Ireland's Spookiest Places to Visit

Steeped in fairytale, mystery and a somewhat bloody history - the Emerald Isle naturally has its fair share of chilling stories, murdered spirits and friendly ghosts. From old castles to deserted prisons, discover the tall tales and eerie spaces of Ireland on your next Irish vacation. Be warned - these spooky places are not for the faint of heart (insert evil laugh):

Kilmainham Goal, Kilmainham, County Dublin: One of the largest unoccupied jails in Europe, covering some of the most heroic and tragic events in Ireland's emergence as a modern nation from 1780s to the 1920s. Attractions include a major exhibition detailing the political and penal history of the prison and its restoration.

St. Michan's Church, Dublin: Underneath the church are five long burial vaults containing the mummified remains of many of Dublin’s most influential 17th, 18th and 19th century families, including the legendary Shears brothers and the highly decorated coffins of the Earl’s of Leitrim. A visit to the crypt to visit these mummies can be quite a chilling experience.

Charles Fort, Kinsale, County Cork: Charles Fort is one of the finest surviving examples of a 17th Century star-shaped fort, and much of the construction begun in 1678 remains. The fort has two enormous bastions overlooking the estuary, and three facing inland. Within its walls were all the barracks and ancillary facilities to support the fort’s garrison. The fort continued in military use until 1922. The fort is often visited by the "White Lady of Kinsale".

Grand Opera House, Belfast: This hauntingly beautiful opera house opened in Belfast in 1895. Mysterious figures can be seen through the theater. The most famous is a figure in a long, black hooded cloak that is always seen on the stage. The theater is open for performances. Why not take in a show at the spookiest opera house in Ireland?

Ross Castle, County Meath: Ross Castle is known as one of the most haunted places in all of Ireland and even Britain. Several legends and ghost stories are connected with this idyllic castle.

Leap Castle, County Offaly: Legend has Leap Castle haunted by a supernatural entity known as an Elemental. The alleged entity is known as "It".

Malahide Castle, County Dublin: Many castles in Ireland are said to have ghostly inhabitants, but Malahide Castle in Dublin has an impressive five specters that roam its grounds.

Charleville Castle, Tullamore: Located in County Offaly, in the Midlands of Ireland, and bordering the town of Tullamore near the Shannon River, Charleville Castle is situated in Ireland's most ancient primordial oak woods, once the haunting grounds of Ireland's druids.

Ireland - Your Luxury Travel Destination

Ireland was recently voted a top luxury travel destination by Luxury Travel Magazine, "For Europe first-timers or travelers seeking an English-speaking destination, Ireland offers rolling green countryside, quaint bed and breakfasts and hospitable locals that extend warmth and friendliness to visitors. From old to new: Ireland takes on a Robin Hood-esque feel amongst crumbling medieval castles for history buffs and site-seers, to world-class golf courses and resorts, offering some of the most renowned links in the world. Virtuoso advisers recommend it as an alternative in 2012 to London, which will no doubt be bulging with Olympic enthusiasts."

Ireland has much to offer the discerning traveler, from 5 Star Hotels and Castle Stays to shopping tours, once in a lifetime golf tours and spa treatments -  all of which can be added to your Chauffeur Driven Tour of Ireland, Dublin City Stay or Self-Drive Tour of Ireland. While most luxury hotels in Ireland have an in-house spa with many relaxing treatments to choose from, some luxury hotels in Ireland also offer top golf courses to suit the discerning golfer. Here are a couple of our favorite luxury hotels in Ireland:

Lough Eske Castle - Donegal

A Truly Unique Castle in Ireland, Offering a World of Modern Comforts. Lough Eske Castle, a Solis Hotel and Spa sits within 43 acres of forest woodland, hugging the shores of Lough Eske, with the Blue Stack Mountains in the background. Lough Eske Castle is the only five star hotel in Donegal. Winner of the World's Best Luxury Country Hotel and topping My Guide Ireland's Top 10 Hotels in Ireland, this lovingly restored castle hotel in Ireland blends its historic past with a dash of contemporary luxury.

K Club - The Kildare Hotel, Spa and Country Club

The K Club, Ireland’s AA Hotel of the Year 2011 is located in the heart of the idyllic Irish countryside in the pretty village of Straffan, Co. Kildare. This long standing member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts offers the very best of pampering, leisure and golf facilities and is only 30 minutes from Dublin. Built in 1832, on the banks of the River Liffey, the original house was modelled on a French Château and still retains many of its original architectural features, art work and antiques. It opened as a luxury hotel in 1991 and was Ireland’s first AA Five Red Star Property and to this day it continues to deliver the very highest levels of service and standards in terms of its food and beverage offerings, golf, leisure, outdoor activities and spa treatments and products.

The Shelbourne Hotel - Dublin

A national treasure built in 1824, The Shelbourne Hotel has been magnificently restored while keeping its historic charm. The Shelbourne is a luxury 5 star hotel in Dublin city centre overlooking St. Stephen's Green, Europe's grandest garden square. Ideally situated close to Dublin's cultural and historic buildings, The Shelbourne offers a great location, from where you can visit the majestic St. Patrick's Cathedral and Trinity College. Explore shops on Grafton Street or visit the Guinness Storehouse. The Shelbourne offers spacious accommodations with luxurious Egyptian cotton bedding, flat- screen TV, laptop-size safe, and marble bathroom. Enjoy a cocktail or Ireland's own Guinness at our renowned Horseshoe Bar. Celebrate life at our Oyster Bar or a prime-cut steak at The Saddle Room Restaurant.


 

Ritz-Carlton Powerscourt

Whisk yourself away to a Palladian estate tucked back in the woodlands of County Wicklow on Ireland’s east coast. Take an enchanting stroll amidst the gentle green hills and sparkling lakes of Powerscourt Gardens, then head into Dublin for some cosmopolitan flair. The sumptuous surroundings of our Wicklow hotel combine the luxury and tranquility of country living with city chic. The Ritz-Carlton Powerscourt, County Wicklow hotel near Dublin brings together natural beauty and dignified accommodation to offer its guests an unforgettable retreat. Some of this luxurious Wicklow hotel’s amenities and services include: 200 spacious guest rooms, including 93 suites, panoramic views and terraces available in many rooms, An outstanding spa with 20 treatment rooms and one private spa suite, 36 holes of championship golf, Three exceptional dining facilities, including Gordon Ramsay at Powerscourt, a signature restaurant from the world-renowned chef, More than 10,000-square-feet of meeting space

Adare Manor - County Limerick

Situated in the lush heartlands of County Limerick, Adare Monar and Golf Resort is one of Ireland's most evocative and spell binding hotels. Steeped in exotic history and surrounded by medieval ruins, its 840 acre demesne is home to beautiful parklands, superb trout fishing on the river Maigue and a renowned 18 hole championshjip golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones Senior. Unique and individual accommodations, the best of contemporary Irish food in an incomparable setting and the highest standards of modern hospitality are hallmarks of the Manor experience.

Dylan Hotel - Dublin

On an exclusive Victorian street, the Dylan Hotel in Dublin 4 is nestled in the heart of Dublin city center’s most sophisticated quarter. This 5 star boutique city center hotel is located 10 minutes walk from Grafton Street, St. Stephen’s Green, the Aviva Stadium and the RDS and in the epicenter of Dublin’s happening cultural scene. The hotel is a destination for the endless array of Dublin City fashion, leisure and business. The Luxury boutique hotel is steps away from the chicest Dublin restaurants, shopping and night life and houses the award winning Dylan Restaurant, Dylan Cocktail Bar and terraces.

Hayfield Manor - Cork

Since it's opening in 1996, Hayfield Manor 5 Star Hotel in Cork City has been recognised for providing high quality product and service. This is reflected in the various awards with which Hayfield Manor has been honoured. The estate, in the heart of Cork city, was originally owned by the Musgrave family, the famous Cork merchants. The current owners, The Scally Family, purchased the estate from the Musgrave family and established Cork's first 5 star hotel. As a family owned and managed hotel, the personal yet professional service that is delivered has become synonomous with Hayfield Manor, and ensures guests enjoy their stay with us in Cork city.

Ashford Castle, County Mayo

The splendour of Ashford is everywhere. It is in our extensive woodland walks and in our vigorous country pursuits. It is in our luxurious rooms, our service, and our smiles. Perhaps most importantly it is in the memories we help to create. This ancient land, itself so rich in memories of the past, makes those of us at the hotel hope that you take home with you something of the feelings we ourselves experience in this wonderful setting.

The Europe Hotel and Resort, Killarney Co. Kerry

The Europe 5 Star Hotel in Killarney, Co. Kerry is one of the most luxurious 5 star Hotel, Conference & Event Centres in Ireland and also incorporates ESPA at The Europe, one of Ireland's largest spa hotels in Ireland. It is in the beautiful grounds of this luxury 5 star hotel in Ireland that the waters of Killarney's largest lake, Lough Lein, reflect the wilderness of Kerry's magnificent McGillycuddy Reeks Mountain range in the scenic South West of Ireland. Enjoy a range of leisure activities on the grounds of one the finest luxury hotels Ireland has to offer.

Dromoland Castle, County Clare

With an extraordinary history stretching back to the 5th Century, Dromoland Castle was originally the ancestral home of one of the few families of Gaelic Royalty; direct descendants of Brian Boru, the High King of Ireland. Approached by a meandering drive that passes acres of magnificent lawns, this luxury 5 Star Castle Hotel overlooks its own Championship Golf Course and a glistening lake which commands the panoramic beauty of the surrounds. Seamlessly blending Old-World elegance with contemporary luxuries, Dromoland's tradition of delivering impeccable, unobtrusive service is never compromised. Guests can relax under the careful attention of our staff and enjoy an exquisite selection of gourmet fine dining and delicious wines; unwind slowly in the Castle's 5 Star luxury Health Spa or indoor heated pool; or enjoy a good book beside a crackling evening fire. Situated just 8 miles from Shannon International Airport, and regarded as one of the top luxury hotels Ireland has to offer, Dromoland Castle Hotel Ireland is the ideal base from which to explore the vibrant cities of Limerick and Galway; the magical Shannon region and Ireland's rugged West Coast. Look no further than Dromoland Castle for 5 star castle accommodations Ireland.






These are just a few of the luxurious accommodations to be had in majestic Ireland. Whether you choose a chauffeur driven tour, a shopping trip, a golf vacation, a spa get-a-way, a Dublin city stay or a luxury self-drive tour of Ireland, let Celtic Tours World Vacations help you plan your fabulous luxury Ireland vacation. Give us a call at 1-800-833-4373 to start planning today!


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Bunratty Castle & Folk Park

The most complete and authentically restored and furnished castle in Ireland, a colorful folk park and the famous Bunratty Castle Medieval Banquets. This is one tourist attraction you are not going to want to miss!

Bunratty Castle, North Munster, is sited on an original Viking Trading Camp which dates back to around 970 and is the last of four castles to be built on the site. The present castle was built in 1425 by the McNamara family and remained in their possession until 1475. In the 17th Century the castle was the palace of the Earls of Thomond and was surrounded by gardens and a great deer park. The castle passed through many hands before falling into disrepair. In 1954, Lord Gort purchased the estate and returned it to its former glory. It is now the most complete and authentically restored and furnished castle in Ireland and it has been open to the public since 1960.

Bunratty Castle is a large tower house, a particular type of stone structure, built for defensive purposes as well as habitation. Tower houses appeared since the Middle Ages, especially in mountain or limited access areas, in order to command and defend strategic points with reduced forces. At the same time, they were also used as a noble's residence, around which a borough was often constructed.

Alongside the Castle is an extensive folk park, particularly popular with families, tourists and schools. The Folk Park is a colorful illustration of Irish life in the 19th and early 20th Centuries. Buildings range from the landlord’s house to the smallest peasant cottage, along with an assortment of village shops, a smithy, two watermills and an excellent collection of old farm implements. There are live demonstrations of bread baking, weaving and pottery making. The 19th century walled garden has been re-created to grow fruit, vegetable and flowers as it did when it was the source of supply to Bunratty Castle.

The famous Bunratty Castle Medieval Banquets were first held in the early 1960s and the event has grown stronger ever since. This is a dinner experience not to be missed! Each night the Ladies of the Castle, aided and abetted by the Earl of Thomond’s Butler, welcome guests from the four corners of the globe to dine at The Earl’s Banquet at Bunratty Castle. The entertainment provided by the world renowned entertainers is a fitting compliment to a mead reception in the Great Hall of the castle, a four course traditional feast and of course good wine.


If it’s Medieval Ireland you are interested in, the Bunratty Medieval Banquet is not to be missed. You can add the Banquet onto any Celtic Tours package to Ireland for $89 PP, entertainment and 4 course meal included. Learn more about Celtic Tours Ireland Packages.

Kilkenny Castle

Kilkenny Castle stands dramatically on a strategic height guarding a crossing on the River Nore and dominates the ‘High Town’ of Kilkenny City.

Known as one of the most recognized buildings in Ireland, the castle is steeped in Irish medieval history. It was built in 1195 for William Marshal, 4th Earl of Pembroke to control a fording-point of the River Nore. The Castle is seen as a symbol of Norman occupation. Kilkenny Castle later became the principal residence of the powerful Butler family for almost 600 years.

Through the eight centuries of its existence many alterations and additions have been made to the building, making it a complex structure of various architectural styles. This 800-year-old Norman castle remains in remarkable condition with many of its original features. Two wings of the castle have been restored to their 19th Century splendor and include a library, drawing room and the magnificent long gallery. The river wing houses the Butler Gallery of contemporary art. Additionally, a state-of –the-art conference center is situated in one of the castle’s 12th Century towers.

Set amid 50 acres of charming and extensive gardens and woodlands, overlooking the River Nore, the castle has a long established rose garden, mature trees and an ornamental lake. The castle gardens around Kilkenny Castle are well worth a visit.

Visitors can explore the castle and their grounds at their leisure. In addition to an information sheet, dedicated guides offer information about the castle’s rich history in its period rooms.

Celtic Tours features Kilkenny Castle on a number of our tours of Ireland. Please visit our website for more information.

Have you ever wanted to stay in a castle?

Think Indulgent Thoughts

At Clontarf Castle Hotel, 111 guest rooms and hotel suites range from the luxurious to the truly extravagant, with design that mesmerizes your senses, and all the in room touches you need to ensure the perfect nights rest.

From the fashionable style and comfort in their deluxe bedrooms to the definitive in opulence in their individually designed executive rooms and suites, many with four-poster beds and views of the Dublin mountains.

Nearby Attractions:

The Birthplace of Bram Stoker
Bram Stoker, author of the world famous novel, “Dracula” was born in Clontarf in November 1847. This Gothic Horror novel was only outsold by the Bible and has been hugely successful in theatre and cinema productions to date. Stoker died in April 1912, after a successful life as novelist and columnist for newspapers such as the Dublin Daily Mail. The Bram Stoker Park commemorates him, at his ancestral home at number 15 The Crescent, in close proximity to Clontarf Castle Hotel.

Guinness Storehouse
As you wander up through Guinness Storehouse, you'll discover what goes into making the Black Stuff- the ingredients, the process, the passion.

Old Jameson Distillery
The Old Jameson Distillery in Smithfield Village is in the heart of Old Dublin.Irish whiskey can trace its history back to the 6th century. Almost like a tour of a working distillery you can follow the fascinating craft of whiskey making.

Croke Park Stadium in Dublin
The GAA Museum at Croke Park Stadium is designed to facilitate an experience of an integral part of Irish life and heritage through an exploration of its culture, history and unique national sports. Croke park is the proposed setting for the famed Notre Dame vs Navy 2012 Rematch.

Trinity College in Dublin
Trinity College is the oldest university in Ireland.The college is famed for the great treasures it has the honour to be guardian of. These include the Book of Kells, a 9th century illuminated manuscript, the books of Durrow and Armagh and an early Irish harp.

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Kylemore Abbey, County Galway, Ireland

Experience the character and atmosphere of a former castle and enjoy the breathtaking views from the large picture windows which capture and frame the majestic landscape. Prior to becoming an Abbey, it was built as a Castle and private home for Mitchell Henry, a wealthy politician from Manchester, England. The first stone was laid in 1867. With 100 men employed every day, construction was completed in 4 years. The castle covered approximately 40,000 sq ft with over 70 rooms. Today visitors are invited to enter the Abbey where four rooms have been sympathetically restored.

Kylemore became an Abbey in 1920, and is the oldest of the Irish Benedictine Abbeys. The Community of Nuns, who have resided here for 189 years, have a long history stretching back almost 340 years, hailing from Ypres, Belgium.

Visitors to Kylemore are welcome to enjoy the 6-acre walled Victorian garden and the Gothic Church. The Gothic Church was designed to be a ‘cathedral in miniature’ and the interior is said to have been suggested by the beautiful Chapel of St Stephens at Westminster. Built by Mitchell Henry, the Gothic Church was built in memory of his beloved wife Margaret Henry who died only four years after the castle was constructed.

Kylemore Abbey is located in Connemara, County Galway, Ireland.

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