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HAUNTED IRELAND
from
The Haunted
Traveler with Jacqueline L.
Fáilte
(Welcome)
Haunted Sites:
 | Dublin Castle (1204) Invaders to the castle were beheaded and
displayed on the castle wall as a deterrent to others. Hundreds of
decapitated bodies are buried under the castle. Their vengeful souls still
roam the castle. Tour guides report poltergeist activity. Visit:
www.dublincastle.ie |
| Marsh’s Library (1701) located next to St. Patrick’s Cathedral in
Dublin. This ornate library houses a collection of rare books and is
reportedly the site of ghostly activity. Visit:
www.stpatrickscathedral.ie
St Stephen's Green, Dublin 2. Has a long history of being haunted. |
| Malahide Castle located in Malahide Co., Dublin was the home of Lord
Talbot and his descendant’s form 1185 to 1973. During the 1600’s the
Talbot’s were supporters of King James II (Catholic). Fourteen family
members were killed were killed in the Battle of the Boyne on July 1, 1690
supporting King James II with other Irish Catholics in a battle against
William the Orange (Protestant). This historic battle began the long
struggle between the Catholics and the Protestants over political rule of
Ireland. The castle has a long history of being haunted. Open to the
public. Visit:
www.historic.irishcastles.com/malahide.htm |
| Ardgillan Castle (1738) is located north of Dublin in Balbriggan on
the eerie Irish Sea coast. This gothic castle is reportedly haunted. Open
to the public. Visit:
www.iol.ie/~cybmanmc |
| Thoor Ballylee (1500’s) located in Gort, County Galaway is the summer
home of famous Irish poet William Butler Yeats. Yeats studied the occult
and his home is reportedly haunted. House tour and book shop. Open to the
public. http://www.galwayonline.ie/history/history2/ythoor.htm |
| The Kilmainham Gaol (1789) Prisoners
from the United Irish Rebellion of 1796, the Emmet Rebellion of 1803, the
Great Famine of 1845 to 1851, the Young Ireland Rebellion of 1848, the
Fenian Rebellion of 1867, the Land War of the 1880s, the Easter Rising of
1916, the War of Independence and the Irish Civil War were held and often
executed here. Famous leaders in Ireland’s independence were imprisoned
here, such as Robert Emmet, Charles Stewart Parnell, James Connolly, and
Joseph Plunkett, plus hundreds of falsely accused political prisoners.
Political prisoners were executed by firing squad in the courtyard.
Innocent children were also imprisoned here for being poor and orphaned.
This prison has been featured in many movies, such as “In the Name of the
Father.” Tours are offered of this dark, historical structure that stands
as a reminder of the troubles in Ireland that are still being fought.
While not known specifically for being haunted, visitors can definitely
feel unsettled energy here. Inchicore Rd. Kilmainham, Dublin 8. 453-5984.
The Kilmainham Gaol is currently threatened by local developers. Please
visit:
http://www.kilmainham-gaol.com to learn more about this prison and to
send a letter in support of it being preserved. |
Visit Ancient Ireland in County Meath
| New Grange. Visit the 5,000 year old megalithic cemetery (burial
mound). During the winter solistic the tomb is perfectly light. Visit:
www.knowth.com/newgrange.htm |
| Hill of Tara. Visit the ancient site of Ireland’s high kings and pagan
community prior to the emergence of Christianity. This was the site of the
original renaissance faire. Call for information: 046/25903 |
| Loughcrew located in Oldcastle are ancient tombs known as “the hill of
the witch.” Guided tours available mid June to mid September otherwise it
is best to call ahead and make arrangements: 049/41256.
Irish Literature
Pay homage to Irish authors at: |
| James Joyce Cultural Centre 35 North Great George’s St. Dublin. James
Joyce (1882-1941) was born in Dublin and wrote the famous Ulysses and the
great horror story Turn of the Screw. |
| Dublin Writers Museum, 18 Parnell Square North, Dublin. Historical
exhibits of Irish literature, bookstore and café. |
| Bram Stoker, author of Dracula, worshiped at St. Ann’s Church at
Dawson St. in Dublin |
| Oscar Wilde, famous playwright, lived at No. 1 Merrion Square in
Dublin. |
| WB Yeats, poet, lived at No. 58 Merrion Square in Dublin. |
Irish Cultural, News and Political Links:
Irish Societies
| Bram Stoker Society, Dublin, Ireland |
| Clontarf Historical Society |
Tourist Links:
www.visitdublin.com
www.historic-ireland.com
www.ancientisland.com
Shopping
www.anythingirish.ie |
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