Ireland’s castles have long been the setting for tragedy, romance, and legends. Some of them are now hotels or guest-estates, where you can check in, explore grand old halls, and maybe, just maybe, hear footsteps or feel a presence in the dark. Below are six haunted castles across Ireland where you can spend the night, with a taste of their history, hauntings, and architecture.
Sitting high on the Antrim coast, Ballygally was built in 1625 by James Shaw, a Scots Laird. With its thick walls, corner turrets and a spiral tower stair, the old fortress survives in large measure, despite centuries of change. Over time, it's been a home, a small fortress, coastguard post, and now a 4-star castle hotel.
The castle’s most famous haunting belongs to Lady Isabella Shaw. Legend says that she was locked in a turret room by her husband after giving birth (or rather, failing to produce a male heir), and she either fell or was pushed from a tower window in her attempt to escape. Her spirit is said to wander the corridors, especially around the “Ghost Room” in one of the corner towers. Guests have reported knocking at doors, small footsteps, and even children’s laughter. Another presence, known as Madame Nixon from the 19th century, is sometimes heard rustling silk or moving through halls.
Today, the hotel preserves its old-world character: thick stone walls, vintage windows, and views over the sea. Rooms range from the historic tower-wing rooms to more modern comfort-focused suites.
Tariffs: Nightly rates depend on room type and season; check with the hotel or booking sites for current prices.
Kilkea traces its story back to the late 12th century and was long the stronghold of the FitzGerald family. Throughout its expansion, it gathered layers of history: huge woodlands, a golf course, carriage rooms, lodges, and castle chambers, each with their own ambience. The architecture mixes medieval stone with later restoration, lavish public rooms and sprawling grounds.
Its tragedies and eccentricities have given rise to hauntings. One of the most persistent legends is that of the “Wizard Earl,” Gerald FitzGerald, who was reputed to dabble in alchemy and strange experiments, even black magic. Locals say his spirit, sometimes seen on horseback, returns to the castle every few years. Other ghost sightings include the “Woman in White” who steps through gates or vanishes near garden walls.
Today Kilkea functions as a luxury estate: parts of the old castle are rooms, alongside carriage-rooms and lodges, with amenities like a spa, golf, elegant dining, gardens.
Tariffs: Rooms vary a lot — lodge rooms, deluxe rooms, etc. For exclusive use, nightly rates for the castle-and-carriage accommodation begin in the several hundreds of euros; more modest rooms are lower. Exact rates depend on date and type.
Leap Castle is often called Ireland’s most haunted castle. Built in medieval times (13th-16th centuries) by the O’Bannon clan, then held by the O’Carrolls, it experienced feuds, massacre, betrayal. One of its most gruesome features is the “Bloody Chapel,” where a priest is said to have been murdered by his brother during Mass. Stories of violent clan rivalries, hidden chambers, and dark tragedies fill the place.
Architecturally, it’s a more ruinous presence than fully restored castle-hotel. Its thick stone walls, narrow staircases, and ruined defensive features give it a stark power. The ruined tower-house has been restored in parts, but many sections remain as they were, haunted by the dim light of history.
Overnight stays are not standard like a hotel; the castle is run more as a site for tours, private hire or special paranormal-event nights. If you want to stay, you’ll need to contact the owners and see what events or private stays are possible.
Tariffs: With such private-hire or special event basis, pricing fluctuates greatly. Always verify directly with Leap Castle about availability and cost.
At the edge of the Slieve Bloom foothills, Kinnitty has been built, destroyed, restored over many centuries. The current Gothic-style building dates from early 19th century, though the site has older Norman and Gaelic roots, plus links to an Augustinian Abbey and even earlier druidic activity. Fires, conflict, rebuilding: the castle’s resume reads like a saga.
Hauntings here are widespread: a spectral “Phantom Monk” often called Hugh is said to wander between the banquet hall, dungeon bar, and corridors. Rooms such as the Geraldine Room and Elizabeth Room (in the attic) are often mentioned: footsteps, child-like laughter or weeping, cold spots, shadows flickering, even things moving. Guests report a ‘Lady in White’ figure possibly connected to Lady Catherine Hutchinson, who had overseen major renovations in the early 1800s.
The hotel today offers many of the luxuries you’d expect: fine dining, cosy rooms, grounds to explore, and modern comforts.
Tariffs: Room rates generally range depending on size and view; as of recent reviews rooms can cost from ~EUR 250 - EUR 350 per night for certain rooms, with lower or higher depending on location and season.
Ballyseede sits just outside Tralee, County Kerry, in a landscape of gardens, woodland and quiet old stones. The castle building you’ll see today dates mostly from the early 18th century (1721), but its roots go deeper: the Blennerhassett family made it their home for generations, and before them the land belonged to others, including the Earl of Desmond.
Inside, Ballyseede blends warmth and gothic romance. Polished wood paneling, high ceilings, turreted towers, and upper-floor bedrooms lend an atmosphere of old aristocratic comfort. As night falls, the place takes on another dimension.
The ghost most often mentioned is Hilda Blennerhassett, the last of the Blennerhassett family to live in the castle before its conversion into a hotel. She died in 1965, and ever since, guests and staff have reported seeing her apparition—often in a black Victorian-style dress—roaming the upper floors and main staircase, especially near her old bedroom (now known in some sources as “The Crosby Room”). The smell of roses is a recurring sign: even when no flowers are present, a strong rose scent is said to precede her appearance. On March 24 each year (the anniversary of her passing), many believe she becomes more active.
Other haunted phenomena include phantom footsteps late at night; whispers, laughter or soft cries in the corridors; light or television sets turning on in empty rooms; the occasional poltergeist-type disturbance; and the sight of child-like figures in period clothes, sometimes appearing on the staircase or in upper rooms.
Staying at Ballyseede means more than just hearing tales—the hotel embraces them. Guests can take ghost tours of the castle, and many report subtle (or startling) experiences themselves. The castle offers comfortable rooms in the old castle plus more modern lodge spaces, gardens to wander, and the odd eerie hour if you stay up late listening to the wind in old corridors.
Tariffs: Some of the rooms begin around EUR 238, depending on season and type; always check current availability and room category for actual rates.
If you drive up the long tree-lined driveway to Castle Leslie, you’ll see a sprawling estate of grey stone, lush gardens, lakes, and a building older than many nations. The Leslie family have occupied the land since the 17th century, and the house has been enlarged over Victorian and Edwardian times. The architectural style combines Gothic revival touches with imposing facades, grand reception rooms, wood-panelled libraries, and a sense of layered history: each generation added, renovated, sometimes preserved, sometimes eccentric.
One of Castle Leslie’s best known ghosts is Norman Leslie, who died on the battlefields of World War I in France. Soon after his death, his family received reports of sightings: walks on castle terraces, glimpses in uniform, appearances in the Red Room late at night. Lady Marjorie Leslie reportedly saw him beside her bed arranging or going through papers in the Red Room, as though still keeping vigil.
Another spectral presence is Lady Constance Leslie, often tied in local lore to strange noises, moving objects, and appearances in rooms such as the Mauve Bedroom. In one account, Lady Constance was seen years after her death in the Mauve Room by a nurse and others; after her funeral, a painting in the castle was recognised as matching the visitor they'd seen—though the painting was of Lady Constance who had already passed long before.
Also reported are sightings of a monk-like figure in various halls; children’s footsteps or weeping; sudden cold spots; a feeling of being watched even in otherwise warm, candle-lit drawing rooms; sometimes even sounds from the basement—whispered voices, or shapes seen briefly before disappearing. Guests staying in the Red Room (one of the Master Suites) often mention unusual activity: muffled movements, strange sounds, occasional flickers of light, and feelings that someone is nearby though they are alone.
As for staying, Castle Leslie mixes fine dining, luxury rooms, gardens by the lake, walking paths, and spa or relaxation options. The Red Room and other “named” rooms (after family members) combine comfort, beauty, historical furnishings and a chance to experience living history—and perhaps a ghost story or two.
Tariffs: The estate offers bed-and-breakfast and package rates; they vary a lot by season and type of room.
Q1. What are the most haunted castles in Ireland you can stay in?
Some of the most haunted Irish castles offering overnight stays include Ballygally Castle in Antrim, Kilkea Castle in Kildare, Kinnitty Castle in Offaly, Ballyseede Castle in Kerry, and Castle Leslie Estate in Monaghan.
Q2. Which is considered the most haunted castle in Ireland?
Leap Castle, located between Offaly and Tipperary, is often called the most haunted castle in Ireland due to its violent history, the “Bloody Chapel,” and numerous ghost sightings.
Q3. Can you really stay overnight in haunted castles in Ireland?
Yes, several castles such as Ballygally, Kinnitty, Kilkea, Ballyseede, and Castle Leslie operate as luxury hotels or estates, offering guests a chance to sleep amidst centuries of history — and perhaps a ghostly whisper or two.
Q4. How much does it cost to stay in a haunted castle in Ireland?
Prices vary depending on season and room type. Castle stays generally range from €200 to €400 per night, while some premium suites or exclusive rentals can go higher.
Q5. What is the best time to visit haunted castles in Ireland?
Autumn and Halloween season are the most popular times for ghost tours and haunted stays, offering atmospheric weather, themed events, and storytelling nights in these historic castles.