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'She broke her neck, it's very tragic' - The haunting of Charleville Castle

The castle was designed by Francis Johnston and built by Charles William Bury in 1798
Jack Quann
Jack Quann

18.35 12 May 2023


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'She broke her neck, it's very...

'She broke her neck, it's very tragic' - The haunting of Charleville Castle

Jack Quann
Jack Quann

18.35 12 May 2023


Share this article


Charleville Castle in Co Offaly is considered one of the most haunted houses in Ireland.

It was designed by Francis Johnston, one of the leading architects of the day, and built by Charles William Bury - Earl of Charleville - in 1798.

The castle is said to be the finest example of gothic-revival architecture in the country.

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However it is also known for more out-of-this-world experiences.

HG4DTE The interior of Charleville Castle, Tullamore in Co Offaly in April 2012 The interior of Charleville Castle, Tullamore in Co Offaly in April 2012. Picture by: robertharding / Alamy Stock Photo

Terri Dale-Kearney is events coordinator at Charleville Castle.

She told Sarah Madden for Moncrieff one particular room has a chill to it.

"I'd say this room has more activity in it in regards to the other rooms on this floor," she said.

"People have stayed here overnight and have been locked in until the afternoon.

"I've heard other stories about foot-ticking ghosts."

2JG3G4T Charleville Castle in Tullamore, Co Offaly in May 2010 Charleville Castle in Tullamore, Co Offaly in May 2010. Picture by: Carol Di Rienzo Cornwell / Alamy Stock Photo

Ms Dale-Kearney said one particular Halloween also saw strange bedfellows.

"There was somebody else that organised a Halloween party here once," she said.

"In the early morning, about 6am, he rolled over and saw a large, older blonde woman lying beside him that was not his girlfriend.

"[His girlfriend] was tall and had dark hair.

"When he went to look at her again, it was his girlfriend - so it was just really strange".

'Our resident ghost'

Ms Dale-Kearney said one presence has been there for several years.

"Every place has a resident ghost that everybody knows about," she said.

"Our resident ghost is Harriet - she's an eight-year-old little girl.

"She fell just behind where we are standing, and broke her neck and her back - unfortunately it's very tragic.

"She has been here for years; I've been here for almost 20 years, and I have had more than a few experiences I think at the hands of her trickery and her playing.

"I think she's definitely here," she added.

Listen back here:

Main image: Charleville Castle in Co Offaly in 2007. Picture by: scenicireland.com / Christopher Hill Photographic / Alamy Stock Photo

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Charles William Bury Charleville Castle Francis Johnston Ghosts Harriet Haunted Haunting Moncrieff Offaly Resident Ghost Terri Dale-Kearney

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