Ireland’s castles hold more than just beauty and grandeur; manycarries ghostly legends. Among them, Ballyseede Castle in Kerry, Cabra Castle in Cavan, and Markree Castle in Sligo stand out as some of Ireland’s most romantic yet eerily haunted retreats.
Ballyseede Castle is home to the friendly yet mysterious spirit of Hilda Blennerhassett, a former nurse and war hero. Her presence is often announced by the scent of roses, a nod to a long-lost tradition of paying rent with a single red bloom. Guests have reported seeing her on the main staircase or gazing from her old bedroom window. She is also not alone… The spirits of child servants from the Famine era are also said to haunt the halls, appearing solemn and silent in period clothing.
Over in Cabra Castle, love turned to tragedy fuel sits ghost story. In the 1780s, a forbidden love affair between a nobleman’s son and a servant girl ended in pregnancy, and her unfortunate death. The servant girl was forcibly removed from the castle and in a grim act of cruelty, was hung from a nearby bridge. Guests have heard ghostly cries of a baby at night and felt unsettling presences in the courtyard. No wonder it was once voted the second scariest hotel in the world in 2010…
At Markree Castle, a playful ghost named Pippa roams the grounds. Known for locking guests in their rooms and chatting with children, Pippa’s mischief is legendary. But it’s said she can be bribed with gifts, to ensure a peaceful stay. An American couple travelled to Ireland to celebrate their wedding and brought along gifts for Pippa. Their big day unfolded perfectly, without any paranormal interruptions. On another occasion,a two-year-old guest startled her mother by chatting away in the middle of the night. When asked who she was speaking to, the child pointed to an empty corner and simply said, “My friend.” Could it have been Pippa?...
Whether or not you believe in ghost stories, there is no denying that these legends are fascinating and add a unique charm and character to our castles…the only question is, would you dare to stay?