The 12 Most Haunted Hotels in Ireland

A 16th-century castle fitted with 21st-century amenities, Ballyseede Castle offers a world-class hotel experience in a historic and private setting.

However, like most historic castle stays, Ballyseede is no stranger to the dark and paranormal.

Built as the chief garrison for the Fitzgerald family, a family whose resistance to the Crown led to the Geraldine Wars, this haunted hotel has been the site of tragedy and bloodshed.

Guests of the elegant castle frequently experience the friendly ghost of Hilda, an apparition who appears every year on March 24th. Single Rooms start as low as €140 (£120), and €192 (£165) for a family stay. Includes breakfast and taxes.

Initially built as an Infirmary Hospital in 1720, the Maldron Hotel in Cork is haunted by numerous ailing spirits. Looming at the centre of Cork’s cultural quarter, the most well-known ghost of the Maldron Hotel is the apparition of a woman who died long ago during childbirth.

Also used to treat wounded soldiers during the war, the most active space in the Maldron lies between Rooms 318 and 319.

Between the walls stands a secret, now closed-off room, said to be a paranormal hotspot. Double rooms start at €99 (£85) a night, with Family rooms at €129 (£110). Includes tax.

Perhaps the most famous of all haunted castles in Ireland to stay. The resident ghost of this 17th-century castle has made Ballygally her home for over 400 years.

Lady Isabella Shaw, the wife of Lord James Shaw, died after a great fall from the castle’s highest window following the birth of her baby daughter.

Was she driven to madness by her husband’s disappointment after not producing a male heir? Or, was she pushed? Either way, the graceful spirit of Lady Isabella is said to remain on the land.

Guests can even spend a night in the very tower room wherein she met her tragic demise.

Located along the Antrim Coast, Ballygally Castle Hotel is the perfect romantic setting for your Northern Ireland stay.

Looking to rent an entire haunted castle hotel for your next private celebration? Then Blackwater Castle, a spot which is said to have been in existence for some 2,500 years, is the right haunted holiday for you.

Winner of numerous hospitality, tourism, and food awards, Blackwater brings history to life in a luxurious 5-star setting. But, its expansive, panoramic views are not the only thing here that leave guests feeling breathless.

The most famous spirit to linger along the property is that of Lady Roche, a woman killed for defending the property in the year 1650.

For a chance to encounter the spirit of Lady Roche and others who have died defending its honour, book a room at the haunted Blackwater Castle.

Dating back to the year 1180, Kilkea Castle is not only known as one of the oldest castles in Ireland, it is also celebrated as a place of alchemy and black magic.

The reason this castle is steeped in mystical fascination is the work of the 11th Earl of Kildare, known affectionately as the ‘Wizard of Earl’.

Get your timing right and you might have a chance encounter with the sorcerer during one of his visits to the castle. These sightings only happen once every seven years though, so plan your travel accordingly.

Animal lovers have spotted a mysterious black dog, patrolling the grounds at Wilton Castle. Now a historic getaway for locals and visitors alike, this 13th-century fortress is host to strange, unexplained occurrences.

Alongside the four-legged phantom, the ghost of Harry Alcock also makes an appearance at Wilton Castle on the anniversary of his death. Some have even claimed to witness him ride away in his very own death carriage.

This architectural triumph can be booked for private events, weddings or a spooky weekend away with one-bedroom suites starting at €165.00 (£143)  and up to €400.00 (£346) a night for three-bedroom apartments.