11 of the most haunted places in Northern Ireland
No wonder we are a superstitious lot 👻 🧙♀️
To help get you into the Halloween spirit, we explored some of the most haunted spots across Northern Ireland and uncovered their sinister tales.
There’s many a supernatural story told of witches, spirits and ghouls that will leave you with goosebumps.
Take a look at some of the most chilling paranormal experiences 👇
Ballygally Castle Hotel, County Antrim
Ballygally Castle Hotel in County Antrim is one of the most famous haunted hotels. It is said to be haunted by Isabella Shaw, the wife of Lord Shaw who built the hotel. She reputedly wanders the corridors at night dressed in a silk dress, amusing herself by knocking on guests' doors. If you're feeling brave, you can request to stay in the 'ghost room' in one of the hotel towers.
The Dark Hedges, County Antrim
Northern Ireland's iconic Dark Hedges are a beautiful avenue of Beech trees planted by the Stuart family in the 18th century. Beautiful as they are, they are also thought to be haunted. If you're visiting, watch out for the 'Grey Lady' who appears at dusk and glides silently along the roadside before vanishing as she passes the last tree.
The White Horse Hotel, County Londonderry
As Derry/Londonderry is home to one of the biggest and best Halloween festivals, it's no surprise that there are some spooky tales to tell. The White Horse Hotel in the city is said to be haunted by a mail stagecoach complete with driver, who pulls up and enters the hotel only to mysteriously disappear.
Mussenden Temple, County Londonderry
Further along the coast, Mussenden Temple, situated on the Downhill estate, is said to have blood appear on the floor only to mysteriously disappear within minutes.
Springhill House & Gardens, Country Londonderry
Springhill, an early plantation house situated outside Moneymore in County Londonderry, is haunted by the friendly ghost of Olivia Lenox Conyngham. She is said to float around the gardens and house and loves to see visitors to her home.
Tollymore Forest Park, County Down
In County Down at Tollymore Forest Park, the Blue Lady is a wistful spectre who can formerly resided in the seat of the Roden family, at Tollymore House. Since the destruction of the house in the post war years, she now wanders restlessly through the forest park and has been seen on many a dark night walking the tree lined avenue.
Newcastle Harbour, County Down
Across in the seaside town of Newcastle in County Down, there are stories of a banshee, seen walking silently among the tied-up boats and lobster pots. Described by locals as a small woman with a high-pitched voice, her appearance is said to herald a death.
St John's Church, County Down
At St John's Church, also in Newcastle, sightings of a huge black dog have been seen. This hound is said to have eyes of blazing fire and gleaming white teeth.
Mourne Mountains, County Down
If you're wandering in the Mourne Mountains this Halloween, beware of the Slieve Binnian light, which has been known to block the path of unsuspected walkers and steer them away from the haunted trees near Spelga Dam where it is claimed an Irish Chieftain is buried.
Carrickfergus Castle, County Antrim
Carrickfergus Castle in County Antrim not far from Belfast, is said to be haunted by Button Cap who carries his head under his arms as he walks the battlements and Dobbin's Inn, also in Carrickfergus, is supposedly haunted by Button Cap's girlfriend.
Dunluce Castle, County Antrim
A few centuries ago the kitchens of Dunluce Castle, which overlooks the Causeway Coast in County Antrim, slipped into the sea below taking the staff with them. On certain nights you can still hear the screams of the people as they fell to their watery graves
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