Ireland is a country where myths live side by side with history. Its fog-covered hills hold hundreds of castles, each with its own fate, secrets and legends. These fortresses are not just stone walls, but witnesses of battles, love, betrayal and supernatural phenomena. In this article, we will tell you about the most famous castles in Ireland and the stories that have surrounded them since ancient times.
Advertising
1. Blarney Castle – The Blarney Stone
Located near Cork, Blarney Castle is one of the most visited in Ireland. Built in the 15th century, it became famous thanks to the Blarney Stone. Legend has it that if you kiss this stone hanging at the top of the tower, you will gain the gift of persuasion and eloquence.
But this is not the only secret of the castle. According to legend, the stone was given to the King of Ireland by fairies. Others claim that it was part of the Judgment Stone from Jerusalem or belonged to the King of Scotland. Tourists from all over the world come every year to hang over the castle wall and kiss the stone – and this is certainly one of the most unusual tourist rituals in the world.
2. Lough Cutra Castle – secluded luxury and traces of ghosts
This little-known, but beautiful castle is located on the lake of the same name in County Galway. It is not open for everyday excursions – the castle is rented for celebrations and private events. But local legends have been circulating around it for a long time.
It is believed that in the vicinity of the castle you can hear the singing of a girl who drowned in the lake in the 19th century. Locals avoid being near the shore at night, because, according to legend, her voice leads travelers into the fog and makes them get lost in the woods.
3. Leap Castle — the scariest castle in Ireland
This castle in County Offaly has a sinister reputation as the most cursed and bloody in the country. Built in the 13th century, it became the scene of feuds between the O’Carroll clan. The darkest episode was when one of the brothers killed another right during mass in the castle chapel. Since then, it has been called the Bloody Chapel.
In the 20th century, a secret chamber was discovered in the walls of the chapel with the remains of dozens of people, some of whom were believed to have been walled up alive. Many claim that ghosts still appear in the castle, including a hooded figure with empty eye sockets and a terrible smell of decay.
4. Ashford Castle — from the Middle Ages to luxury
One of the most beautiful castles in Ireland, Ashford was built in the 13th century. Today it has been converted into a luxury hotel, where celebrities, politicians and royalty stay. However, despite its current splendor, the castle has a rich past.
Crusaders and members of the Guinness family stayed here, and legends speak of a female ghost in white who appears on the second floor. It is believed that this is the spirit of a young girl who died here during a fire in the 19th century.
