Ireland's Haunted Castles Tour 800-863-9067

IRELAND'S HAUNTED CASTLES TOUR

Ireland is the realm of legend and mystery —Cu Chulainn, Fionn Mac Cumhaill and the Tuathau De Danaan who later went underground in the fairy mounds to become "Na Daoine Sidhe" the Good Folk. It is also littered with castles and old houses that are traditionally the home of ghosts.

With Leap Castle considered to be the most haunted castle in Ireland and Glin Castle with its poltergeists by the banks of the Shannon you may see a "Phuca" or two. It will take a brave soul to venture amidst cold drafts, shrieks and bumps in the night!!!

This is a fantastic adventure tour absorbing some of Ireland most beautiful scenery, culture and amazing historic past along the way, while staying at two of Ireland most esteemed and luxurious property’s, Kinnitty Castle and Glin Castle.

DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY

LOCAL SITES INCLUDE:
Kilkea Castle, Kinnitty Castle, Leap Castle, Charleville Forest Castle, Killua Castle, Clonony Castle, Glin Castle, Poulaphuca, Ballyvaughan.

Day 1: Kinnity Castle
Arrive Dublin Airport and pick up your rental car. Drive to the Offaly with a stop en route in Kildare to visit Kilkea Castle, built in 1180 and the oldest inhabited Castle in Ireland. Local folklore maintains that the castle is haunted by the ghost of Earl “the Wizard” Gerald and the presence of “evil” symbolized in the famous Evil Eye Stone located there. Continue onto Kinnitty Castle for your 4-night stay. The castle was destroyed in 1209 and was later rebuilt by the Norman's in 1213. It’s said to be haunted by the 11th Earl of Kildare.

Day 2: Leap Castle
If you dare, you can visit the most haunted castle in Ireland – Leap Castle. Leap Castle certainly is home to many secrets of a dark and mysterious past. Over 400 years ago in what is now known as the "Bloody Chapel" a shocking murder occurred between one brother and his priest brother during high mass. Another source of evil at Leap Castle is a hidden ubliet (a dungeon) located off the bloody chapel. It was a small room with a drop floor. Those who were forgotten within this room suffered unimaginable pain and misery until their death.

Because of its extremely bloody history, Leap Castle has always had a reputation of being haunted, a reputation so strong local people avoided it at night. Locals have described seeing the windows at the top of the castle "light up for a few seconds as if many candles were brought into the room" late at night.

Day 3: Charleville Forest Castle & Killua Castle
Today you'll visit Charleville Forest Castle, complete with Druid’s Initiation Circle and dark, spooky catacombs and a tower which Charles Bury, First Earl of Charleville still walks amongst the living. Many orbs “ghostly balls of light” have been spotted throughout the castle to remind us all that we are not alone.Drive north to Westmeath to visit Killua Castle, one of the most romantic ruins in the country. Built in 1780, and later converted to the Gothic style, it was owned by the ancestors of Lawrence of Arabia, who visited it himself. A white phantom was said to encircle the ruins, and a hideous, evil-eyed figure was often sighted within the walls.

Day 4: Clonony Castle
Visit Clonony Castle, which dates back to the 16th century and has a connection with Anne Boleyn, two of whose cousins are buried in a cave beneath the castle. The ghost that people see is that of a man, seen standing on top of the tower in old-fashioned dress. His identity remains a mystery, but he is still regularly seen by passing motorists at night.

Day 5: Glin Castle, Glin, Co.Clare
Drive to Clare County for your 2-night stay at Glin Castle, home of the knights of Glin for the past 700 years. The house boasts elaborate plasterwork. The castle was the home of the Knights of Glin from about 1260 until 1642, when a house was build near the site of the present castle. The English took the castle and many of the defenders of the castle were either killed or drowned in the Glencorbry River. The ruins of this castle are still visible. Souls of those killed during the hundreds of turbulent years of Glin Castle’s existence have left a lasting impression.

Day 6: Poulaphuca
Today, you can visit Poulaphuca . This dolmen is on the limestone uplands of the Burren in north Clare, a few kilometres south of Ballyvaughan. On the same area there are over fifty wedge tombs. The word Poulaphuca means 'The Cave of spirits'. Pooka, or Phuca, is a term used generically in Ireland to denote spirits or fairies, although the word refers specifically to a particular fairy which usually appears in the shape of a black goat. Pooka had the power to curse human enemies by giving them a humpback. At Halloween, Irish children wear masks and fancy dress to masquerade as the Pooka and demand sweets or fruits from householders.

Day 7: Depart Shannon
After a leisurely breakfast prepare for your return to the U.S.

TOUR INCLUDES:
- Confirmed Reservations at “Haunted” Castles, hotels or B&B's for 6 nights
- Full English Breakfast each day
- Self-Drive Car with unlimited mileage, tax, CDW & theft insurance
- All taxes and service charges
- Concierge service in Ireland while traveling
- Touring Map of Ireland
- Travel Documents and Personalized Itinerary

Our Mission:
To provide our clients with the best travel values, professional travel planning services, exclusive hotel rates, complimentary amenities, and personally enriching experiences.

Destination Specialist
Ireland & Britain

Linda O. Terrill
800-863-9067