Location: 4 miles north of Roscrea on the R421, County Offaly
Phone: (0509) 31115
Hours: 10am - 5pm
Leap Castle, located in Coolderry, County Offaly, Ireland, is widely regarded as the most haunted castle in Ireland, and possibly the world, due to its gruesome history and reported paranormal activity. Situated 6 kilometers north of Roscrea and 10 kilometers south of Kinnitty on the R421, this medieval fortress, originally named Léim Uí Bhanáin ("Leap of the O’Bannons"), has been a site of bloodshed, betrayal, and supernatural phenomena for centuries. Built by the O’Bannon clan, likely around 1250 AD, and later controlled by the warring O’Carroll clan, the castle’s turbulent past includes murders, massacres, and occult practices. Today, it remains a private residence owned by Sean and Anne Ryan, who have been restoring it since 1991 while welcoming visitors for tours.
Leap Castle’s origins are rooted in the medieval Gaelic Irish landscape,
with its name tied to a legend about two O’Bannon brothers contesting
leadership of their clan. According to tradition, they leapt from the
rocky outcrop where the castle now stands, and the survivor earned the
right to be chieftain, giving the site its name, "Leap of the
O’Bannons." The castle was likely built around 1250 AD by the O’Bannon
clan, secondary chieftains under the powerful O’Carroll clan, on a site
that may have been occupied since the Iron Age (500 BCE) or even
Neolithic times, possibly as a ceremonial or druidic location. Some
sources suggest construction as late as the 15th century, but the
earlier date aligns with its architectural style and historical context.
The O’Carrolls, known for their ruthless tactics, made Leap Castle
their principal stronghold by the late 15th century, using it to guard
the strategic pass through the Slieve Bloom Mountains. The clan’s
violent internal feuds and external conflicts shaped the castle’s bloody
reputation. Key historical events include:
1513–1516: The Earl of
Kildare, Gerald FitzGerald, attacked Leap Castle twice, failing to seize
it in 1513 but partially demolishing it in 1516. The O’Carrolls regained
control by 1557.
1532: After the death of Mulrooney O’Carroll, a
power struggle led to one of the castle’s most infamous incidents. In
the chapel, later dubbed the "Bloody Chapel," an O’Carroll brother, a
priest, was murdered by his sibling during mass, an act of sacrilege
that left a lasting spiritual stain.
1558: Elizabethan forces set the
castle ablaze to prevent its capture, but the O’Carrolls recaptured it
within a year.
1642: The castle passed to the Darby family through
marriage to an O’Carroll heiress, marking the end of O’Carroll control.
The Darbys, an English family, included notable figures like
Vice-Admiral George Darby and John Nelson Darby, a founder of the
Plymouth Brethren.
Late 1800s: Mildred Darby, wife of Jonathan
Charles Darby, lived at Leap and wrote Gothic novels under the pen name
Andrew Merry. Her fascination with the occult, including séances,
amplified the castle’s haunted reputation. She documented encounters
with spirits, notably the "Elemental," a malevolent entity.
1922:
During the Irish Civil War, Leap Castle was looted and burned, possibly
due to resentment over high rents imposed by the Darbys to fund
expansions. The central keep was left a shell, with much of the Jacobean
and Georgian additions destroyed.
1974–1989: Australian historian
Peter Bartlett, whose mother was an O’Bannon descendant, purchased the
ruins and began restoration. After his death in 1989, the castle was
sold to Sean and Anne Ryan in 1991, who continue its restoration.
The
castle’s history is marked by violence, from O’Carroll massacres to the
discovery of an oubliette—a hidden dungeon—filled with human remains in
the early 20th century, cementing its reputation as a place of horror.
Leap Castle is a modified tower house, a common Gaelic Irish
fortification from the 13th to 17th centuries, adapted over time
into a fortified house with later additions. Constructed from local
limestone, it combines medieval defensive features with Jacobean and
Georgian expansions, though much of the latter was destroyed in
1922. The castle’s architecture reflects its dual role as a fortress
and residence, with ongoing restoration by the Ryans preserving its
historical character.
Tower House
The core of Leap Castle
is its four-story tower house, likely built around 1250 AD,
measuring approximately 15 meters tall and 10 by 8 meters at its
base. Key features include:
Walls: Up to 2.5 meters thick,
with roughly hewn limestone blocks, designed to withstand sieges.
The walls are battered (sloping inward) at the base for stability.
Parapet and Machicolations: The roof features a parapet with
crenellations and machicolations above the original entrance (now at
the rear), allowing defenders to drop missiles on attackers.
Entrance: The main entrance, on the first floor, was accessed via an
external staircase, a defensive feature. A heavy oak door and murder
hole provided additional protection.
Spiral Staircase: A narrow,
clockwise spiral staircase connects the floors, designed to hinder
attackers while favoring right-handed defenders. The stairs to the
Bloody Chapel are steep and worn, requiring caution.
Windows:
Small slit windows on lower levels served as arrow loops, while
larger mullioned windows on upper floors illuminated living areas.
Interior Layout
The tower’s interior, partially restored,
offers a glimpse into medieval life, with some rooms furnished to
evoke their historical use:
Ground Floor: Originally the
entrance level, now accessed via a modern door, it served as storage
with a barrel-vaulted ceiling to support upper floors. A restored
fireplace remains.
First Floor (Main Hall): The largest room,
used for gatherings, with a large fireplace and two windows. This is
where Sean Ryan often greets visitors, and paranormal activity, like
unexplained voices, has been reported.
Second Floor (Bloody
Chapel): The upper hall, known as the Bloody Chapel, is the castle’s
most infamous room. It features a high ceiling, arched windows, and
the oubliette—a hidden trapdoor in the corner leading to a spiked
pit. The chapel’s eerie atmosphere is heightened by reports of
ghostly chanting and lights seen from outside.
Third Floor and
Roof: The upper levels include smaller chambers and access to the
bartizan (a small turret) and battlements, offering views of the
Slieve Bloom Mountains. The roof has a modern tin covering to
protect the interior.
Oubliette
The oubliette, discovered
during renovations in the early 1900s, is a chilling feature in the
Bloody Chapel. This small, square chamber, accessed via a trapdoor,
was modified by the O’Carrolls to trap prisoners, who were thrown
onto wooden spikes and left to die. Workers reportedly removed three
cartloads of human remains, including over 150 skeletons,
highlighting the castle’s brutal past. A ladder now descends into
the dark pit, but it’s rarely explored due to safety concerns.
Later Additions
Jacobean House: Added by the Darbys in the
17th century, this extension on the north face included domestic
quarters, now largely ruined.
Georgian House: A later addition,
also ruined in 1922, featured more refined interiors, some of which
Mildred Darby described in her writings.
Gatehouse and Defensive
Walls: The castle is enclosed by a bawn with defensive walls and a
gatehouse, partially restored, enhancing its fortified appearance.
The 1922 fire gutted much of the later additions, leaving the tower
house as the primary surviving structure. Sean Ryan’s restoration
focuses on stabilizing the tower and chapel, with minimal modern
intrusions to preserve its medieval character.
Leap Castle’s reputation as the world’s most haunted castle stems
from its violent history and numerous reported supernatural encounters.
The castle has attracted paranormal investigators, TV shows (Ghost
Hunters International, Most Haunted, Ghost Adventures), and visitors
seeking eerie experiences. Sean Ryan, the current owner, describes the
castle’s spirits as cohabitants rather than threats, though he
acknowledges their presence with a mix of respect and caution. Below are
the most notable hauntings:
The Elemental
The most terrifying
entity is the "Elemental," a malevolent spirit described as a gaunt,
shadowy figure the size of a sheep, with a decaying human-like face,
black hollow eyes, and a stench of rotting flesh and sulfur. Mildred
Darby’s 1909 account in The Occult Review vividly details her encounter:
“Its lustreless eyes, which seemed half decomposed… stared into mine.
The horrible smell… came up to my face, filling me with a deadly
nausea.” Theories suggest the Elemental predates the castle, possibly
tied to druidic rituals on the site (located at the crossing of two ley
lines) or summoned by occult practices, such as those attributed to
Gerald FitzGerald or Mildred Darby’s séances. It’s said to appear only
when provoked, exuding dread and physical pressure.
The Red Lady
The Red Lady is a tall, female ghost dressed in red, often seen carrying
a dagger. Legend claims she was a prisoner of the O’Carrolls, raped, and
impregnated. After her baby was killed, she took her own life with the
dagger, and her restless spirit wanders the castle, sometimes raising
the blade menacingly. Visitors report seeing her in the main hall or
corridors, her presence evoking sorrow rather than fear.
The
Bloody Chapel Priest
The ghost of the O’Carroll priest, murdered by
his brother in 1532, is frequently seen in the Bloody Chapel, on the
staircase, or near the bartizan. Described as a shadowy figure in
clerical robes, he’s associated with eerie chanting and lights emanating
from the chapel at night. His death during mass is considered a
sacrilegious act that cursed the castle.
Emily and Charlotte
Two young girls, Emily and Charlotte, are playful spirits seen in the
main hall and on the stairs. Emily, aged 11, is said to have died after
falling from the battlements, her ghost reenacting the fall but
vanishing before hitting the ground. Charlotte, with deformed legs, is
seen dragging herself. Their laughter and footsteps are often heard,
adding a bittersweet element to the castle’s hauntings.
The
Governess
A benevolent female spirit, the Governess is known for
touching visitors, particularly those with blonde hair, in a gentle,
reassuring manner. She’s often sensed in the upper rooms and is thought
to be a Darby family member.
Other Spirits
The Murder Hole
Room: Disputed in location, this room is linked to another O’Carroll
murder, with a bloodstain on the floor and reports of ghostly presences.
The Monk: A figure in a cowl and tonsure, seen in the Priest’s House, is
described by Mildred Darby as passing through windows.
General
Activity: Sean Ryan reports hearing footsteps, doors opening, and crowds
talking, with spirits always “out of reach.” Visitors, including a
paranormal researcher in 2016, have heard unexplained voices, felt
touches, or sensed an eerie atmosphere. Cats on the property are said to
react to unseen presences.
The castle’s reputation was amplified by
Mildred Darby’s writings and séances, which drew attention in the early
20th century. Modern paranormal investigations, including TV features,
have documented cold spots, EVPs (electronic voice phenomena), and
visual anomalies, though skeptics attribute some experiences to the
castle’s dilapidated state and suggestive atmosphere.
Leap Castle is a cultural and historical landmark, embodying
Ireland’s medieval Gaelic past and its complex relationship with
violence and the supernatural. As one of the longest continually
inhabited castles in Ireland, it offers a tangible link to the O’Bannon
and O’Carroll clans, whose legacies of bravery and brutality shaped the
region. Its history reflects the power struggles of Gaelic chieftains,
the impact of English colonization (via the Darbys), and the destruction
of the Irish Civil War.
The castle’s haunted reputation has made
it a global phenomenon, featured in books like Aaron Mahnke’s The World
of Lore: Dreadful Places and TV shows like Castle Ghosts of Ireland
(1996). Its nickname, “the world’s most haunted castle,” is embraced on
its official website and draws paranormal enthusiasts, historians, and
tourists. The Elemental and Bloody Chapel stories have become part of
Irish folklore, blending Gaelic, druidic, and Gothic elements.
Sean Ryan, a traditional musician, adds to the castle’s cultural
vibrancy by performing on his tin whistle during tours and sharing
stories that blend history with storytelling. His approach—living
alongside the spirits—humanizes the castle, making it a unique blend of
home, fortress, and supernatural hotspot.
The 1922 fire left Leap Castle a ruin, with the Jacobean and Georgian
wings reduced to shells. Peter Bartlett’s restoration (1974–1989)
rebuilt parts of the tower’s interior, including the barrel-vaulted
ceiling and fireplaces. Since 1991, Sean and Anne Ryan have continued
this work, focusing on the tower house and Bloody Chapel. Efforts
include:
Structural Stabilization: Reinforcing walls and
installing a tin roof to prevent water damage.
Interior Preservation:
Restoring fireplaces, stairs, and windows while keeping the castle’s
raw, medieval character.
Minimal Modernization: The Ryans live in the
castle with basic amenities, preserving its historical ambiance.
Restoration is ongoing, with challenges like dampness and the castle’s
partial ruin state. Visitors note tripping hazards, uneven floors, and a
lack of handrails, reflecting its work-in-progress status.
Leap Castle is a private residence, but Sean and Anne Ryan welcome
visitors by appointment, offering a unique, intimate experience unlike
state-managed castles. Located in rural Offaly, it’s a 90-minute drive
from Dublin, accessible via the R421.
Guided Tours
Format:
Tours are guided by Sean Ryan, often with Anne, and last 45–60 minutes.
They cover the main hall, Bloody Chapel, oubliette, and upper rooms,
with Sean sharing historical and paranormal stories. Visitors may
explore some areas independently if permitted.
Schedule and Booking:
Tours are by appointment only, typically Thursday–Sunday, 10:00 AM–5:00
PM, but flexibility depends on Sean’s availability. Contact Sean at +353
86 869 0547 or seanfryan@outlook.com.
Cost: €6–€10 per person, with
tips appreciated. Group rates may apply.
Content: Expect a mix of
history (O’Carrolls, Darbys, 1922 fire) and ghost stories (Elemental,
Red Lady, Bloody Chapel). Sean’s storytelling, often with a tin whistle
performance, is a highlight. Some tours include paranormal insights,
especially for enthusiasts.
Safety Notes: The castle is not suitable
for young children or those with mobility issues due to steep, uneven
stairs, no handrails, and tripping hazards. Low doorways and ceilings
require caution.
Visitor Feedback
Positives: Visitors rave
about Sean’s eccentric, warm personality and deep knowledge, calling him
“straight out of a storybook.” The castle’s raw, unrestored state and
eerie atmosphere are highlights, especially for paranormal fans.
Encounters like unexplained voices or touches thrill ghost hunters. The
presence of friendly cats adds charm.
Critiques: Some find Sean’s
mood variable, possibly influenced by the castle’s spirits, and note he
may not always be talkative. The castle’s dilapidated state disappoints
those expecting a polished site, with complaints about junk, broken
stairs, and limited historical details. Parking is unclear, often on the
verge.
Paranormal Experiences: A 2016 visitor reported an unexplained
voice in the main hall, and others describe chills, touches, or a sense
of dread, particularly in the Bloody Chapel. Skeptics enjoy the
architecture despite dismissing hauntings.
Additional Features
No Facilities: There are no restrooms, cafés, or gift shops, reflecting
the castle’s private nature. Visitors should plan accordingly.
Paranormal Tours: Special nighttime tours or paranormal investigations
can be arranged for groups, attracting ghost hunters.
Events: The
Ryans host occasional music performances, art exhibitions, and
Halloween-themed tours, though these are rare.
Getting There
Location: R421, Coolderry, Co. Offaly, E53 WK44. Note: Some sources
incorrectly list it in County Tipperary due to its proximity to the
border.
By Car: 15 minutes from Roscrea, 30 minutes from Birr, 90
minutes from Dublin via the M7. Parking is limited, often on the
driveway or verge.
By Public Transport: The nearest train station is
Tullamore (30 km), with bus connections to Roscrea (Bus Éireann route
323). Taxis or a 6-km walk from Roscrea are required.
Nearby
Attractions: Kinnitty Castle (10 km), Birr Castle Gardens (20 km), and
the Slieve Bloom Mountains offer hiking and history.
Accessibility
The castle is not wheelchair-accessible due to uneven
floors, steep stairs, and no ramps. Tours involve climbing to the Bloody
Chapel, which is challenging for those with mobility issues. Audio
descriptions are not available, but Sean’s storytelling is vivid for
visually impaired visitors.
Leap Castle is a unique blend of living history and supernatural lore, distinguishing it from Ireland’s more polished heritage sites. Its status as a private home, coupled with its gruesome past, makes it a magnet for historians, paranormal enthusiasts, and adventure seekers. The castle’s unrestored state preserves its authenticity, offering a raw glimpse into medieval Ireland, while its hauntings fuel global fascination, featured in media from The Occult Review to modern podcasts. Sean and Anne Ryan’s dedication to restoration and openness to visitors ensures Leap remains a cultural touchstone, balancing its dark legacy with a welcoming, if eerie, atmosphere. Its inclusion in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands highlights its role in Offaly’s tourism, alongside sites like Clonmacnoise and Birr Castle.