Tag Archives: ireland

Ukategorisert

Renvyle House and a visit from Yeats

Leave a comment
Advertisements

Renvyle House was said to be haunted long before the poet Yeats stepped into the hotel and decided to hold a seance. What they experienced staying there though almost sounded as fantastical as one of his stories and today it bears the fascinating history of modern spiritualism and occult seances. 

Midnight has come and the great Christ Church bell
And many a lesser bell sound through the room;
And it is All Souls’ Night.
And two long glasses brimmed with muscatel
Five bubble upon the table. A ghost may come;
For it is a ghost’s right,
His element is so fine
Being sharpened by his death,
– W. B. Yeats, “All Souls’ Night”

Amidst the picturesque landscapes of Galway in Ireland, Renvyle House stands as a charming rural hotel today, exuding warmth and hospitality. But it hasn’t always been like this, and there is a dark story of the occult ricocheting in the many rooms. 

Read More: Check out all of the ghost stories from Ireland

Within its inviting walls, guests, including renowned Irish poet and spiritualist William Butler Yeats, have encountered spine-tingling encounters with the supernatural, and who knows, perhaps even summoned some?

Renvyle House, a low, sprawling gray structure on Ireland’s western coast, boasts a storied history marked by construction, destruction, and rebirth. It has withstood the tumultuous shifts in Ireland’s fate, serving as a testament to the nation’s enduring spirit.

A Hotel with an Eventful Past

Originally, this site was inhabited by the formidable Gaelic clan of Donal O’Flaherty since the 12th century. In 1689, the Blakes, one of the 14 Tribes of Galway, acquired 2,000 acres of O’Flaherty land and eventually took up residence in 1822. They transformed the modest thatched cabin into a grander dwelling. 

Major renovations, including the addition of a shipwreck-sourced timber extension and a slate roof, took place under Henry Blake’s ownership. In 1883, his widow, Caroline Johanna, converted it into the area’s first hotel, opening its doors to guests seeking Connemara’s natural beauty.

In 1923, during the Irish Civil War, the IRA set the house ablaze, erasing the structure along with Gogarty’s priceless library. Surgeon, poet, and statesman Oliver St. John Gogarty, who had acquired the property in 1917, embarked on its reconstruction in the late 1920s. 

The new design reflected the aesthetic of that era, restoring Renvyle House as a hotel. It was during his stewardship that the first eerie tales of spectral encounters began to surface as his guests often included those with a keen interest in the paranormal.

A Haunting Presence at Renvyle House

Oliver St. John Gogarty: Owner of Renvyle House and a writer. He served as the inspiration for Buck Mulligan in James Joyce’s novel Ulysses and often entertained his literary friends at his house.

Even before Yeats came for a visit, the Renvyle House was said to have had a haunted reputation about it. Servants working at the Renvyle House often spoke in hushed whispers of unsettling “presences” that seemed to lurk within the shadows of the home. Bedsheets would inexplicably take flight from their resting places, doors would open and close with no human hand to guide them, and the atmosphere was charged with an otherworldly energy.

One night, the owner himself, the writer Oliver St. John Gogarty experienced something he claimed had to have been something paranormal. In the middle of the night he was jolted from slumber by a haunting disturbance. As the midnight hour approached, he was roused by the sound of heavy footsteps in the hallway outside his room coming closer and closer.

Gogarty lit a candle and ventured out to confront the source of the disturbance. Perhaps it was a guest, maybe a servant walking in the night? Yet, as he stepped into the corridor, a chilling gust extinguished the flame he was carrying. In that moment, he described an inexplicable heaviness in his limbs, as though “exercising with rubber ropes.” The spectral presence had vanished, leaving him in solitude in the pitch dark.

The Arrival of William Butler Yeats

The supernatural activity at Renvyle House reached its zenith when Gogarty’s close friend, the renowned poet William Butler Yeats, and his wife, Georgia, came to stay. Yeats grew up in Sligo, a part of Ireland known for its hauntings and fantastical fairy tales that blended into the locals’ everyday life. 

Yeats believed that when you spoke of a dead man you conjured his ghost, and together with his wife that acted as a medium for them, they had a habit of chasing ghosts and exploring the afterlife. 

Together, they embarked on a journey into the realm of the paranormal. The couple was highly interested in the occult, as it was both new and fashionable in that area, and they took part in many seances. 

One evening, while gathered in the library, the Yeatses and their companions were startled by the creaking of the library door, which slowly swung open of its own volition. Fear swept through the room, yet Yeats, resolute and unyielding, raised his hand and boldly declared, “Leave it alone, it will go away, as it came.” Remarkably, the door obeyed, slamming shut with an unsettling finality.

The Yeats Couple: At the age of 25, Georgie Hyde-Lees received a marriage proposal from the 52-year-old poet W.B. Yeats. This proposal came shortly after Yeats had been rejected by Iseult Gonne, whom he had loved for a long time. Surprisingly, Georgie accepted Yeats’ proposal, and the two were married just three weeks later. During their honeymoon, Georgie began automatic writing, a practice that greatly intrigued Yeats and eventually led to the creation of “A Vision,” which played a significant role in their marriage. Within a year of their marriage, Yeats found Georgie’s name insufferable and began calling her George instead.

The Yeatses decided to delve deeper into the mysteries of Renvyle House through automatic writing, a popular way of communicating with spirits in that era. In a séance, they hoped to unlock the secrets of the house’s restless spirits with a seance. 

There was in particular one room Yeats claimed to get in contact with an entity that said he didn’t like when strangers came to the house. 

His wife told about seeing a red-haired, pallid-faced boy of about fourteen. “He had the solemn pallor of a tragedy beyond the endurance of a child,” recalled Georgia Yeats. They learned that this melancholic figure belonged to the Blake family, the original proprietors of the house.

A Catholic Exorcise

According to the gathered people in the room there was one of them that had just converted to catholicism named Evan Morgan. He felt confident in his abilities to perform an exorcism in the room of the ghosts that resided in there. 

Spiritualism: Spiritualism is a belief system that holds spirits can communicate with the living through a medium. The term was first recorded in 1796 and was associated with 18th-century spiritualist Emanuel Swedenborg. It has evolved to encompass various meanings. In a broad sense, spiritualism includes beliefs in a vital life force within living beings, supernatural or divine entities, and the idea that spirits of the deceased continue to exist after death and can interact with the living.

According to them, he was thrown to the ground by a thick fog and had to get help to get to safety. When he calmed down he claimed to have encountered the same young man that grabbed his throat and threw him down. 

The Rest of the Ghost Haunting the hotel

This ghost from the seance is not the only ghost that is said to have been recognised though. Some claim that there are children haunting some of the rooms, and apparently one man haunting the hotel strangled himself. 

According to those who have stayed there there is a female ghosts known as Old Mrs. Gogarty that have been seen in the hotel 

There is also a man that is all dressed in tweed reported to haunt the place and is known to appear in room 27. There have also been complaints about him watching women in their rooms when they are putting on makeup. When some psychics visited in 1965, they claimed that the ghost had to be that of Yeats himself, and this theory has been passed around as fact ever since. 

A Fiery End, and Lingering Spirits

Despite its fiery end at the hands of the IRA, Renvyle House rose from the ashes, rebuilt and resolute. However, the passage of time has not dissuaded the restless spirits from roaming its corridors. To this day, guests and staff have reported uncanny encounters and inexplicable phenomena within these historic walls. 

Renvyle House remains not only a haven of hospitality but also a portal into the enigmatic world of the supernatural, where the echoes of the past continue to whisper their secrets.

More like this

Newest Posts

References:

A Low, Long, Sea Grey House | Renvyle House Hotel & Resort ****, Connemara, Co. Galway, H91 X8Y8 

Renvyle House Hotel | Haunted Galway, Ireland | Spirited Isle 

Renvyle House Hotel, Galway, Ireland | Haunted Rooms® 

Ukategorisert

Corney: The Dublin Ghost with a Sense of Humor

Leave a comment
Advertisements

A fine house in Dublin was for a time haunted by a notorious prankster that called himself Corney. And although the family tried more than one way to rid themselves of the ghost, he refused to leave and kept pestering the family until they left. 

Dublin, a city steeped in history and folklore, has its own fair share of spectral tales and paranormal phenomena. Among these eerie stories, the intriguing tale of Corney stands out as a remarkable account of a mischievous and talkative ghost with a sense of humor. 

Read More: Check out all of the ghost stories from Ireland

In the heart of Dublin city, a well-to-do family once moved into a splendid residence, hoping to create a warm and inviting home. The exact address is unknown today, but it is believed the building was around Stephen’s Green. Little did they know that their new abode came with an unexpected tenant—the spectral presence known as Corney.

The Cane’s Mysterious Disappearance

Life in their new home took an eerie turn when the father of the family sprained his leg at work, requiring a cane to move around. One night, as the family lay peacefully asleep and a distinctive thumping noise reverberated through the darkness and woke them up. The source of this eerie sound was none other than the father’s cane, which had mysteriously vanished from the foot of their bed.

The family members embarked on a midnight quest to retrieve the missing cane. To their astonishment, they were greeted by an unexpected and booming voice emanating from the cellar. It was a voice that introduced itself as Corney, though he often denied that as his true name. It was said that the voice sounded like it was speaking through an empty barrel. This initial encounter marked the beginning of Corney’s strange presence in their lives.

Corney’s Mischief and Pranks

Corney soon proved himself to be a playful and mischievous specter. He delighted in creating chaos within the household. Crockery went missing, cutlery disappeared, and household members complained of mysterious pinches they suffered when there was no one there. 

Even vegetables brought as gifts from relatives’ farms were hung up around the kitchen like bizarre decorations. One cupboard in the kitchen was off-limits to anyone else but Corney, who adamantly refused to allow anything to be stored there and threw everything out when they tried to put something in it.

Corney’s Antics Escalate

Corney had a distinct aversion to confinement. He wielded an uncanny ability to manipulate locks and keys, leaving a trail of bent and twisted mechanisms throughout the house. He had an uncanny knack for interrupting conversations in the kitchen, save for those held by those who held no fear of him. 

Haunted House: Corney was the family’s personal poltergeist, and took over the house and drove them out in the end.

As Corney’s presence in the house grew stronger, his antics took a more sinister turn. Household members struggled to keep servants, as the relentless mutterings, interruptions, and malicious practical jokes became increasingly unbearable. Those who had once slept in the kitchen on fold-out beds requested to move to the attic, hoping to escape Corney’s torment.

A Nightmarish All Hallows Eve

On All Hallows Eve, Corney made a chilling announcement that visitors would be arriving. That very night, the house echoed with the voices of five or six distinct entities. The next morning, the water in the house had turned as black as ink, and the pantry revealed bread and butter streaked with the sooty imprints of ghostly fingers. Guests claimed that sheets had been mysteriously pulled from their beds, and one young man reported a terrifying vision of a naked old man with peculiar features.

When the family tried to get a priest to expel him from the house though, Corney was silent the whole time. But after the priest left, he would return and continue his usual haunting antics. He only jumped out from the cupboard as he shouted “Haha, here I am, I am not confined to only one place in the house.”

Corney’s Departure

The beleaguered family decided it was time to move, but selling their lease proved challenging. Corney’s loquacious nature ensured that prospective buyers never made it past the kitchen and he scared them away. Desperate, the family sought to reach an agreement with Corney. It appeared that the entity had a soft spot for the lady of the house, who eventually persuaded Corney to settle down.

Eventually Corney said they would be alright as he was seeing a lady wearing black that would come to the house and buy it. And what he said happened. 

Corney’s Legacy

The whereabouts of Corney’s spectral presence today remain unknown, as even the exact address of the house has been lost to time. Nevertheless, the tale of Corney serves as a reminder that the supernatural can be as talkative as it is mysterious. 

So, should you ever come across a Dublin property with an uncanny history and an invitingly low price, remember to inspect the coal cellar carefully—lest you find yourself engaged in spirited conversations with the ghostly tenant, Corney!

More like this

Newest Posts

References:

The Ghost Below | Emerald Isle Irish and Celtic myths, fairy tales and legends 

Corney The Dublin Poltergeist – Ghost Stories From Ireland – Irish Folklore 

Ukategorisert

The Curious Mystery of the Enniscorthy Poltergeist

Leave a comment
Advertisements

At the dawn of the 1900s, a group of lodgers experienced something so disturbing that they believed it had to be paranormal. Even when journalists came to investigate what could be behind the Enniscorthy Poltergeist, no answer was found. 

In the Irish town of Enniscorthy in County Wexford, an eerie disturbance rocked the peaceful existence of the Redmond family back in the summer of 1910. Their idyllic life was shattered when they inadvertently welcomed an uninvited guest—one of a spectral nature. This unsettling presence would go on to perplex residents, baffle investigators, and etch its name into the annals of Irish ghost stories—the Enniscorthy Poltergeist.

The Redmond Residence

The Redmonds, a respectable family residing on No. 16 on Court Street in Enniscorthy, lived a comfortable life at the dawn of the 20th century on what is known as the Sunny South East. To supplement their income, the couple opened their doors to lodgers, renting out rooms. Little did they know that their decision to offer shelter would thrust them into a world of unexplainable phenomena.

In the fateful month of July 1910, the Redmonds rented a room above their kitchen to three tradesmen working in the vicinity. Among these lodgers was John Randall, a carpenter. 

Read More: Check out all of the ghost stories from Ireland

One night as the clock ticked towards the witching hour on the 7th of July, John Randall was abruptly awakened by a bizarre occurrence. In an instant, his bed clothes were yanked away from him. Believing his roommates were playing a prank, he called out to them, demanding an end to their mischief.

To his bewilderment, the two other lodgers denied any involvement in the eerie incident. Alarmed and curious, they decided to investigate the inexplicable event by lighting a match. Their blankets lay in a haphazard heap near the window. Bewildered and unable to discern a logical explanation, they gathered their bedding and returned to their uneasy slumber.

Soon after, an ominous tapping sound echoed through the room, steadily intensifying in tempo. Then, in a heart-stopping moment, the bed on which the two remaining lodgers lay began to slide ominously across the floor. Fear gripped their hearts as they frantically lit a lamp, searching for any sign of rationality behind the unexplainable happenings. 

The frightened lodgers sought solace in their landlord, Mr. Redmond as they each thought it was one of the others that were messing with them. In a bid to quell their mounting terror, the landlord instructed them to return the bed to its original position. John Randall, plagued by fear, adamantly refused to sleep alone and joined his companions in the larger bed.

The large bed they shared defied reason as it moved once again, this time to the center of the room. The three men remained awake, unable to close their eyes for the rest of the night. 

Throughout the night and the nights to come, the eerie sounds of footsteps echoed through the house, ensuring that sleep remained an elusive prospect.

The Intriguing Paranormal Investigation

The next night there was also little sleep to get. Monday the 11th of July, the bed started moving again, with all three lying on it. There was a chair in the middle of the room that started rocking and one of the lodgers claimed he was lifted from the bed by hands he couldn’t see. 

News of these events quickly reached the local press, and reporters from the Guardian newspaper decided to investigate the claims of the Enniscorthy Poltergeist when one of the lodgers couldn’t even stay the remaining time he had originally intended and left the house. 

With the permission of the Redmonds, reporters named Murphy and Devereux ventured into the unsettling realm of the Enniscorthy Poltergeist.

Enniscorthy Poltergeist: The media caught the story and started their own investigation into the claims. They didn’t find any source or reason for it. Neither paranormal, and no earthly explanation.

They sat between the two beds with a full view of the room. Around midnight, they started to hear the rapping sound the lodgeres had complained of. Devereux mentioned it sounded like the sound of rats chewing on wood. 

In a horrifying twist, John Randall became the victim of the spectral presence. He was wrapped in his own sheets and dragged from his bed, an event witnessed by the bewildered reporters. As they watched in awe, they realized that this inexplicable force defied the laws of the natural world.

The Enniscorthy Poltergeist

To this day, the Enniscorthy Poltergeist remains an unsolved enigma. Despite numerous investigations and the scrutiny of skeptics, no plausible explanation has emerged to elucidate the supernatural occurrences that plagued the Redmond residence in 1910. 

Randall spent three weeks with the horror, and lost almost a stone in weight after the torturing nights. In the end, the lodgers couldn’t take it and returned back home after they were dragged off the bed themselves. 

The memory of the Enniscorthy Poltergeist still lingers and is one of Ireland’s most curious incidents with a poltergeist like activity, a reminder that the world is replete with mysteries that defy explanation.

What happened is uncertain even to this day. Could it have been some sort of rodent like a rat that they suspected? Perhaps it was the Redmonds wanting to get rid of the lodgers? Perhaps something darker and more sinister?The lodgers claimed the bed was so heavy that it took two to move it when no one was sleeping on it. When the reporters inspected it after staying the night, they found no wires or strings attached that could account for moving it either. 

Perhaps we will never find out the truth behind the mystery of the Enniscorthy Poltergeist. When asked now, the residents say there is no longer any poltergeist activity to complain about in the house on No. 16 of the street. 

More like this

Newest Posts

References:

Poltergeist made headlines one hundred years ago | Independent.ie 

Enniscorthy, Ireland’s Most Chilling Poltergeist Tale | Spooky Isles 

The Spirit of Enniscorthy | Irish ghost stories from the Emerald Isle An Irish (true) story: the Enniscorthy poltergeist – RANDOM Times •

Ukategorisert

Spiorad na mBarna and Moll O’Shaughnessy Restless Spirit

Leave a comment
Advertisements

A heinous murder sent shockwaves in the small village known as Barna in Ireland. Ever since then Spiorad na mBarna or Moll O’Shaughnessy as the murderer was named, has said to be haunting the place. 

Every corner of Ireland holds its own ghostly secrets, and within the rural landscape outside Newcastle West in Co. Limerick lies one of the nation’s most chilling tales—the legend of Spiorad na mBarna, which means the Spirit of Barna in Irish or Old Barna. 

Read More: Check out all of the ghost stories from Ireland

This haunting story traces its origins back to the late 1800s, with a woman named Moll O’Shaughnessy being the real woman behind the legend of the ghost that is said to still linger in Barna. 

Moll O’Shaughnessy the Murderer

Barna, even in modern times, remains a small community where everyone knows everyone, but in the late 1800s, it was even more so. Thus, the shocking and brutal murders committed by Moll O’Shaughnessy sent shockwaves through the area. 

Moll was seen as a good natured, calm and nice mother and wife and well liked in the community. This was until she mercilessly murdered her husband and their young child in a fit of uncontrollable rage. Showing that we might never truly know a person and what they are capable of. There was no answer as to why she did it, and the villagers certainly didn’t give her much time to explain her actions.

The villagers were shocked and the community’s response to her heinous acts was equally gruesome—they sentenced her to a gruesome death, rolling her in a barrel lined with sharp and rusted nails down a hill according to some legends.

Another version says she was caught in the act and hanged. The third version of the legend claims that she died of natural causes and she was doomed to walk the grounds for eternity as penance for her crimes. 

The Restless Spirits of Spiorad na mBarna

Over the years following her execution, residents of Barna claimed to have encountered Spiorad na mBarna spirit in various forms. Sometimes, she appeared as a weeping woman, while other times, she manifested as a rabid greyhound, spreading terror throughout the surrounding areas. 

It is said that when the Spiorad na mBarna haunted the village as a hound, she would torment the farmers during harvest. When she showed up in her human form, it was said she would try to get on the horses of men passing the area after dark.

Her reign of fear culminated in yet another murder when an unfortunate rider passed under the Old Barna Bridge and emerged lifeless on the other side—victimized by the bloodthirsty Spiorad na mBarna.

Seeking Redemption:

With their community terrorized, the distressed locals called upon a holy man from the nearby Parish of Athea to exorcize the malevolent spirit that wouldn’t let the locals alive. 

According to legend, he imposed a penance on Moll’s restless soul and it is said she had to “emptying the Red Sea with a thimble full of holes”, whatever that means. 

While this act seemed to quell her murderous rage, the memory of Spiorad na mBarna still lingers in the West Limerick region. Many claim to have encountered her spirit, and the eerie details of her haunting continue to captivate and perplex.

A Face in the Stone of the Old Barna Bridge

Source

Perhaps the most chilling detail of this ghostly legend is etched in stone—literally. The Old Barna Bridge, still standing today, bears the image of a face—a face forever captured in a scream of terror.

What’s more, numerous witnesses attest that this eerie visage moves within the bridge’s stones. It may appear in the top right-hand stone, lower down, or even on the opposite side of the bridge. Passersby often stop to count the stones and point out the spectral face they say is the Spiorad na mBarna etched into it.

As you pass beneath the shadow of the Old Barna Bridge, the feeling of being watched may send shivers down your spine, making this chilling tale of a restless spirit one that will stay with you long after the daylight fades.

More like this

Newest Posts

References:

Haunted Ireland: The terrifying tale of Spiorad Na mBarna | The Irish Post 

Old Barna | Haunted Limerick, Ireland | Spirited Isle

Ukategorisert

Haunting Tales of Black Alice and John’s Bridge in Kilkenny

Leave a comment
Advertisements

In 1763, the John’s Bridge in Kilkenny collapsed and killed many people. People started to whisper about it being the curse from Black Alice that started many centuries ago in Ireland’s first recorded witch trial.

Kilkenny, Ireland, is a city steeped in history and folklore, where tales of the supernatural are as much a part of the landscape as its ancient architecture. The Marble city has even been called the most haunted city in the world. 

Read More: Check out all of the ghost stories from Ireland

The reason for its haunting is much blamed on the curse a supposed witch put on the city that convicted her for witchcraft and is the first recorded person that was condemned for this. This case set the precedent for how all following witchcraft and heresy cases would be executed. The act of burning witches in Ireland lasted until 1895 when the 28 year old Bridget Cleary was burnt as the last one. The legend of Black Alice and the eerie history of John’s Bridge and the ghost that are supposedly lingering.

Black Alice’s Mysterious Life

The year was 1280 when Dame Alice Kyteler was born into the Kyteler family, a clan of Flemish merchants who had made their home in Kilkenny.  She was born in Kyteler’s House, which has since 1639 been used as an inn and is today a restaurant.

Dame Alice Kyteler

As she grew older, Alice’s life took intriguing turns. She first married William Outlawe, a wealthy merchant and moneylender, and later, Adam le Blund of Callan, another prosperous moneylender. After Adam’s death, Alice’s fortune continued to rise as she married her third husband, Richard de Valle, a wealthy landowner, and subsequently, Sir John le Poer.

Alice Kyteler soon earned the moniker “Kilkenny’s merry widow” due to her remarkable run of good fortune – a fortune that, mysteriously, seemed to coincide with the untimely deaths of her spouses. 

The circumstances surrounding her fourth husband’s death were particularly disturbing, as he was found with his nails torn out, his body hair fallen off, and his will altered to benefit Alice and her son. Fearing foul play, the children of her former husbands accused her of witchcraft and that she had poisoned him, and perhaps the other husbands as well. 

The Seven Accusations

Seven grave charges were brought against Alice and her servants, accusing them of denying Christ and the Church, having dealings with a demon named Artis Filius and Robin Artisson for sorceress powers, practicing pagan rituals involving animal sacrifice and theft of church keys, crafting love potions and poisons from grisly ingredients, and using these concoctions to manipulate her husbands into giving away their wealth and ultimately killing them.

Read More: Check out all of the stories about Witches at the MoonMausoleum.

In a shocking turn of events, Alice Kyteler managed to escape to England, vanishing without a trace and we don’t really know what happened to her after this. Her son, however, faced a trial for witchcraft but was ultimately sentenced to penance, which he failed to uphold. Instead, he ended up in prison until he fulfilled a unique penance: covering the roof of the local cathedral with lead, a task he succeeded in but which ultimately led to the roof’s collapse.

Petronilla’s Grim Fate

Petronilla de Meath, Alice’s maid, was not as fortunate as her mistress. She was a young woman in her 20s and was her mistress maidservant. When her mistress was charged, it was her that suffered the gruesome consequences.

She endured torture, whippings, and finally, a gruesome end at the stake on 3rd of November in 1324. The Bishop wrote this about her confessions: 

‘On one of these occasions, by the crossroads outside the city, she had made an offering of three cocks to a certain demon whom she called Robert, son of Art (Robertum filium Artis), from the depths of the underworld. She had poured out the cocks’ blood, cut the animals into pieces and mixed the intestines with spiders and other black worms like scorpions, with a herb called milfoil as well as with other herbs and horrible worms. She had boiled this mixture in a pot with the brains and clothes of a boy who had died without baptism and with the head of a robber who had been decapitated … Petronilla said she had several times at Alice’s instigation and once in her presence, consulted demons and received answers. She had consented to a pact whereby she would be the medium between Alice and the said Robert, her friend. In public, she said that with her own eyes she had seen the aforesaid demon as three shapes (praedictus daemon tertius), in the form of three black men (aethiopum) each carrying an iron rod in the hand. This apparition happened by daylight (de die) before the said Dame Alice, and, while Petronilla herself was watching, the apparition had intercourse with Alice. After this disgraceful act, with her own hand she (Alice?) wiped clean the disgusting place with sheets (kanevacio) from her own bed.’

Legend has it that before her death, Petronilla vowed to exact revenge on the onlookers who had condemned her. Her vow would soon come to haunt the city. One can ask, who was really the one behind the legend of Black Alice? Is it the ghost and curse from Petronilla that continued to haunt the city, centuries after her death?

The Ghostly Legacy about John’s Bridge

Particularly in 1763, during a catastrophic flood that claimed sixteen lives when John’s Bridge collapsed. During the flood, the people gathered to see when the Green’s Bridge collapsed, not realizing that the bridge they were standing on would also meet the same fate until it was too late. 

But what does this have to do with the specters found after the collapse of one of the city’s bridges with the trial of Black Alice? Ever since these disturbing events, tales of strange occurrences and ghostly apparitions have persisted in and around Kilkenny, and it is said that it is the wrath of Black Alice that caused the accident in the first place. 

That day, 16 people died and reports of ghostly figures have multiplied, with witnesses describing spectral figures peering over the bridge or rising from the river below, especially in the eerie hours of the early morning.

The Remaining Whispers about Black Alice

As the eerie whispers of Black Alice continue to echo through the streets of Kilkenny, the city remains captivated by its rich supernatural history. The legend of Alice Kyteler and the tragic events surrounding John’s Bridge have left an indelible mark on the city’s consciousness, fueling both fascination and fear.

In the years that followed the collapse of John’s Bridge, the sightings of ghostly figures and strange occurrences persisted, casting an ethereal veil over the area. Locals and visitors alike would share tales of spectral figures peering over the bridge or rising from the depths of the river in the early hours of the morning. The apparitions served as a constant reminder of the long-standing curse that was said to haunt the bridge, a curse supposedly originating from the vengeful spirit of Petronella de Meath, Alice’s ill-fated maid. Or perhaps it was Black Alice herself?

As visitors walk across the bridge, feeling a chill in the air and catching fleeting glimpses of shadowy figures, they can’t help but wonder: are they merely witnessing tricks of the mind or is something more supernatural at play? Perhaps the echoes of the past, the whispers of those who have been wronged or lost, continue to resonate in the present, ensuring that the story of Black Alice and the haunted history of Kilkenny never fade away.

And so, the mystery remains, inviting new generations to delve into the depths of Kilkenny’s history, to unearth the untold secrets and unlock the truth behind the haunting tale of Black Alice and John’s Bridge.

More like this

Newest Posts

References:

Black Alice | Irish Ghost Stories from the Emerald Isle

John’s Bridge | Haunted Kilkenny, Ireland | Spirited Isle 

Ghost Stories ~ Sacred Sites of Ireland Alice Kyteler – Wikipedia

Ukategorisert

The Gentle Haunting at Markree Castle

Leave a comment
Advertisements

Although connected to Red Mary, infamous for her cruelty, the Markree Castle is believed to be haunted by the spirit of a young girl that likes when guests leave her presents. 

In the enchanting landscapes of County Sligo, Markree Castle has witnessed centuries of change, echoing with the footsteps of generations who have called it home. Today it is a four star hotel on the Irish coastal route Wild Atlantic Way.

Read More: Check out all of the ghost stories from Ireland

Markree Castle has been the cherished seat of the Cooper family since 1663. Its walls have borne witness to the ebb and flow of time, holding within their confines the tales of those who lived, loved, and sometimes lingered beyond their years.

History of the Castle

In the 17th century, Markree Castle was originally allotted to Cornet Edward Cooper, a soldier who served under Cromwell. The castle had previously been a fortified outpost of the McDonagh Clan, guarding a river ford. After Edward married Marie Rua, widow of Conor O’Brien who died in battle, they lived at Dromoland Castle. The Red Mary has her own ghost story from another castle. 

Their descendants continued to own Markree Castle, although there were periods when they had to flee due to political turmoil, such as during King James’s attempt to regain the throne and the Irish Civil War in the 1920s.

Read More: Check out all of the Haunted Castles from around the world

In the 19th century, Col. Edward Joshua Cooper established Markree Observatory on the castle grounds, housing one of the world’s largest telescopes at the time. The castle underwent architectural changes in the 1800s and recorded Ireland’s lowest officially recognized air temperature in 1881.

Markree Castle: This haunted castle in Sligo, Ireland, is said to be haunted by the ghost of a small girl. //Source: Wikimedia

In the 20th century, Bryan Cooper inherited the castle in 1902 and resided there with his family, except during World War I and political duties, until his death in 1930. After the Second World War, the castle was occupied by Bryan and Elizabeth Cooper until 1981. In 1992, it was converted into a hotel by Charles Cooper. The castle underwent renovations after being sold to the Corscadden family in 2015.

The Ghost Pippa Haunting Markree Castle

Unlike some other haunted dwellings that bear witness to darker, more sinister apparitions, Markree Castle’s ghosts are said to be of a gentler disposition. At the heart of its supernatural tales lies the spirit of a young child, whose tragic passing left an indelible mark on the castle’s soul.

The hauntings have become so regular over the years that the staff have named her Pippa and have even learned to manage her by leaving her little gifts.

The mischievous little spirit is believed to find amusement in playfully locking doors and causing staff to fumble with their plates. While some might find these antics unnerving, they serve as a reminder of the castle’s rich history and the lives that once thrived within its walls.

Visitors that have brought their children have experienced them being visited by this curious ghost. One guest found her 2 year old talking with no one and when asked, the child pointed to the corner, but there was no one there. 

The Enigmatic Cellars

In the depths of Markree Castle’s cellars, where the past meets the present in a spectral dance, there have been reports of paranormal activities. These mysterious occurrences beckon those with a penchant for the supernatural to explore the castle’s hidden depths and perhaps glimpse the ethereal residents that call it home.

Markree Castle’s blend of history, elegance, and the supernatural makes it a captivating destination for adventurers and history enthusiasts alike on its 500 acres that are now a hotel.

As you wander through its corridors and explore its enigmatic cellars, keep an eye out for the mischievous spirit who reminds us that even in the afterlife, there’s room for a bit of playful fun.

More like this

Newest Posts

References:

Markree Castle | Haunted Sligo, Ireland | Spirited Isle

The History of of Markree Castle | Irish Castle

Ukategorisert

The Haunting History of Spike Island

Leave a comment
Advertisements

On the hellish Spike Island that once served as the biggest prison in the British Empire, ghosts are said to linger from its time as a fortress, smugglers den and as the prison it ended up becoming.

Just off the coast of Cobh in Ireland, Spike Island looms as one of Ireland’s most enigmatic and haunted landmarks. Encompassing over 100 acres and boasting a history that stretches back to the 7th century, this island has witnessed centuries of transformation, from a peaceful monastic community to a formidable fortress of British Forces. 

Beneath its serene facade lies a harrowing tale of strategic significance, incarceration, and chilling paranormal encounters.

Read More: Check out all of the ghost stories from Ireland

From Monastery to Fortress

Saint Mochuda founded a monastery there in the 7th century. In 1779, Spike Island underwent a significant transformation, evolving into a strategic fortress for the British Forces. 

The island’s unique location on the edge of Cork Harbour made it an ideal location for this military outpost. Casements were constructed to house guns aimed squarely at the harbor, serving as a formidable deterrent to potential adversaries.

From Fortress to Prison

As the pages of history turned, Spike Island took on a more ominous role. It transitioned into a prison and a holding site for convicts destined for the harsh life of penal colonies abroad. For a few years in the mid 19th century it was probably the biggest prison in the British Empire.  

Spike Island Prison: During the British Empire’s height, this was one of the biggest prisons in it. Here there were people waiting to be transported to Australia, IRA fighters as well as other criminals of all sorts and sentences. They all experienced the gruesome facilities the now haunted prison had to offer. //Source: Sameichel/Wikimedia

Read More: Check out all of the Haunted Prisons around the world

During the tumultuous years of the Irish War of Independence, the island served as a detention facility for IRA prisoners until 1921, earning it the ominous nickname of “Ireland’s Alcatraz.”

The Woman in White

While Spike Island’s physical role evolved over the years, its haunting history endured. Today, it stands as a tourist attraction akin to Alcatraz, replete with its own spectral inhabitants. One of the most notorious apparitions is the enigmatic “White Woman” who roams the island, her presence shrouded in mystery and who she was we will probably never know. 

The Ghost of the Soldiers

It is said that the haunting goes way back, at least as far back when the island was used as a fortress. The island’s soldiers, on duty in the dead of night, have recounted terrifying encounters with a ghostly officer. 

According to them, there is the ghost of a terrifying soldier, still on guard. Along the island’s perimeter walls, a phantom soldier stands guard, his eyes replaced by hollow voids that seem to peer into the abyss with his black holes as eyes.

People have been so frightened at this ghost that they have even opened fire at him, only to realize they are shooting at nothing. 

The Haunted Prison and the Ghost of John Mitchel

Within the confines of the gaol cells, where countless inmates once suffered, now simmer with paranormal activity, a testament to the enduring anguish of those who served time behind its cold stone walls they were confined to almost all day and night. 

John Mitchel: His activism and criticism of British rule garnered international attention and was convicted for treason.

One of the prisoners thought to haunt the prison is that of John Mitchel that apparently shows up in a white mist, although he did get released from the prison island.

John Mitchel was a prominent figure in Irish nationalism during the 19th century. Born in County Derry in 1815, he became a leading member of the ‘Young Irelander’ and ‘Irish Confederation’ movements. He was a solicitor, political journalist, and an outspoken critic of British rule in Ireland, especially during the Irish famine.

To silence Mitchel and prevent him from becoming a martyr, the British government passed the 1848 Treason Felony Act, which aimed to treat treason as a common crime. Mitchel was arrested and convicted of sedition under this act, receiving a fourteen-year transportation sentence. He was first sent to Spike Island in Ireland for three days before being transferred to Bermuda and eventually Australia in 1850.

During his journey, Mitchel began writing his famous ‘Jail Journal; or ‘Five Years in British Prisons,’ documenting his experiences from Dublin to New York, where he arrived in 1853. The journal, first published in 1854 in New York, exposed the harsh conditions in some prisons, including Spike Island, and garnered international attention.

The fort on Spike Island was renamed Fort Mitchel in his honor in 1951, and some GAA clubs in Ireland and sites in America bear his name.

The Haunted Cell 9

The most haunted cell was cell 9, that was known to be haunted, even when the building operated as a prison, and prisoners refused to stay in it as they never got a night’s sleep because of the haunting. They were either woken up, or flung from their bed. 

The Haunted Cells: Many of the cells in the prison on Spike Island is said to be haunted. It is said that the place was even haunted when it was used as a prison. //Source: Kondephy/Wikimedia

Spike Island’s Echoes of the Past

Spike Island’s haunting history, from its monastic beginnings to its turbulent tenure as a military fortress and prison, continues to cast its eerie shadow over this enigmatic landmark. The spectral White Woman, the phantom soldier, and the ghostly officer are but a few of the restless souls who wander its haunted grounds, ensuring that the island’s chilling past remains alive and well, for those daring enough to explore its dark history.

More like this

Newest Posts

References:

John Mitchel – Spike Island Cork 

Ghost stories, haunted cells, horrific history at Cork’s Spike Island After Dark tours 

Ireland’s 7 Most Haunted And Mysterious Islands | Spooky Isles Spike Island | Haunted Cobh, Cork, Ireland | Spirited Isle

Ukategorisert

Skryne Castle and the Ghost of Lilith

Leave a comment
Advertisements

A servant working at Skryne Castle was brutally murdered by a rejected suitor. Now her haunted screams are said to be heard in the castle as she is forever replaying her final frightened moments.

Amidst the Irish countryside and within a stone’s throw of the legendary Hill of Tara stands the imposing Skryne Castle. This three-storey, 12th-century structure has borne witness to centuries of history and has its own share of spine-tingling ghost stories that have become entwined with its ancient stones. 

Read More: Check out all of the ghost stories from Ireland

The castle was built sometime around 1172-1175 by the knight Adam de Feipo who was granted the land by Henry II of England. Eight centuries later, the estate is still held by the direct descendants, the Dunsany. 

Today, Skryne Castle offers visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in the past, as it is available for rent on a self-catering basis. However, beneath its tranquil facade, the castle harbors eerie tales of its spectral inhabitants.

The Legend of Lilith Palmerston

One of the most well-documented ghostly tales associated with Skryne Castle revolves around the tragic figure of Lilith Palmerston. She was working as a maid in the castle in 1740. 

A neighboring landowner and widower, Phelim Sellers, harbored affection for Lilith, but when she spurned his advances, his infatuation took a dark turn. Sellers, driven by his desires, attempted to assault Lilith. However, her cries for help reached the ears of quick-thinking servants who intervened and rescued her from her assailant’s clutches.

Lilith’s Fateful Demise

Darker rumors circulate, suggesting that Sellers may have been involved in the earlier death of his own wife. Fearing further advances from Sellers, Lilith plans to escape to Dublin. Learning of her plans, Sellers confronted her once more, but this time, Lilith was alone and defenseless. 

Legend has it that Sellers forced foxgloves down Lilith’s throat and killed her. Realizing the gravity of his crime, Sellers fled the scene. However, justice would catch up with him, and he was eventually apprehended, tried, and met his fate at the gallows for the murder of Lilith Palmerston. 

Lilith’s Haunting Presence

Today, Skryne Castle is said to be haunted by the spirit of Lilith Palmerston. She appears as a spectral lady in white, her ethereal form fleeing the castle while clutching her throat, forever reliving the horror of her final moments. 

The anguished screams of Lilith have been known to echo through the castle’s halls, serving as a haunting reminder of her tragic end.

Read More: Check out all of the Haunted Castles from around the world

Inexplicable footsteps reverberate throughout the property, evoking the presence of Lilith or perhaps that of her vengeful attacker, Phelim Sellers. Witnesses have also described encountering an enigmatic overweight male figure donned in attire reminiscent of the 18th century.

The Nun, the Tall Man, and the Hound

Skryne Castle’s ghosts don’t end with Lilith. Some visitors have reported sightings of a spectral nun, her silent presence disappearing mysteriously upon being spotted. 

A tall man, often accompanied by a ghostly hunting hound, was rumored to roam the castle grounds. However, these apparitions have grown elusive in recent times and not much about the two ghosts being reported on is known.

Skryne Castle’s Enduring Legacy of Hauntings

Skryne Castle, with its rich history and spectral inhabitants, offers a unique window into Ireland’s past. From the tragic tale of Lilith Palmerston to the enigmatic apparitions that continue to captivate the imagination, the castle’s stone walls seem to hold the echoes of centuries gone by. 

For those who seek a blend of history and the supernatural, Skryne Castle stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Ireland’s haunted past, where the past and the paranormal intersect in spectral harmony.

More like this

Newest Posts

References:

Creepy Irish Castles & Houses Halloween Irish culture and customs 

Skryne Castle | Haunted Meath, Ireland | Spirited Isle 

Skryne 

Ukategorisert

Ghostly Tales and History of Killua Castle

Leave a comment
Advertisements

In the serene landscape of Killua Castle, visitors have reported about seeing something that look like a ghost. It is thought to be the former steward, Jacky Dalton, that drowned himself after betraying his master.

In the scenic landscapes of Ireland lies Killua Castle, a historic estate with a rich past and a few ghostly tales that continue to intrigue visitors. This elegant castle close to Clonmellon in County Westmeath, is now lovingly restored that you can stay in to visit the place as well as hosting different events.

Read More: Check out all of the ghost stories from Ireland

The castle is not far from The Raleigh Obelisk that were erected in 1810 by Sir Thomas Chapman some 200m to 300m from the house, marking the position where Sir Walter Raleigh planted some of the first potatoes that he imported to Ireland.

The History of Killua Castle

Killua Castle’s story begins in 1667 when Benjamin Chapman, an army captain under Oliver Cromwell, was granted ownership of the castle and its vast surrounding lands. While the castle we see today took shape around 1780, it underwent several expansions as it passed through generations of the Chapman family. 

Read More: Check out all of the Haunted Castles from around the world

This family had intriguing connections to prominent historical figures, such as Sir Walter Raleigh and Lawrence of Arabia. Lawrence never lived at the castle but did visit it and was inspired by its splendor.

For many years, Killua Castle lay in ruins, a silent witness to its bygone glory. It wasn’t until the early 2000s that new owners took up the mantle of restoring the castle to its former splendor. 

The Death of Jacky Dalton

One of the most intriguing tales associated with Killua Castle revolves around Benjamin Chapman’s land steward, Jacky Dalton that was working there in the late 18th century. This land steward is described as a short man with a charismatic and jovial personality. With his wild yellow wig and bagpipe skills, he became a beloved presence among Chapman and his guests.

However, Dalton’s loyalty would ultimately waver and end up betraying his master. Because the man was also described as a small cunning man with weasel eyes. He deceived Chapman and embezzled his wealth for his own gain and drinking habits. Regret and guilt would haunt him in the years to come, particularly after his master’s passing. 

Consumed by remorse, Dalton turned to heavy drinking, and his life spiraled out of control. There was no more of his cheerful disposition and music in the halls of Killua Castle anymore. Tragically, he met his end by drowning himself in the castle’s lake.

The Haunting of Killua Castle

Ever since then, it is believed that he has been haunting the estate. Over the years, witnesses have reported eerie sightings of a spectral figure on the grounds of Killua Castle. 

This apparition is described as a man with yellowish hair, an eerie reminder of Jacky Dalton. Whether he roams the estate seeking redemption or simply to remind us of his tragic tale remains a mystery.

The Haunted Killua Castle

In the serene landscape of Killua Castle, visitors have reported seeing something that looks like a ghost. It is thought to be the former steward, Jacky Dalton, who drowned himself after betraying his master. This haunting tale continues to captivate the imagination of those who visit this beautiful estate in Ireland.

For centuries, Killua Castle stood in ruins, a silent testament to its glorious past. However, in the early 2000s, a dedicated group of individuals took up the mantle of restoring the castle to its former splendor. With great care and attention to detail, they brought the castle back to life, ensuring that its historical significance would not be forgotten.

Today, Killua Castle stands as an enchanting destination for those seeking a blend of history, beauty, and the allure of the supernatural.

More like this

Newest Posts

References:

Killua Castle, Co Westmeath brought to you by Biz-ire.com 

Killua Castle | Haunted Westmeath, Ireland | Spirited Isle 

Killua Castle – Wikipedia 

Haunted Castles Ireland – Killua Castle – Westmeath – Southern Ireland

Ukategorisert

The Gray Lady at Ard na Sidhe Country House

Leave a comment
Advertisements

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.

Read More: Check out all of the ghost stories from Ireland

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.

Read More: Check out all of the Haunted Houses around the world

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.

More like this

Newest Posts

References:

History of Ard Na Sidhe Country House, Killorglin, Co. Kerry Full text of “The Winds Of Time”