Some ghosts have one residential ghost, others have several. This is the case with Malahide Castle in Ireland that houses at least five different ghosts, each with their own tragic story and end. 

Malahide Castle, or Caisleán Mhullach Íde, is a medieval marvel situated just nine miles north of Dublin’s bustling city center, has been a bastion of the Talbot family for nearly eight centuries. 

Today you can visit the castle on guided tours, and walk in the gardens that have turned into parks, a cricket field and a concert venue. 

Yet, beneath its centuries-old walls and majestic turrets lies a darker, ghostly history, making it one of Ireland’s most renowned haunted castles with at least five known residential ghosts.

Malahide Castle History

The castle’s storied history is as fascinating as its spectral residents. Originally granted to Richard Talbot in 1185, the castle’s oldest section dates back to the 12th century. It remained in the possession of the Talbot family for almost eight centuries, with various additions made during the reign of Edward IV, including the addition of two impressive towers.

The castle has witnessed its share of grimm episodes, such as the Battle of the Boyne in 1690, where fourteen family members gathered for breakfast only to meet their tragic end by dinnertime after they died in the battle. 

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After the passing of Lord Milo Talbot in 1973, the castle’s ownership was transferred to his sister, Rose, who eventually sold it to the Irish state in 1975 to offset taxes. While many of the castle’s contents were dispersed to the public, some were recovered, preserving the rich history of Malahide Castle for generations to come.

Some ghosts have one residential ghost, others have several. This is the case with Malahide Castle in Ireland that houses at least five different ghosts, each with their own tragic story and end. 

Malahide Castle stands as a testament to both the grandeur of Ireland’s medieval past and the enduring allure of its supernatural mysteries, making it an essential destination for history enthusiasts and ghost hunters alike.

Malahide Castle Ghosts

The castle’s rich and often turbulent 800-year history has given rise to many spectral inhabitants that are said to still linger within the walls. Among them, at least five ghostly apparitions are said to roam the castle’s hallowed halls.

Lady Maud Plunkett

Lady Maud Plunkett is one of the ghostly presences in Malahide Castle. Her spirit reenacts the day of her marriage to a Lord Chief Justice, chasing her husband’s ghost through the castle’s labyrinthine corridors. He was her third husband and it is said that Maud was a very possessive woman then, some even say she was abusive. 

She was the daughter of the Baron of Killeen. She fell in love with a young soldier named Walter Hussey who was Lord Galtrim. On their wedding day Lord Galtrim was attacked when he was on his way to the wedding by a rival and was stabbed to death. 

Another version of the legend is that they were wed on the morning of Whit Monday in 1429. Only a few hours later he was killed in battle.

After this it is said that Lord Galtrim is also haunting the castle, because he is bitter that Maud wed his rival right after his death that she is still chasing to this day.

The Ghost of Puck

Puck, the ghost of a jester with dwarfism that also was a watchman that lived in one of the towers of the castle. Puck fell in love with Lady Elenora Fitzgerald, who was held captive at the castle by Henry VIII for inciting rebellions. 

Some say he hanged himself after he failed to do his duties, or because he was rejected. But most claim that the jester was murdered. 

One snowy December night, Puck was found lifeless, stabbed in the heart, still adorned in his jester’s attire. Before his death, he vowed to haunt the castle until a master from the common people married into the Talbot family. Astonishingly, he swore not to harm any male Talbot sleeping within the castle’s walls. 

It is said that his ghosts act as a more protective spirit though, and he was known for appearing a lot in the 1970s, when a lot of the things inside the castle were sold. 

Visitors have claimed to capture his eerie visage in photographs taken within the castle. Even the famous singer Lizzo claimed that Puck was the one that took her phone when she visited the castle.

The White Lady

What castle is complete without its ghost of the Lady in White, and Malahide Castle is no exception. The enigmatic White Lady, depicted in a captivating portrait hanging in the Great Wall of the castle, is another famous specter of Malahide Castle. 

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This beautiful yet unknown lady is said to step out of her painting and wander through the castle grounds, particularly during the moonlit hours clad in all white. Her ethereal presence has been witnessed by countless visitors over the years.

The Ghost of Miles Corbett

Lastly, the ghost of Miles Corbett adds a haunting dimension to Malahide Castle’s history. Oliver Cromwell granted Corbett ownership of the castle and its surrounding lands from 1649 to 1660, following the conquest of Ireland. 

However, upon Cromwell’s death, Corbett was tried and hanged for his deeds during his tenure at the castle and during Cromwell’s reign in April in 1662. He was used as an example for what happened to those conspiring against the throne and after being hanged he was quartered. He was one of those that signed for King Charles I death warrant. 

His ghost is said to appear on his death anniversary. He is often seen as a complete soldier in armor before disintegrating into four pieces.

The Haunting Malahide Castle

In conclusion, the legends and ghostly tales surrounding Malahide Castle in Ireland have captivated visitors for centuries. This medieval fortress, steeped in history and tragedy, stands as a testament to the enduring allure of the supernatural.

As visitors explore the castle’s halls, they may encounter the ghostly presence of Lady Maud Plunkett, reliving her ill-fated wedding day or the mysterious White Lady, stepping out of her portrait to wander the moonlit grounds. The jester Puck, with his tragic love story, continues to make his mischievous presence known, while Miles Corbett’s ghost reminds us of the turbulent times during Oliver Cromwell’s reign.

Some ghosts have one residential ghost, others have several. This is the case with Malahide Castle in Ireland that houses at least five different ghosts, each with their own tragic story and end. 

These spectral residents add an extra layer of intrigue and mystique to the castle’s already rich history. Their stories and apparitions serve as a reminder of the castle’s past, with its battles, tragedies, and royal connections. It is an enchanting destination that both history enthusiasts and ghost hunters find irresistible.

So, if you dare to venture into the hallowed halls of Malahide Castle, keep your eyes peeled and your senses alert. The spirits of the past may just reveal themselves, whispering stories of long ago, reminding us that history and the supernatural can intertwine in the most fascinating of ways.

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References:

The Ghosts of Malahide Castle, Dublin, Ireland | Haunted Rooms® 

Malahide Castle – Wikipedia 

The Story of Malahide Castle’s Irish Ghosts – Authentic Vacations 

The haunting of Malahide Castle: Scorned lovers, a king killer and a prankster who stole Lizzo’s phone – Dublin Live 

Malahide Castle’s Heartbroken Ghost – IrishShop.com

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