Explore Dublin’s Haunted History with GoTravelDaily

Through the ages, Dublin’s narrow lanes and cobbled streets have seen Viking violence, the plague, revolutions, and wars. These streets were home to Gothic novelist Bram Stoker and are filled with macabre history, gruesome ghosts, and supernatural characters. Explore the most unsettling paranormal experiences at some of the spookiest sites and events in Ireland’s capital.

Stop at the Eerie St Michan’s Church

This 9th-century church features cold, dark vaults containing the mummified remains of a 400-year-old nun, an 800-year-old crusader, a body with severed hands and feet, and the death mask of Wolfe Tone, a famous Irish revolutionary. Be sure to make time for this unique, historical, and quietly eerie pitstop.

Feel Chills Down Your Spine at Malahide Castle

Malahide Castle, set in sprawling grounds, boasts an 800-year history, encompassing battles and bloodshed. It is no wonder that some of the lovelorn and terrifying creatures continue to haunt the hallways and turrets. Many visitors have reported spine-tingling presences as they tour the building, including sightings of Puck the court jester or the Lady in White.

Have Some Paranormal with Your Pint at the Brazen Head

Dublin’s oldest pub, the Brazen Head, is a must-visit spot even for those not intrigued by the ghosts of its historic patrons, including Robert Emmet and his executioner. This famous Irish revolutionary was hanged nearby in 1803 and planned part of his rebellion within the pub’s walls.

Wander the Ruins of the Infamous Hellfire Club

Dating back to the 18th century and constructed using stones from an old graveyard, this club for wealthy young gentlemen is considered Ireland’s most-haunted building. Known for its drinking, gambling, debauchery, and associations with the occult, the Hellfire Club’s ruins on Montpelier Hill are well preserved and provide some of the best views of Dublin City and Bay. However, can you handle it in the dark?

Tour the Unsettling Kilmainham Gaol

As a notorious jail for 130 years, Kilmainham Gaol witnessed numerous public hangings and the execution by firing squad of leaders involved in the 1916 Easter Rising. Reports of paranormal activity have emerged over the years, with visitors claiming to feel unseen hands pushing them, alongside instances of lights mysteriously turning on and off. This thought-provoking guided tour offers insights into Irish history in a chilling atmosphere.

Take a Hellish Ride on the Ghostbus

Experience Dublin’s ghastly history on this entertaining and theatrical Ghostbus Tour, featuring professional actors. Stops include a hidden city cemetery and a medieval vault. This tour also caters to families with a less-scary version, suitable for children aged seven to 14.

Experience the Horrors of the Black Death on the Gravedigger Ghost Tour

Set during the time of the Black Death, this tour starts at an old plague house where afflicted individuals were housed. It includes a visit to Kilmainham Gaol, where you can meet the prisoner with a never-ending sentence, alongside many other eerie locations, including the Gravediggers Pub.

Brave the Haunted History Walking Tour of Dublin

This unique 90-minute walking tour showcases tales of Darkey Kelly, her connections to the Hellfire Club, and her gruesome execution. It also includes visits to the cobbled streets haunted by the demonic Dolocher, a convicted prisoner resembling a pig-like wild beast. The tour concludes in Dublin’s notorious “Hell,” an area rich in sordid history.

Be There and Be Scared at Dublin’s Best Halloween Events

For an unforgettable experience, time your visit to coincide with Dublin’s thrilling Halloween celebrations.

Join the Macnas Halloween Parade

Macnas, a legendary Irish interactive performing arts group, presents a family-oriented Halloween Street Parade in Dublin each year. Known for their captivating storytelling, they ensure a memorable experience filled with joy and intrigue.

Celebrate the Gothic at the Bram Stoker Festival

Born in Dublin in 1847, Bram Stoker’s legacy includes the world-renowned horror classic, Dracula. Each year, around Halloween, the Bram Stoker Festival offers a playful yet gothic glimpse into Stoker’s Dublin, exploring his influences and supernatural themes.

Plunge Yourself into The Nightmare Realm

This immersive Halloween event offers a walking horror experience that delves into your deepest nightmares, complete with terrifying zones such as The Butcher Boys and The Church of the Damned.

Prepare for Your Dublin Adventure

Arm yourself with knowledge about Dublin’s hair-raising horrors before you embark on your journey through the city.

Dracula by Bram Stoker captures the essence of Gothic horror and is a must-read for anyone wishing to explore Dublin’s spectral stories.

The Cock and Anchor by Sheridan le Fanu, set in turbulent 18th-century Dublin, reveals a thrilling narrative of young lovers attempting to escape villains in a haunted house.

The Eclipse (2009) tells a haunting ghost story set in a fictional Irish seaside town, where a horror novelist forms a bond with a widower, evoking suspense and eeriness.

The Cured (2017) unfolds in a post-plague world, featuring a narrative on the consequences of a viral outbreak, filmed across Dublin’s north inner city.