Myths and Legends

Ireland

The Banshee's Wail

Legend tells of the Banshee, a ghostly female figure whoes mournful wail foretells death. Often described as an old woman with long, silver hair and a pale, ghastly complexion, the Banshee is said to appear to those of Irish ancestry. Some accounts claim she combs her hair with a silver comb while crying out in sorrow. Families such as the O' Neils, O'Briens, and O' Connors are particularly associated with her. People swear to have heard her cries near homes where someone would pass away shortly after.

The Vanishing Hitchhiker of Glencullen

A dark stretch of road in Glencullen is infamous for sightings of a young woman in a white dress hitchhiking. Those who stop to help report that she gives a specific address in the village but vanishes before reaching the destination. The story goes that she was a bride-to-be who died in a car accident on the way to her wedding and now roams the area looking for her fiance.

The Moving Stones of Carrauntoohil

Ireland's highest peak, Carrauntoohil, is said to have enchanted stones that shift ppositions overnight. Hikers have reported marking stones only to find them in completely different locations the next day. Local lore attributes the phenomenon to fairies or mischievous spirits who rearrange the stones to confuse intruders.

The Black Cat of Killakee House

Killakee House in County Dublin is infamous for sightings of a large, menacing black cat with glowing eyes. The legend originates from reports of occult rituals conducted in the house in the 1960's. Visitors claim to hear growls, see the cat prowling in the shadows, or feel an ominous presence. Paranormal investigators link the cat to spirits disturbed during the rituals.

The Children of Lir's Ghostly Swans

The Children of Lir were cursed by their jealous stepmother to live as swans for 900 years. Though they eventually regained their human forms upon hearing church bells, locals believe their spirits linger in the form of white swans on Lough Derravaragh. It's said that hearing their cries on the lake brings bad luck.

The Green Lady of Charleville Castle

Charleville Castle in County Offaly is reportedly haunted by Harriet, a young girl who died tragically after falling down the castle's staircase in the 1800's. She is said to appear as a "Green Lady" with glowing green light surrounding her. Visitors claim to hear her laughter, footsteps, and even feel her tugging on their clothing.

The Phantom Army of the Curragh Plains

On certain foggy nights, people near the Curragh Plains in County Kildare report hearing the sounds of marching and clashing swords. The legend claims these are the spirits of ancient Irish warriors re-enacting battles. Some witnesses describe seeing faint apparitions of soldiers in armor before they vanish into the mist.

The Fairy Tree at Hill of Tara

A lone hawthorn tree near the Hill of Tara is said to be sacred to the fairies (or Aos Si). Legend warns that cutting or damaging the tree brings terrible misfortune. During construction projects in the area, equipment failures and strange accidents were blamed on disturbances to the fairy tree. Locals continue to leave offerings for the fairies at its base.

The Dullahan, the Headless Horseman

A terrifying figure from Irish folklore, the Dullahan is a headless horseman who rides a black steed, carrying his head under his arm. He is said to use a whip made from a human spine and calls out the name of those doomed to die. Sightings of the Dullahan are rare but chilling, often accompanied by a strange black mist.

The Haunted Cliffs of Moher

The dramatic cliffs of Moher are not only a stunning natural wonder but also home to ghostly legends. Visitors have reported seeing the specter of a woman who mournfully wanders the edges of the cliffs. She is said to be searching for her lost lover, who fell to his death there. Strange whispers and feelings of unease are common among those who visit after sunset.

The Hungry Grass

Throughout rural Ireland, patches of "hungry grass" are said to curse those who walk over them. Legend claims these spots mark places where people died of famine or were cursed by fairies. Travelers who unknowingly step on the grass are overcome by sudden, insatiable hunger and exhaustion. Some believe only bread or a blessing can break the curse.

The White Lady of Kinsale

Charles Fort in Kinsale, County Cork, is haunted by the White Lady, believed to be the spirit of a bride whoes husband was killed on their wedding day. Distraught, she leapt from the fort walls into the sea. Visitors report sightings of a pale figure in a white dress wandering the grounds, as well as cold spots and unexplained weeping.

The Witch of Slieve Gullion

The Slieve Gullion mountain in County Armagh is linked to a witch who deceived the legendary warrior Fionn mac Cumhaill. The witch lured Fionn into a lake disguised as an old woman, where he was cursed to age rapidly. Although he reversed the spell, locals claim her spirit haunts the area, and hikers report eerie voices or sudden storms near the lake.

The Bloody Chapel of Leap Castle

Leap Castle in County Offaly is one of Ireland's most haunted locations, and the Bloody Chapel is its sinister heart. The legend tells of a brother who murdered his sibling, a priest, durng mass. Visitors have seen shadowy figures in the chapel and felt an overwhelming sense of dread. The "Elemental," a malevolent spirit with a rotting stench, is said to inhabit the castle as well.

The Silent Piper of Dunluce Castle

Perched on the edge of a cliff in County Antrim, Dunluce Castle is said to be haunted by a piper who vanished while exploring its caves. On stormy nights, his ghostly music echoes through the ruins, blending with the crashing waves. The legend claims he played a final haunting tune before disappearring forever.

The Lough Ree Lake Monster

Lough Ree, one of Ireland's largest lakes, is rumored to harbor a mysterious creature similar to the Loch Ness Monster. Fishermen report sightings of a massive, serpentine figure gliding through the water or surfacing briefly before disappearring. Local lore suggests the creature is a guardian spirit protecting the lake's treasures.

The Ghost Ship of Bantry Bay

Sailors in Bantry Bay, County Cork, tell of a spectral ship appearing on misty nights. The ship, said to have been destroyed in a storm centuries ago, glows faintly and sails silently across the bay. Some claim it is a warning of impending storms, while others see it as the restless souls of drowned sailors seeking peace.

The Hound of O' Donoghue's Keep

O' Donoghue's Keep, a ruined castle on Lough Leane in Killarney, is haunted by a phantom hound. The story goes that a loyal dog guards the spirit of O' Donoghue, a cheftain who drowned while fleeing an ambush. Campers near the keep have reported hearing eerie howls and seeing a large shadowy figure stalking the grounds at night.

The Phantom Coach of Coole Park

In Coole Park, County Galway, a spectral coach pulled by black horses is said to appear on moonless nights. The legend claims it carries the soul of a noblewoman who betrayed her family. Witnesses describe the sound of galloping hooves and the eerie glow of the coach before it vanishes into the darkness.

The Devil's Footprint in Ballyshannon

In Ballyshannon, County Donegal, a strange rock bears a single footprint, said to belong to the Devil himself. The legend claims the footprint appeared when the Devil leapt from a church roof in anger after being cast out by holy men. Locals avoid the stone, believing it carries a curse or brings bad luck to those who touch it.