Chilling places to visit in Ireland this Halloween

Ireland is steeped in haunting history, with tales of cloven-toed devils and dagger-wielding spirits at every turn - all of which makes for some a great day out during spooky season.

Here are some of the most frightful tales…

Loftus Hall, Wexford

The devil was said to be a regular guest at this 17th century mansion on the windswept Hook Peninsula in Wexford, widely considered to be Ireland’s most haunted house. The gothic edifice stands on the site of a 12th-century castle and is visited by the terrified ghost of former owner Anne Tottenham.

One stormy night in the 1760s, a stranger knocked at the door. Anne invited him in for a game of cards, but while bending down she noticed he had cloven hooves in place of feet. Hearing her screams, the stranger bolted through the roof in a ball of flames.

Hellfire Club, Dublin

Even the appearance of this abandoned hunting lodge sends shivers down the spine. Overlooking Dublin, it’s a popular attraction for hikers – although it was once a meeting place for the 18th century Hellfire Club, once described as "a brace of monsters, blasphemers and bacchanalians". One night, after members invited the devil to join them, the place went up in flames. Ever since, visitors have reported bad smelling odours, hearing voices, and even feeling a hand around their necks. It’s possible to see the ruins from several hiking trails. But to get the full experience, take a Horror Hike with Hidden Dublin Tours.

Leap Castle, Offaly

Making the Game Of Thrones saga seem like a fairy-tale, a history of bloodshed has shaped this castle. Many have lost their lives over the centuries, including The Red Lady, often seen carrying a dagger through the corridors, and two young girls plummeting from the battlements. Brave guests can hunt for ghosts in The Bloody Chapel and the Murder Hole Room, where owner Sean Ryan shares stories of ghostly encounters, from hearing chanting within the walls to objects being thrown across rooms.

Charles Fort, Cork

Built atop the ruins of Ringcurran Castle, Charles Fort is a star-shaped structure found on the east coast of Kinsale Harbor. A British barracks until it was surrendered to the Irish, the fort is now a national monument thanks to its long and storied history. However, it may best be known for its White Lady.

The tale goes that Wilful Warrender, daughter of the commander of Charles Fort, fell in love with an officer named Trevor Ashurst. Through a series of unfortunate events that change depending on who tells the story, Governor Warrender mistook his son-in-law for a sleeping sentry and shot him through the heart on the night of his wedding. His grief-stricken bride is now said to wander the fort in her wedding dress.