Meet the ghosts of Ballygally Castle, Cooneen House, Narrow Water Castle and Dunluce Castle

With Northern Ireland being home to a rich history full of folklore, myths, legends and everything in between, we cast a look back to some of the best ghost stories down the years.

And if you want to be chilled even further, check out our guide to locations off the beaten path that are perfect for lovers of the supernatural.

The ghost of Ballygally Castle

Built in 1625, Ballygally Castle on the Antrim Coast Road was owned by Lord James Shaw and his wife Lady Isabella Brisbane Shaw. Passed down through generations of the Shaw family, the original castle was a place for Protestants to seek refuge during the Civil Wars. However, the early 1800s saw the loss of wealth and, subsequently, the castle was sold to the Agnew family, marking William Shaw as the last squire of Ballygally.

Steeped in nearly four centuries worth of history, it’s safe to say that Ballygally Castle has been front row to many troubles over the years.

Now, the stunning Ballygally Castle has been transformed into a delightful hotel and is said to be host to a friendly ghost. Over time, many guests have reported sightings of a woman in the corridors, and a presence in their rooms alongside an array of unexplained and unidentifiable noises in the night. Not to mention, the eerie green mist that’s been seen to fall over the castle grounds. It’s said to be the ghost of Lady Isabella Shaw.

According to legends, after Lady Isabella gave birth, providing Lord Shaw with an heir, he snatched the baby away and locked his wife in the tallest tower.

One theory suggests that in a desperate attempt to escape and search for her child, Lady Isabella tragically fell to her demise from the tower window; another theory believes that she didn’t actually fall, but rather was pushed by either her husband or one of henchmen.

Proud of their otherworldly residence, Ballygally Castle Hotel has a dedicated bedroom for the friendly being. Tucked away in the oldest turret of the castle, guests are welcome to pay a visit to ‘The Ghost Room’.

The poltergeist of Cooneen House

From the early 1900s, it’s been said that a spirit lives amongst the walls of Cooneen House in Brookeborough.

First experienced by Widow Murphy, her son and five daughters, shortly after her husband passed away in a gruesome accident, paranormal activities began to occur.

Starting with knocking on doors and windows while no one was to be seen, to heavy footsteps with no owner; the events worsened as plates were said to lift and smash against the walls alongside levitating beds.

Concerned, Ms Murphy enlisted the help of Father Coyle from Maguiresbridge, who also became witness to disappearing shapes and flying pots and pans. After performing two exorcisms in Cooneen House, wherein bed sheets, cups and plates were believed to levitate and deafening groans could be heard throughout the home, they failed and the Murphy family continued to be plagued by the poltergeist.

As rumours began to circulate that the family were practising witchcraft, 1913 saw them move to America to escape the paranormal happenings. Even so, the poltergeist is believed to have followed them, wreaking havoc on the ship, to the point where they were at risk of being kicked off mid journey.

Still to this day, Cooneen House has an unnerving atmosphere, detailed by those brave enough to visit. 2010 saw Marion Goodfellow, one of the top spiritual mediums in the UK, visit the house. Describing it as one of the scariest places she had ever had to visit, she also described the presence of an angry man unwelcome to guests of any kind.

Maeve Roe of Dunluce Castle

Built by the McQuillian’s in the early 16th century, Dunluce Castle is believed to be a hotspot of paranormal activity over the years.

From old sea captains and a mysterious woman in white to the cries of kitchen workers past, it’s safe to say that the myths and legends surrounding Dunluce Castle are likely to hold some truth.

The most infamous ghostly sighting, however, is that of Maeve Roe, daughter of Lord McQuillian. As his only daughter, Lord McQuillan arranged for Maeve’s marriage to Rory Og however, Maeve’s heart already belonged to another, as she had fallen in love with one of her family’s bitter enemies: Reginald O’Cahan.

One fateful night, Maeve had been locked away in a tower because of her refusal to marry Rory when she was rescued by Reginald. The pair ran to mermaids’ cove, located just beneath the castle and took off in a row boat. Tragedy struck and the two met an untimely death as the rough seas bashed the boat against jagged rocks.

Although Reginald’s body washed ashore, Maeve’s was never to be found.

Many have claimed to have seen a woman in a drenched gown appearing amongst the ruin of the castle, especially in the tower that once held her captive. On stormy nights, terrifying wailing and cries can be heard from the northeast tower of Dunluce Castle as she mourns the life and love that could have been.

The harpist of Narrow Water Castle

Found just outside of Warrenpoint, Narrow Water Castle was built in the mid-sixteenth century to house a warden and troops from nearby Newry.

As winter fell, a wandering harpist provided ample entertainment as the troops gathered around the campfire, playing his wistful tunes. It wasn’t long before he met Lassara, daughter of Clan Chief Conn Magennis, who became enchanted with him and his music.

The two grew closer as time went on and an uprising was becoming imminent, the harper invited Lassara to go away, somewhere safe where they could be married and live out their lives together.

However, the Clan Chief was against the marriage, refusing the harper's request for her hand the day before.

As a result, Lassara and the harper had a plan: to meet at dawn the next day, using his harp playing as a signal, before journeying to Nun’s Island to be married and then proceeding on to his home on Ochter Island.

Despite there being little light at the time, a keen-eyed sentry is said to have seen them passing by Narrow Water castle on a small row boat, instantly firing a shot and killing the harper and causing him to fall overboard never to be seen again.

Collapsing in shock, Lassara was brought back to Narrow Water Castle, only to be locked away in the dungeon by the warden. It’s believed that her only comfort and saving-grace at the time was being able to hear the music of her murdered lover each evening.

In an attempt to escape the confines of the dungeon and incessant demands of the warden, Lassara managed to slip through a narrow gap when her cell door was opened, running up the back stairway and leaping from a great height to join her harper in a similar fate.

Many a witness has described hearing the enchanting music of a harp while a woman in anguish falling from the highest point of the castle, the two fading away as one. While many have claimed to experience these events year round, it’s believed the winter storms provide a hotbed for paranormal experiences on the castle grounds.