Ard na Sidhe Country House in Ireland means Hill of the Fairies, but is said to be haunted by a Lady in Gray that is said to be the ghost of one of the former residents.
The origins of Ard na Sidhe Country House are shrouded in history and mystery and the very name of the house means: Hill of the Fairies. In spite of its fairytale-like name, it is said that the country house in Killorglin in County Kerry is also haunted by a Lady in Gray.
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Originally conceived by Lady Gordon, a distinguished lady of Irish lineage, the Ard na Sidhe Country House’s construction began in 1913 on the 32 acres of natural woodland on the shores of Caragh Lake. This ambitious project aimed to create “The House of my Dreams,” a vision that would forever alter the Kerry countryside. Lady Gordon’s dedication to authenticity saw her enlisting local workmen and utilizing Irish materials, except for the Westmorland roof slates, imparting a timeless character to the house.
The Ghostly Whispers inside of the Ard na Sidhe Country House
Ard na Sidhe’s rich history and spectral tales cast an irresistible spell over visitors. In particular, the ghost of Bess Stokes, an ancestor of Lady Gordon, is said to wander the estate’s hallowed grounds, the hidden pathways and secret glades.
The ghost of Bess Stokes is said to still be seen as an old lady in gray — standing at the gate near the ruined cottage she had built.
Not much is known about her life except she turned pretty old, but never gave up partying. The descriptions we have of her in written form is when someone described her as one to have “taken the floor ” at a party she had given to celebrate her hundredth birthday.
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Her presence adds to the mystique of this storied residence. As you traverse its historic halls, listen closely—perhaps you’ll hear the gentle whispers of its spectral inhabitants, forever entwined with the allure of Ard na Sidhe Country House.
Ard na Sidhe Country House in the Modern Day
In the hands of Dr. Liebherr, Ard na Sidhe’s legacy continued to flourish when he acquired the estate in 1958. Just two years later, it opened its doors to welcome guests, blending the past’s grace with contemporary comfort.
Ard na Sidhe Country House invites guests to relish its timeless charm as a hotel and glimpse the spirits of the past, perhaps still wanting to take to the floor for an eternal party.
There is a ghost girl hitchhiking on the Arrabassada road in Spain. On a sharp turn in the road people claim to have picked up a vanishing hitchhiker that keeps reminding them to slow down on the dangerous road before disappearing when they have safely passed the bend.
Spain is widely known for its beautiful landscapes, rich history and delicious food, but there’s one road that has a different reputation altogether. This road in Barcelona, is infamous for its haunting presence. The road is believed to be haunted by a ghost that lingers there. This ghost has caused several accidents on the road, making it one of the scariest roads in Spain.
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This stretch of road between Sarria-Sant Gervasi and Horta-Guinardo in Barcelona are tales of a ghostly hitchhiker. This urban legend was one of the ghost stories presented in Llegendes de Barcelona by Per Joan de Déu Prats, but the core of the story would be familiar globewide.
The Girl on Revolt de la Paella
Reports about a girl passing cars have been picked up by the Revolt de la Paella, which is a sharp bend of the Arrabassada road. The girl is said to have been wearing a white dress.
According to the legend it is said that after picking up what the drivers think is a hitchhiker, she gets nervous as the car is closing in on a specific course and she tells you to be careful and slow down because it is dangerous.
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She is even said to have stopped cars and saved the driver from a crash from an oncoming vehicle. She then tells the driver that this was the place she died and she spends the rest of her afterlife trying to save others from suffering her fate.
After the drivers are able to pass the sharp bend safely, she vanishes into the thin air, her job done.
Revolt de la Paella: On this sharp bend on the Arrabassada Road in Barcelona, Spain, it is said that a woman is haunting the road. In this classic vanishing hitchhiker story, a ghost is getting into cars only to mysteriously disappear.//Source: Joan Andrés de Barcelona/Wikimedia
The Vanishing Hitchhiker on Arrabassada Road
There is also the story about a young man who picked her up on Arrabassada Road, one of those thinking she was just a normal girl hitchhiking. She asked him to let her out right before they reached the curve for some reason. Although the young man didn’t understand, he followed her advice and stopped the car.
Because they stopped he was saved from a collision of a truck he would have hit if he had not stopped to drop her off.
Smugglers, Pirates, Fairies and ghosts, they all linger in the shallow water at Rosses Point. A place where the Irish writer Yeats even claimed had to be one of the most haunted places in Ireland.
Ireland’s lush landscapes have long been intertwined with tales of the supernatural. While ancient castles and grand manors often take center stage in ghostly stories, the restless spirits of Sligo have found their haunt in the untamed beauty of Rosses Point, a coastal gem in County Sligo.
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Rosses Point is at the entrance to Sligo Harbour where many people from the sea met their end. With its rugged cliffs, windswept shores, and mesmerizing sea views, has become a favored haunt for these ethereal beings.
The Hauntings at Rosses Point
Sligo Bay has witnessed over 60 shipwrecks throughout history and many think that the victims of the wrecks are haunting the bay to this day.
Rosses Point: The entire area is said to be haunted by the wrecked sailors that met a watery grave off the coast of Rosses Point and Sligo Bay.
Among the souls lost to the tempestuous Atlantic Ocean, many were seafarers and pirates with regrets and lost treasures. It’s no wonder that the restless spirits chose this coastal haven as their final resting place.
One of the more haunted places we know of here is the smugglers’ den, Elsinor House, that the writer Yeats used to stay in.
Yeats’ Connection at Elsinor House
Rosses Point enjoys a poetic connection to the legendary W.B. Yeats, who claimed that nowhere else held as many spirits as this coastal haven. Yeats was himself very interested in the paranormal and ghost stories.
As a young boy, Yeats spent summers at Elsinor House, a residence that once belonged to his grandparents together with his brother. The house was built by the smuggler John Black or Black Jack. The house is still standing, but now the house has fallen into disrepair.
Elsinor House: The old house was after stories, built as a smugglers den, but ended up being a quaint summer house, although it came with haunted rumours. Today the house has fallen into disrepair.
Here, he would have listened to the haunting tales of the souls lost to the unforgiving sea, stories that would later inspire his own poetic musings. One of the stories from the house is that it is haunted by the smugglers that once used to come to this place with their goods.
According to the ghost stories, the ghost of the smugglers that died at sea comes at night, tapping on the windows, only shadows in the stormy night outside the windows.
Dead Man’s Point
Among the chilling tales of Rosses Point, one stands out—the origin of its eerie name, Dead Man’s Point at the very tip of the point before it, nothing else but the Atlantic Sea.
Legend has it that a sailor was laid to rest in a shallow grave, but doubt lingered as to whether he was truly deceased. In a macabre twist, the captain decided to leave the comrade a loaf of bread and a shovel alongside the grave, just in case the sailor awoke from his slumber in the afterlife.
As you wander along the windswept shores of Rosses Point and gaze out across the mighty Atlantic, remember that the beauty of Ireland’s coastlines is not merely skin deep. Beneath the crashing waves and whispering sea breeze lies a world where the spirits of seafarers and pirates roam freely, keeping a watchful eye on the untamed shores they once called home.
In a dark mansion on sunny Tenerife, there is a legend of a ghost haunting the grounds. Catalina, the daughter of the man of the manor supposedly threw herself down the well when she was forced to marry someone she didn’t want to. Now she wanders her afterlife like a ghost.
The Spanish mansion from the 16th century was abandoned for years before turning into a museum, and for good reason. It is haunted by a ghost that many people have seen and heard. The mansion is situated on a sunny island in Tenerife, Spain. The mansion’s walls bear stories of past battles and horrific tragedies that took place within its walls, and it’s no surprise that the ghost of a former resident still lingers within.
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Deep within the historic walls of this captivating mansion, whispers of a tragic past echo through the corridors, leaving visitors intrigued and trembling in fear. The ghostly presence of Catalina, a young woman tormented by a love affair gone wrong, is said to wander the halls, her sorrowful cries sending shivers down the spines of those who dare to listen.
The History of Casa Lercaro in Tenerife
The Canary Islands are known for their beautiful beaches, vibrant culture, and rich history. However, they are also famous for their ghost stories that have been passed down through generations. These tales of haunted houses, restless spirits, and supernatural phenomena continue to captivate locals and tourists alike. One such story that stands out is the haunting tale of the Ghost of Catalina in Casa Lercaro.
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Casa Lercaro, located in Tenerife, is a historic mansion with a dark past. The mansion was built in the 16th century and has witnessed countless events over the years. It served as a witness to battles, political intrigues, and tragic love stories. The walls of Casa Lercaro hold the secrets of the past, and it is said that the spirits of those who lived and died within its confines still roam its corridors.
The Tragic Life and Death of Catalina Lercaro
One of the most tragic stories associated with Casa Lercaro is that of Catalina Lercaro, a young woman who was forced to marry a much older man against her will. Catalina was known for her beauty and vivacious spirit, and her arranged marriage crushed her dreams of true love. She longed for freedom and happiness, but fate had other plans for her.
She was the daughter of Antonio Lercaro who thought the marriage would benefit the business. He was the lieutenant General of Tenerife that built the mansion in 1593 on Calle San Agustín 22.. She decided to take her own life rather than have people dictate how it would be. Some say she threw herself down a well at the property, some say she jumped from the high point of the mansion or off a cliff.
The ghostly presence of Catalina is now one of the most famous and well-known spirits in the Canary Islands. Her apparition has been witnessed by many, with some claiming to have heard her sorrowful cries echoing through the halls of Casa Lercaro.
The Catholic Church’s Denial: A Haunting Reflection
The tragic circumstances of Catalina’s death led to the denial of her a Christian burial by the Catholic Church. Taking one’s own life was considered a grave sin, and those who committed suicide were often denied the rites of a proper burial. Catalina’s body was instead buried in one of the rooms of Casa Lercaro, forever binding her spirit to the mansion and ensuring her restless presence would be felt for generations to come.
The well she supposedly died in was walled up and her family picked up their roots and moved away to La Orotava for a new start, and hopefully never make the same mistakes again.
But Catalina was left and witnesses claim to have heard her footsteps. They hear it most often on the top of the house, between section VI in the museum and leading to a cabinet with an image of Jesus.
The Abandoned Mansion: A Silent Witness
Casa Lercaro, once a grand mansion, was long abandoned and forgotten. The building was closed off with a wall, keeping curious visitors at bay. It had a couple of uses though over the years, everything from being used by the university and the military.
The eerie silence that surrounds the mansion only adds to its haunting atmosphere. The ghost of Catalina is said to roam the empty corridors, her presence felt by those who dare to venture near. It is a place where the past and present intertwine, leaving visitors both intrigued and trembling in fear.
Now the old mansion has been turned into a museum, and when a local newspaper ran a story about the ghost in the mansion, the staff had plenty of stories to tell. It seems like it is especially the new ones that notice the hauntings the most. Perhaps a prank from their colleagues? Perhaps Catalina seeks those that stick out?
Workers that have kept the house standing have also claimed to have noticed something odd. On more than one occasion they have seen a young woman watching from afar, but only when the museum was closed and they were supposed to be the only ones there.
The Enduring Allure of the Ghost of Catalina in Casa Lercaro
The ghost of Catalina in Casa Lercaro continues to captivate the imagination of those who hear her story. Her tragic fate and restless spirit serve as a reminder of the power of love, loss, and the enduring allure of the supernatural. Casa Lercaro stands as a testament to the past, a place where history and mystery intertwine.
The once abandoned mansion in Tenerife holds the secrets of the past, with Catalina’s spirit lingering within its walls. Her tragic life story, denial of a Christian burial, and the eerie ambiance of the mansion all contribute to the enduring allure of this ghostly legend.
After the Spanish Armada were set ablaze in the North Sea, some of the soldiers sought refuge at Staad Abbey in Sligo, Ireland. However, many of them met a haunting fate.
In the rugged embrace of County Sligo’s Atlantic coastline, history and the supernatural converge at the enigmatic Staad Abbey. This weathered relic from the early medieval period, now a haunting ruin, whispers tales of pilgrimage, tragedy, and apparitions that linger in the depths of time.
The name “Staad” is of Gaelic origins, meaning “stop.” In times gone by, this abbey served as a crucial waypoint for weary pilgrims en route to the nearby Inishmurray Island. Staad Abbey is an early monastic site from the late 5th or early 6th century, reputedly founded by the monk, St Molaise. You can find the ruins of the old abbey in Agharrow, County Sligo, right on the cliff above the beach there.
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Staad Abbey can also be called a shore hostel, for travelers to stay in on their journey before venturing to Inishmurray by boat.
Ghosts of Spanish Soldiers
While the abbey’s history is imbued with the essence of spiritual seekers, it is also shrouded in a more sinister narrative. Local lore tells of the restless spirits of executed Spanish soldiers who now call this ruined abbey home.
Staad Abbey: Only a few rubble stone is left from this ancient monument now.// Source: IrishPost
They came on a ship from the Spanish Armada in 1588 that was passing the Irish coast after rounding the north of Scotland.
The Spanish Armada
The Spanish Armada was a formidable naval force consisting of approximately 130 ships, over 8,000 seamen, and around 18,000 soldiers, with about 40 warships among them. The Spanish plan was for this massive fleet, known as the “Great and Most Fortunate Navy,” to sail from Lisbon. The combined forces would then cross the English Channel to launch an overland offensive against London.
In May 1588, the Spanish Armada set sail from Lisbon. The English, desperate to prevent this, devised a plan involving fireships. At midnight on August 8, they set eight empty vessels on fire and allowed them to drift toward the Spanish fleet at Calais Roads. This caused panic among the Armada, forcing them to flee to the open sea.
The Spanish Armada: Defeat of the Spanish Armada, history painting by Philippe-Jacques de Loutherbourg (1796)
The Armada, now facing bad weather, was carried into the North Sea, preventing the rendezvous with Parma’s army. With supplies running low and disease spreading, the Duke of Medina-Sidonia decided to return to Spain via Scotland and Ireland. During the journey home, the Armada was ravaged by sea storms, leading to the loss of around 60 of its 130 ships and approximately 15,000 lives.
The treacherous Atlantic Ocean has claimed many a ship, but one of the most infamous tragedies unfolded in 1588 when the Spanish Armada met its demise off the shores of Streedagh Beach, near Staad Abbey. Over 1,000 souls perished in the relentless tempests, and among the survivors, despair mingled with hope.
The Spanish Soldier at Staad Abbey
Unfortunately, the survivors of the Armada’s ill-fated expedition did not find refuge but instead faced a grim fate. In the backdrop of the British occupation of Ireland, these Spanish soldiers, considered enemies of the realm, were captured and subjected to a ruthless judgment.
One of the survivors was Francisco de Cuellar. A few months after surviving the sinking of the Spanish Armada ship La Lavia on Streedagh Beach, Francisco de Cuellar sought refuge in Staad Abbey in 1588. Upon his arrival, he discovered that the church was partially burned, and he saw twelve Spaniards hanged from the rafters. He had encountered hundreds dead soldiers on the nearby beaches as well.
De Cuellar stayed at Staad Abbey for a few weeks before fleeing again. There is some debate about whether it was actually Staad Abbey he visited or another medieval church in the vicinity, possibly Ahamlish Church, located just north of Streedagh, where the ships from the Spanish Armada sank.
The Sinking Haunted Ruins
It is said that the desolation of Staad Abbey is not confined to its crumbling stones and windswept arches. Visitors have reported an eerie, bone-chilling coldness that hangs in the air.
Shadows dance along the walls, seemingly floating across the ancient stones, evoking the memory of those ill-fated Spanish soldiers who met their end at this lonely ruin.
As you stand amidst the solemn ruins of Staad Abbey which are slowly being eroded away, the whispers of the past beckon, inviting you to contemplate the pilgrims’ journey, the tragic shipwrecks, and the ghosts that may still linger among the timeless stones. Soon it can be too late as the abbey itself is close to collapsing as it edges closer to the cliffs for every storm.
On a white beach in Alicante, Santa Barbara Castle sits atop a rocky hill as it has done for centuries. There are legends of princesses and her forbidden love as well as ghosts haunting its ancient halls.
Spain is a country rich in history and culture. Its stunning castles are a testament to its rich heritage and architectural brilliance. However, it’s not just the beauty of these castles that fascinates people, but also the stories behind them.
Spain’s haunted castles are shrouded in mystery and intrigue, with tales of ghosts, spirits, and unexplained phenomena that continue to captivate visitors. In this blog post, we’ll take you on a journey through some of Spain’s most haunted castles and explore the eerie tales of the ghosts that inhabit them.
Postiguet Beach: Today, beachgoers can see the supposed haunted castle from the sea, and the face that are etched into the stone according to the legend.
With its rich history dating back over a millennium, this imposing structure has stood the test of time, serving as a silent witness to countless tales of triumph, tragedy, and intrigue.
Historical background of Santa Barbara Castle
Santa Barbara Castle has a rich and storied past that dates back to the 9th century when it was built by the Moors. Over the centuries, it has witnessed numerous battles, conquests, and changes of ownership. In the 13th century, the castle fell into Christian hands during the Reconquista, marking the end of Moorish rule in the region.
Throughout its history, the castle has served as a strategic stronghold for various rulers, including the Kingdom of Aragon and the Crown of Castile. Its commanding position atop Mount Benacantil offered unparalleled views of the surrounding landscape, making it an ideal defensive fortress.
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During the 18th century, the castle underwent significant renovations, transforming it into a military barracks and fortification. The castle’s defensive walls were reinforced, and additional structures, such as the Governor’s House and the Chapel of Santa Barbara, were added.
Situated just a stone’s throw away from Santa Barbara Castle lies the stunning Postiguet Beach. This picturesque stretch of golden sand is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, offering a tranquil escape from the bustling city.
With its crystal-clear waters and breathtaking views of the castle perched on the hilltop, Postiguet Beach provides the perfect backdrop for relaxation and unwinding. The image of the mountain from the beach resembles a face, which is why it is called “the face of the Moor” and is an icon of the city of Alicante.
Santa Barbara Castle boasts a unique architectural blend of Moorish, Roman, and Gothic influences. Its strategic location on a hilltop allowed for excellent visibility and defense against potential invaders. The castle’s design takes full advantage of the natural landscape, with its walls seamlessly integrated into the rocky outcrop.
The Princess with her Two Suitors
Santa Barbara Castle’s history is shrouded in legends and folklore. One such story revolves around an Arab princess who resided within the castle during the times of Moorish rule. The princess, beautiful and sought after by many suitors, found herself torn between two men from rival families. The castle became the arena for a fierce competition as the suitors battled for her affection and the right to win her hand in marriage.
The princess Cantara had two men fighting for her hand in marriage. One of them was Ali, a simple man that was favored by the princess, but didn’t really have anything to offer but his heart. The other was Almanzor who was a famous warrior from a wealthy family in Cordoba that she didn’t really know.
Cantaras father, the caliph , disagreed with the princess’ choice and wouldn’t let her marry Ali before he proved himself. He decided that she would marry the one who emerged victorious in a daring challenge that tested their bravery and loyalty. He sent Almanzor to India with the mission to return with spices and treasures for the kingdom. To Ali, the caliph gave the order to build a ditch that could bring fresh water from the mountains to the city of Alicante. The one that completed the task first would be the winner and get to marry the caliphs daughter.
Almanzor set sail to India to complete his mission and was away for a long time. Ali started digging, but would spend the nights with the princess, slowly winning her over by reciting poems and singing her love songs. They fell in love and for the princess, there was only one winner.
Months went by and Almanzor returned with his ships loaded with spices, gold, ivory and silk, just as he had been ordered to. And he was also the first one to have completed his mission and the caliph saw him as the winner.
He ordered his daughter to marry Almanzor, but her heart was already given away. Ali didn’t want to make her choice any harder and chose to jump from the top of the castle. It is said that the face you can see in the mountain is from the impact from his fall, his turban and all. Princess Cantara couldn’t go on without her lover and wouldn’t marry the suitor. She chose to jump after her lover to join him at the feet of the mountain.
The king was sorry and his grief for his daughter turned him into a just ruler to never make the same mistake again. The story about the two lovers spread and to honor their love, they joined their name together and named the city for Alcantara. Time went by and soon the name turned into Alicante and is still the name of the city.
Visitors have reported hearing disembodied voices arguing in the dead of night, and some claim to have seen a ghostly figure lurking in the shadows that they connect to this legend of the two lovers. But it is not the only ghosts said to roam the halls of the castle.
More Haunted Ghost stories
Another ghost story told about this ancient castle is about Nicolas Peris who was the governor of Santa Barbara and protector of the castle when he was alive. In 1256 there was a huge battle about the fortress, and Peris was fighting for his life to not let the castle fall into the hands of Jaime II.
Although he gave his all, he was soon defeated and died in the battle, legend says he fell with the keys to the castle clenched tightly in his hands. The only way they could get the keys out from his cold hands was to cut it off.
It is said that on some nights you can still hear the former governor wailing throughout the halls as he is still grieving losing the battle and his beloved castle.
The Legends of Santa Barbara Castle
As you walk through the ancient halls of Santa Barbara Castle, surrounded by centuries of history and legends, you can’t help but feel a sense of awe and intrigue. The castle’s ghostly secrets are an integral part of its allure, drawing visitors from far and wide who seek a glimpse into the supernatural.
From the Arab princess and her two suitors to the restless spirits that haunt the castle’s corridors, Santa Barbara Castle is a place where the past and present collide. It invites us to explore the mysteries that lie within its walls and contemplate the enduring legacy of those who came before us.
Right in the middle of the road at night at Baytakhol Road in India it is said that the ghost of a girl is haunting this stretch, screaming at the passing cars.
Between the residential district of Dhavali and the census town of Borim lies a stretch of road shrouded in mystery and dread—the infamous Baytakhol Road said to be haunted by a young girl said to appear in the middle of the road.
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The stretch of road has become notorious because of all the incidents and accidents that have happened along the Baytakhol Road, many that resulted in loss of lives. Some of the accidents are said to have been caused because of the paranormal things said to happen here.
Ghostlore of Baytakhol Road
According to witnesses that have taken a drive through the Baytakhol Road, recount a spine-chilling phenomenon involving a young girl who materializes in the middle of the road as she screams that pierces the night air.
Drivers, overcome with fear and confusion, find themselves losing control of their vehicles as the apparition vanishes into thin air, leaving behind a trail of chaos and tragedy. When they finally got control over their vehicle again and look back to where she was standing, there was no one there.
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The initial scare when the girl haunting Baytakhol Road screams, or the realization of her vanishing into thin air, is said to be the cause of numerous accidents.
Phantom Encounters Along Baytakhol Road
Eyewitness testimonies documents encounters with a spectral woman standing ominously in the road’s path along Baytakhol Road. Drivers describe an overwhelming sense of dread as they approach, only to be met with distressing vocalizations that seem to emanate from the ethereal figure.
A chilling anecdote of Baytakhol Road recounts the harrowing experience of two travelers who encountered a distraught woman, crying inconsolably along the roadside.
Despite their efforts to assist her, asking if she wanted a lift, she vanished into thin air before their eyes. They decided to continue their travels when the woman kept reappearing moments later in the backseat of their vehicle, her gaze fixed upon them with an otherworldly intensity.
The Realm of the Supernatural
The Baytakhol-Borim region is steeped in tales of paranormal activity, with reports of spectral infants and phantom women haunting the area, especially encountering the woman asking for a lift somewhere. Witnesses speak of ghostly apparitions crossing the road before disappearing into the night, leaving behind an eerie silence broken only by the echoes of blood-curdling laughter.
Scattery Island has many legends about it. There are dangerous sea monsters, healing waters and ghosts from the monks and priests that lived in the monasteries there.
Off the coast of Kilrush in County Clare, nestled amidst the tumultuous waves of the Atlantic Ocean, lies Scattery Island. This idyllic isle that is called Inis Cathaigh in Irish, conceals secrets that echo through the annals of time, from tales of sea monsters to ancient legends of saints and spectral apparitions that gave name to this mystical island.
The Monstrous Cathach
Before the dawn of the sixth century, Scattery Island was a place shrouded in fear, as its inhabitants lived under the ominous shadow of a sea monster known as the Cathach. This malevolent creature, a Peist of unimaginable dread, terrorized the islanders.
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Legend tells of a divine intervention by Saint Senan, a holy figure who would change the destiny of Scattery Island. According to the ancient tales, Saint Senan received a celestial visitation from the Archangel Michael. This heavenly messenger bestowed upon him the knowledge and power to banish the wicked Cathach from the island.
Sea Serpent: At Scattery Island there is stories about a vicious sea serpent that plagued the area for a long time. Pictured is a sea serpent from Olaus Magnus’ book Historia de Gentibus Septentrionalibus (History of the Northern Peoples, Rome, 1555).
Saint Senan confronted the Cathach, invoking the name of the Holy Trinity. He commanded the malevolent creature to depart from the island, never to return. The powers of divine intervention prevailed, and the Cathach was banished from Scattery Island, cast into the depths of the Black Lake in County Mayo.
Monasteries and a Healing Well
Saint Senan’s divine presence left an indelible mark on Scattery Island. He founded monasteries that thrived through the ages, bearing witness to his miraculous deeds. To this day, a visit to the grave of Saint Senan is believed to possess the power of healing, where the faithful seek solace and renewal.
There was a rule that no woman should ever set foot upon the grounds. There are also legends about miracles and magical water that could cure anything in the Holy Well. Even Saint Senan’s grave on the site is said to have healing powers to those that visited it.
Over the years, vikings attacked and the monasteries were abandoned during Elizabeth I’st reign, leaving it empty, except from ghosts.
A Fisherman’s Haunting Tale
It has always been a place of mystery, even without the tales of the sea serpent. When the Captains of the Shannons and their families inhabited the island again in the 1800s, they were the only people in the area that were somewhat spared from the Famine, and because of this, many thought there had to be something special about the place.
It is also thought to be a haunted place, something we are told about in the legend where a fisherman sought refuge on the island in a storm in the 19th century.
He entered the ruins of an ancient church to offer his prayers, seeking divine protection from the fury of the storm. As he knelt in solemn devotion and closed his eyes, an eerie transformation occurred. The air seemed to shimmer with an otherworldly presence as the disembodied voices of monks and priests filled the hallowed space. Oblivious to the fisherman’s presence, they celebrated mass at the altar, a spectral congregation from a distant time.
The fisherman’s heart raced with terror, realizing that he had unwittingly stumbled upon a supernatural realm. Overwhelmed, he closed his eyes once more and fervently prayed for their departure. When he dared to open his eyes again, the ghostly apparitions had vanished into the ethereal mist, leaving behind an island steeped in history and haunting mysteries.
Scattery Island Enigmatic Legacy
Scattery Island, a place where sea monsters met their match in a saint’s unwavering faith, and where the echoes of ancient monks’ chants linger in the air, stands as a testament to Ireland’s rich tapestry of history, myth, and the supernatural.
The last person living on the island moved in the 1970s, and churches, monasteries and even a castle were left in the ghost town. The enigmatic island beckons the curious to explore its haunted shores, where the past and the spectral converge in a realm of haunting beauty and timeless wonder.
The Castle of Loarre has more than one ghost. Perhaps you can spot the ghost of the abbess said to haunt the place, or perhaps of the traitor Count Don Julian. Or maybe it is the ghost of Violante de Luna that was exiled by the pope that you hear in the dead of the night?
Spain is a country with a rich history, and with that comes many tales of the supernatural. Some of the most intriguing ghost stories involve the beautiful castles that dot the Spanish countryside. These haunted castles have been the inspiration for countless legends and are guaranteed to send shivers down your spine.
Towering majestically atop a rugged hill in the heart of Spain, this medieval fortress holds secrets that have remained hidden for centuries. Ridley Scott was so impressed by The Castle of Loarre that he chose it as a location for his movie Kingdom of Heaven.
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From its origins as a strategic stronghold to its dark days of war and betrayal, the Castle of Loarre has witnessed it all, its walls echoing with the echoes of past tragedies.
Historical Significance of the Castle of Loarre
The Castle of Loarre, also known as Loarre Abbey Castle, is a remarkable architectural masterpiece that stands as a testament to the rich history of Spain and is a very well preserved castle in Huesca. It is also one of the oldest castles in Spain.
Built in the 11th century, it served as a strategic stronghold during the Reconquista, a period marked by the Christian kingdoms’ efforts to recapture the Iberian Peninsula from the Moors. With its strategic location on a hill overlooking the surrounding plains, the castle provided a vantage point for surveillance and defense.
The castle’s architecture is a marvel in itself, blending Romanesque and Moorish influences. Its imposing walls, constructed with large stone blocks, are a testament to the craftsmanship of the time. As you walk through the castle’s corridors and explore its towers, you can’t help but marvel at the intricate details carved into the stone, telling stories of battles fought and victories won.
The Castle of Loarre as an Abbey
Back in the day the Castle of Loarre was used as an abbey for nuns as a spiritual sanctuary, not a fortress for defense. It is from this time that the haunted rumors came from and the legend says the old abbey is haunted by an old abbess that appears on the night of San Juan.
It is said that during a military conflict the abbey got caught in the middle and got to pay for it. The Abbess in charge was taken prisoner and locked up in the dungeons of the castle.
Castle of Loarre: The supposed haunted castle by night.
According to local lore, on the night of San Juan, the abbess makes her spectral appearance, wandering the halls and corridors in search of peace or perhaps retribution for past sins. This is said to happen on the night of San Juan.
San Juan’s, or St John’s, feast day falls on the 24th of June every year, but it’s on St John’s eve, the 23rd of June, that the celebrations take place.
Visitors to the castle have reported hearing her ghostly footsteps echoing through the empty chambers, accompanied by the flickering of candlelight that mysteriously appears and disappears.
The Ghost of Violante de Luna
Another version of this legend is that the ghost haunting The Castle of Loarre was a runaway abbess and not necessarily in charge of this place.
Her name was Violante de Luna living in the early 1400s in Spain where the pope had power throughout all of catholic Europe. She was the niece of Papa Luna, or Pope Benedict XIII and enjoyed the privileges it gave her. But little did she know the price for crossing him would be too high.
In her youth she took her cousin, Anton de Luna as her lover and she became pregnant. After her bastard son was born she entered the convent where she became abbess of the Trasobares convent and did quite well for herself. Perhaps she could have it all?
But then, rumor spread and the pope found out about this affair though and excommunicated them both and burned down her convent. They ran off to this very castle and lived together and it was said she led the siege that came to the castle as Anton had to go fight.
Because it was not only their life together that angered the pope, but also their involvement in the rebellion in defense of Jaime de Urgell’s candidacy for the Aragonese throne against Fernando de Antequera, a candidate who was finally elected in the Caspe Compromise. And the two lovers fell out of the popes grace in the middle of the feud.
Their time together was short in the castle as Anton had left for battle and Violante was captured by those chasing them when she lost the siege after three months. She was locked up for a few months in Sora, giving the impression to her jailers, due to her fierceness, that she was a woman “who had the devil in her body.”
What happened next to her is uncertain, some say that she was reunited with her lover in France, some say that she was buried in a monastery.
But all of the legends say that she is still haunting the castle she gave her all to protect. Some say she appears from time to time, walking through the castle as a ghost, standing in the queen’s balcony waiting for news from her beloved. Some say that she has a sword in her hand, still defending the castle from the enemies knocking on the doors.
The Haunted Legends and of Count Don Julian
Aside from the ghost abbess, the Castle of Loarre is steeped in other chilling legends and ghostly tales. One such story revolves around Count Don Julian, who is said to be buried within the castle walls.
There is also the version where Don Julian was buried at the entrance at the church as a traitor for having opened the gates and thereby giving free entry to the peninsula to the Moors to take over large parts of Spain.
During the battle of the Guadalete River in 711 there was a supposed betrayal by Don Julian that ended in defeat for the Visigothic King Don Rodrigo and the Arabs led by the warlords Tarik and Muza gained entry through the Strait of Gibraltar. Count Don Julian’s beloved daughter Florinda was known as La Cava and they supposedly withdrew to this castle to regain strength. But according to the story, they were both captured and imprisoned in the fortress.
The daughter was so scared of what would happen next that she took her own life. She supposedly threw herself from a tower. Don Julian was buried at the entrance to the church of San Pedro so that everyone would step on his grave as the traitor he was. This version seems a bit of a stretch though as in the time of Don Julian the castle was not yet built. Even so, the legend is that every Tuesday you can see him walking along the battlements.
Legend has it that his spirit still wanders the castle, seeking revenge on those who wronged him. His tormented soul laments and yearns for the tragic end his daughter suffered.
Visitors claim to have seen a shadowy figure lurking in the corners of their vision, only to vanish when approached. Others have reported feeling an icy chill in certain rooms, as if the count’s vengeful spirit is still present.
Visit the Haunted Castle
So, if you ever find yourself in Spain, don’t miss the opportunity to visit this ancient castle. Step through its gates and immerse yourself in the haunted history that lies within. But be warned, the Castle of Loarre is not for the faint of heart. The spirits that linger within its walls may just leave you with an unforgettable experience that will send shivers down your spine.
A curse of a mermaid is cast upon Newhall House after they murdered her after she stole their wine. Now the water of Killone Lake turn crimson red every 40 years to remind them all.
On the edge of the picturesque Killone Lake, within the Newhall Estate near Ennis, County Clare, stands the haunting ruins of Killone Abbey. Founded in the year 1180 AD by Donal Mor O’Brien, the King of Munster, this ancient abbey once housed the Augustinian nuns dedicated to St. John the Baptist.
However, as the centuries passed, its halls fell silent, and it became abandoned during the tumultuous seventeenth century. In the late 1700s, the Newhall House emerged on the estate’s grounds, incorporating the ruins of the abbey into it.
Read More: Check out all of the ghost stories from Ireland
There have been many things told about this area, and in the graveyard in County Clare, they talked about corpse lights, or so called will of the wisps, hovering in the cemetery as well as by the ruins of the abbey.
But the most told legend from Killone lake and the Newhall House is the story about the haunting from the mermaid that put a curse on the lake.
The Crypt’s Stolen Wine at Newhall House
During this era, the crypt of Killone Abbey had been repurposed to store a prized treasure—fine wine by the O’Brian family that resided in the Newhall House close to the lake.
The locals had told him a lot about a mermaid that lived in the lake. She was wearing a green cloak, sitting on a rock and combing her long and black hair. O’Brian laughed at this, and didn’t care about the local superstitions and the poor people that lived around him. He only cared about his riches, his sport and his fine wine.
The Mermaid Thief of Killone Lake
A vigilant servant, tasked with guarding this valuable cache of wine in the basement, made a disconcerting discovery: the wine had begun to vanish mysteriously, bottle by bottle. Determined to solve the perplexing riddle, he stood sentinel within the crypt, clutching a knife in anticipation of the thief’s arrival.
The Crypt of Killone Abbey: Underneath the ruins of the abbey, they used the crypt to store the wine.
As the veil of darkness descended upon Killone Lake, the crypt’s stealthy intruder revealed herself, and the servant’s eyes widened in disbelief. Before him stood none other than the elusive mermaid of Killone Lake.
Enraged by the audacious theft, the servant launched a frenzied attack upon the mermaid, his knife plunging into her repeatedly. Sometimes it is said that it was O’Brian himself that killed her. With each piercing blow, her life force dwindled, and she struggled to escape his vengeful wrath. Bleeding and weakened, the mermaid dragged herself toward the water’s edge, where her strength ultimately failed her, and she succumbed to her injuries.
The Crimson Waters: The Mark of the Curse
As the mermaid’s life ebbed away, her blood mingled with the tranquil waters of Killone Lake, transforming its serene surface into a ghastly crimson hue. This macabre spectacle unfolded in the obsidian shroud of night, etching the lake’s eerie transformation into the annals of local legend.
Before dying though, she cursed the family:
Killone Lake: In the cemetery there are reported about strange lights, and the lake is haunted by a mermaid. //Wikimedia
Filedhan bhradráin on sruith, File gan fuil gan feoil, Gur ba mar sin imtheochas siol mBriain, Na ndeasacha fiadh as Chilleóin.
As the return of the salmon from the stream, A return without blood or flesh, May such be the departure of the O’Briens, Like ears of wild corn from Killeoin
– The Curse of the Mermaid: A Chilling Legacy
The legacy of the mermaid endures to this day, casting a haunting shadow over Killone Lake. It is foretold that once every forty years or upon the changing of ownership of Newhall Estate, the lake’s waters shall mysteriously turn crimson once more.
The legend about the mermaid has been told many times and made into songs and stories like with The Ballad of Killone. There are many version of the legend as well. Some say that O’Brian actually took her because he found her pretty and kept her imprisoned as she didn’t want to talk or be with him. To make her talk they threw scalding water on her and she cried out her curse.
Whether this phenomenon is the result of iron shale or the lingering curse of the vengeful mermaid, the ruins of Killone Abbey and the enigmatic lake invite brave souls to unlock their secrets and bear witness to the eerie tale that has haunted the land for centuries.
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