Leap Castle, Ireland

Castle · Offaly ·

Leap Castle, Ireland

Castle · Offaly ·

Historic fortress with a haunted past, owner shares stories

Information

EIRCODE ? R421, Leap, Roscrea, Co. Offaly, Ireland Get directions

@vogue

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11 Haunted Castles for Spine-Tingling Supernatural Encounters This Halloween | Vogue

"Hunched over an outcrop of the Slieve Bloom Mountains in County Offaly, this is among Ireland’s most haunted castles, rooted in a founding legend of two O’Bannon brothers leaping from the site to settle a chieftainship, and later marked by centuries of bloodshed before burning to its shell in 1922; today, the Ryan family continues restoration. Reports center on The Elemental, a presence some tie to pre-castle druid initiation rites and others to an occult-leaning former owner’s wife who may have summoned it. Visits are welcomed by owner Sean Ryan Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with a donation requested to support the work." - Nicole Kliest

https://www.vogue.com/article/most-haunted-castles-around-the-world

Leap Castle, Ireland

Soledad R.

Google

A beautiful and authentic Irish castle full of history. Sean, the owner, bought the castle a few years ago and knows everything about its past. He welcomes visitors warmly and encourages you to explore every corner. The €6 entry fee helps with restoration, which is a great cause. Visiting feels personal and real, not commercial. A perfect stop if you want to experience traditional Ireland and support local heritage.

Manuel C.

Google

5 stars expérience. Sean was a great host and sharing is knowledge about the castle history was really interesting to listen to to. Visiting the castle was also impressive since he as done all the restoration by himself. Just make sure you knock at the door of the castle on arrival since the ring bell ain’t working.

Sharon C.

Google

If your in to true history of castles, this may be a small one but the old guy who owns it lives there! He tells a good history story, hands you a flashlight and allows you to go up the narrow dark stairs to check it out. Must see. €6 to walk through but ring the doorbell first. A lot of artifacts to check out. Not for kids or people with small space anxiety.

Dorotea H.

Google

Prepare €6 euro pp, even though it doesn't say anywhere that you have to pay that price. There are no signs for anything. It is private property, that is why I think it depends if the owner is in the mood to show you around and tell you more about castle's history. It is lovely outside and the view from the top.

P.J. M.

Google

A step back in time to a castle steeped in history. Sean, the owner has spent his life restoring the castle bit by bit. It was a shame I'd had car trouble that day, causing me to arrive only 30 mins prior to closure at 5:00. Do contact Sean in advance as a courtesy before you arrive, as it is their family home, as well as Castle. See the many videos there on You Tube about Leap Castle in advance, so you'll be somewhat aware of the history of this special place. Contact Sean by email. His contact address is on the official website, where you'll also find even further info about the Castle.

Daria D.

Google

Very atmospheric place with a cool owner and a fascinating history. If you have 20 minutes or so, it’s definitely worth a stop.

Chris F.

Google

Incredible experience meeting the owner Sean and hearing all about how he saved the castle to renovate. His stories and knowledge are amazing and he even played us a song on his Irish whistle. The castle tour itself is short and self guided but well worth it. €6 per person. Highly recommended.

Marsha M.

Google

Amazing castle ruin being refurbished by a true Irishman. The host was full of great historical information and even played the whistle for us. One of the best stops on our trip! Make sure you bring cash for the $6 suggested donation.

Ali Z.

Yelp

My second time visiting the castle, I also went back in August. I love chatting with the owner, Sean, who has many stories to tell as well as being very knowledgeable in Irish history.

Chelsea A.

Yelp

A very unique experience. Mr. Ryan was very informative. If you enjoy the strange, dark, and mysterious - off the beaten path, then this is your place.

@vogue

3,763 Postcards · 1,060 Cities

11 Haunted Castles for Spine-Tingling Supernatural Encounters This Halloween | Vogue

https://www.vogue.com/article/most-haunted-castles-around-the-world

Leap Castle, Ireland

Soledad R.

Google

Manuel C.

Google

Sharon C.

Google

Dorotea H.

Google

P.J. M.

Google

Daria D.

Google

Very atmospheric place with a cool owner and a fascinating history. If you have 20 minutes or so, it’s definitely worth a stop.

Chris F.

Google

Marsha M.

Google

Ali Z.

Yelp

My second time visiting the castle, I also went back in August. I love chatting with the owner, Sean, who has many stories to tell as well as being very knowledgeable in Irish history.

Chelsea A.

Yelp

A very unique experience. Mr. Ryan was very informative. If you enjoy the strange, dark, and mysterious - off the beaten path, then this is your place.

Leap Castle, Ireland

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11 Haunted Castles for Spine-Tingling Supernatural Encounters This Halloween | Vogue

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