slieve Bloom Mountains, providing some of the best hikes in Ireland.
Stay In A Castle
To Book your stay visit HERE
Ireland – Lough Rynn Castle Hotel – Mohill, Leitrim
The White Lady and her tragic death has led her to wander the grounds of Lough Rynn Castle in eternal sorrow.
Sightings have been reported over the years and her ghostly figure mourns the loss of her first love; she has been seen many times in her flowing white dress drifting across the estate.
With oak, birch, alder, hazel, ash and several species of fern and a hundred species of lichen there is a wonderful patch of ancient forest in Leitrim to explore.
To book your stay visit HERE a 42 Bedroom luxury Castle
Cabra Castle – Kingscourt, County Cavan
Once in the hands of the wealthy O’Reily family who controlled much of the County of Cavan, Cabra Castle is claimed to be one of the most haunted places to stay in Ireland.
This now romantic looking pile fell in and out of disrepair for generations but in 1964 was turned into a luxurious authentic styled 24 bedroom hotel.
There have been reports of a ghostly but silent horse and carriage tearing up the drive in the dead of night. Chilling cries of a wailing baby can be heard at times, and a huge Irish wolfhound staring through a window at guests, when on investigation no dog can be found.
A visit to Cavan Cathedral while you are in the area is a must. A neoclassical style building, the building being dedicated to St Patrick and St Felim shows off a single spire rising some 200 feet. There are 6 fantastic stained glass windows throughout the nave and transept.
To book Cabra Castle go to HERE
Leap Castle – County Offaly, Leinster. Reputed to be the most haunted castle in Ireland!
Full of gruesome tales from the past Leap Castle was built by the ‘We dont let anyone get in our way’ O’Carroll family. This 15th century castle has no fewer than 7 ghosts. No surprises there as reports that this family did not stop short of family murder to defend the title of Lords of the manor!
Leap Castle houses a chapel (known as the bloody chapel) ; it has blood stains on the floor which can not be wiped away. The castle itself is haunted by The Red Lady, a tall figure emanating light, she is known to walk the corridors, in a red cape, carrying a dagger in her hands; who can blame her? It sounds like a place where you need to keep your wits about you.
Want to know more? The owner will arrange a private tour for you.
County Offaly is famous for its bog and peat lands. For those who want to connect with nature, this naturally wet environment can transport you back 10,000 years. Clara Bog and Visitor Centre is a nature reserve home to many protected wildlife species, rare birds, frogs, and even the giant water-walking spider.
Faithlegg House Hotel – County Waterford, Southern Ireland.
The history of Faithlegg house is a long and colourful one. Originally in the hands of the Aylward family from Bristol, granted to them by Henry ll in 1177, it passed to the Bolton family. The Power’s were next to live in splendor here at Faithlegg, Nicolas Mohan -Power married Margaret Mahon. And it was her dowry which enabled Nicolas to purchase Faithlegg house and estate. It is now in the hands of the Tower Hotel Group.
Margaret and Nicloas’ marriage wasn’t the happiest and in death Margaret is said to haunt her old room which was originally known as The Blue Room. She can be seen still today in search of her jewelry.
A starving young woman when trying to save her baby and shelter from the cold, was turned away from Ballynatray House nearby and at Faithlegg. This was at the time of the Irish famine 1845-1852 and known as The Great Hunger. It had been caused by a disease of the potato crop and had devastating implications on Ireland’s population and society. An estimated 1 million people died of starvation and disease in these 7 long years.
The young peasant mother asking for help died, as did her babe and is said to still be seen wailing and cursing the family of Ballynatray along the drive up to the house and near the steps leading to the front door.
To book a stay at Faithlegg House Hotel
What to see nearby –
Dunbrody Famine Ship Journey. Will offer you a great day out. This attraction and information centre is a popular destination in the South West of Ireland and perfect for the whole family.
Many people emigrated from Ireland to save their families from starvation and this reproduction of a 1840’s emigrant vessel provides you with a unique insight into the bravery and strength of character of the Irish people at the time.
For more information Dunbrody Famine Ship
Wales and the Land Of The Castle
Wales – Many of Wales’ castles have been built on strategic sites; where there was once a Welsh Fortress, being Roman or Iron age – and used to defend their land from raiders.
The most famous of all these ‘welsh’ castles are in ‘Edward I’s ring of stone’, including Beaumaris, Caernarfon, Conwy, Harlech and Flint, which helped to concentrate his power after his defeat of Llywelyn ap Gruffudd in about 1282.
There are more than 600 castle sites, and 100 still standing. Some of these magnificents beasts are still putting people up for the night, if you’re brave enough to stay that is!
Ruthin Castle Hotel and Spa – Denbighshire, North East Wales
Well there are plenty of spooky goings-on at Ruthin Castle in Wales. The land was granted to Dafydd ap Gruffydd in about 1277 and the old castle was then known as The Red Castle, having been built of red sandstone. Dafydd was rewarded by Edward I for his part in helping with the invasion of North Wales. After a time things got complicated for Dafydd – he was the brother of LLywelyn the Prince of Wales and when he died in about 1282, Dafydd became the last independent ruler of Wales, making himself Prince of Wales, Dafydd lll.
The English Barons again began seizing Welsh land and when Dafydd attacked Hawarden Castle (now better known as the Stately home to the 19th century Prime Minister William Gladstone) this started the final conflict which led to the loss of Welsh Independence.
In about 1283 Dafydd was found guilty of High Treason and executed under the orders of his ‘friend’ Henry I and was hung, drawn and quartered!
Hawarden Castle, Flintshire is about a 30 minute drive from Ruthin Castle
The Hawarden Estate and event calendar.
Ruthin Castle must be filled with lots of intangible ‘memories’ and here are a few, are you brave enough to stay?
The White Lady is supposed to be the Spirit of Lady Grey who once occupied the house with her husband Lord Grey, on finding he had been having an affair with a local peasant girl, the Lady Grey was tried for murder when the girl was found dead. Is it the Lady you can hear knocking in the night? Does she have her own untold story yet to tell?
Many guests report seeing orbs, which in the realm of the supernatural are said to be manifestations of spirits or other worldly entities.
To stay at Ruthin Castle Ruthin Castle Stays HERE
Dark Skies
While visiting some of the creepy landmarks and beautiful landscapes while in Denbighshire why not take advantage of the Dark Skies – they are some of the finest night skies in Wales.
The importance of Dark Skies and high quality darkness supports about 60% of wildlife and it’s great for stargazing. A visit to the Clwydian Range and the Dee Valley should set you up well.
Want to know more? Stargazing Wales Visit Wales Dark Sky’s Stargazing Activities
Roch Castle – HaverfordWest, County of Pembrokeshire
When Adam de Rupe, a Norman knight first acquired Roch castle (his name possibly being derived from the latin term ‘de rupe’ or ‘from the rock’) he might have been building on the site of an earlier wooden structure.
This fab looking castle stayed in the De Rupe family for generations, then sometime in the 15th century it ‘fell’ into the hands of the Walter family. Lucy Walter was the daughter of Mr and Mrs Walter and she when older became a courtesan at the court of Charles II – she bore him his first illegitimate son who was recognised by the king and given amongst others the titles – James, 1st Duke of Monmouth.
A Ghostly Tale
According to legend Adam de Rupe ordered the castle to be built after meeting with a witch who told him he would die from a vipers bite within a year, I guess he thought best make the best of things! But she also prophesied he would make old bones if he managed to make it through the year and not get bitten.
Rupe, on his 300th and 60th something day of hiding, went outside to collect some fire wood and unfortunately was bitten by a snake lurking in the wood pile. He died shortly after this and his ghost is said to be seen within the castle, I’m not surprised anyone would have been annoyed at such bad luck.
Another spirit that just will not keep quiet is another daughter of the Walter’s, she is said to float between rooms and then just disappears without trace.
To stay here – Roch Castle
What’s nearby? – Park, grounds and walled garden – Scolton Manor
Near Haverfordwest visit Scolton Manor, a great family day with lots of free entertainment. Scolton Manor in Bethlehem is full of outdoor activities for you to enjoy.
Margam Castle – Port Talbot, South Wales
A relatively new-build, Margam Castle as we see it today was built in about 1840, this most imposing and great building is awe inspiring – it was constructed in the Tudor revival style on a site which had been occupied for more than 4,000 years.
Set on the southern slopes of Mynydd Margam this 850 acre country estate now belongs to the Council of Neath Port Talbot.
After the Norman invasion the estate land was granted to Robert 1st Earl of Gloucester and in turn he granted permission for a new Cistertian Abbey to be built, which became Margam Abbey. The ruins can be visited in the grounds right near the castle.
Returning from the grand tour and inheriting the estate and castle from his father, Christopher Rice Mansel Talbot re-established himself in South Wales.
His work on the Castle and employing designers and architects like Thamas Hooper and Edward Haycock Snr saw them borrow elements from Lacock Abbey in Wiltshire and Melbury house in Dorset which were part of the family’s estates too. The Talbot family continued to use the house until about 1941 when it was sold, then fell into disrepair and suffered a catastrophic fire in about 1977. The rest as they say is history.
That is apart from the ghostly happenings at Margam Castle! A Mr Robert Scott seems unable to rest after his death in about 1890 of a shotgun wound to his face. He was the gamekeeper and on challenging a poacher he came off worse.
Robert died of his wounds all alone in the woods after the poacher ran off. Robert left behind a wife and small child. When his wife found out he had been killed she was denied access to his body as the horrific injuries Robert had suffered may have caused her to become hysterical.
Robert is said to be seen a lot in the wooded area and has also been seen on the main staircase in the house. Paranormal investigations testify to this and account for poltergeist activity, as when trying to communicate with him; stones have been hurled from nowhere. Is his death still an anger and torment to him?
Margam Castle now. Owned by the Council, a country park with lots of things to do HERE
Fancy An Overnight Ghost Hunt?
No overnight stays are possible at Margam Castle but you might like to attend an all night Ghost Hunt.
Want to know more? HERE
Craig Y Nos Castle – County of Swansea, West Glamorgan
This beautiful castle sits in the heart of Wales and surrounded by the Brecon Beacons it is a fully restored gothic castle and now prestigious hotel and venue centre.
The Castles once owner Adelina Patti had spent a tonne of money on restoration and improvement to the building including having a huge theatre built to entertain her opera friends back in the 1870’s. Reports suggest after her death in about 1919 she was embalmed in the cellar of the castle and after about 2 weeks taken to London in her coffin so the people (she was quite famous) could pay homage to her. She was then transported to France so she could be buried next to her father and a great friend, Gioachino Rossini (the Italian composer).
Apparently this was all in accordance with her wishes, so why she still hangs out at Craig Y Nos I’m not sure, but many sightings have been seen of a ghostly lady especially near the theatre, and music from the piano plays without a pianist seated!
Distant strange and eerie sounds of children playing and laughing when no child can be seen. Tobacco smoke can be smelled and mysteriously lingers in the air – this is said to be the ghost of Stan, who makes himself present to you especially in this way on the upper floors of this mansion.
Want to stay? Here t’s also a Wedding Venue
Why not visit some ancient sites while in Swansea and Gower, Wales?
People living in the Gower in the Neolithic and Bronze age periods constructed various funerary monuments for their dead and if you like prehistoric tombs and cairns, a neolithic chamber might be right up your street.
Parc le Breos in the Gower is a type of a long barrow and was built about 6,000 years ago to honour the dead. It is about 7 miles from Swansea and well worth a visit. Human bones were found inside the tomb.
Have you seen anything yet when visiting these remarkable historic sites or landscapes? If you have a story to tell I would love to hear it. Drop me an email and let me know ……………….
Until next time dear friends ……….. Share, it’s easy …………….
