EIRCODE ? R421, Leap, Roscrea, Co. Offaly, Ireland
Phone: +353 86 869 0547
Leap Castle in Ireland’s County Offaly possesses a hauntingly rich history. Known for its deathly trapdoors and dreary dungeons, this castle stands out as one of the most haunted locations in Ireland. If you’re curious about its ghostly stories and planning a visit, here is a comprehensive guide to Leap Castle.
History
The construction date of Leap Castle remains debated; some sources suggest it was built in 1250, while others point to the 1500s. What is certain is that this fortified tower house was established on an earlier settlement site dating back to the Iron Age.
The castle’s notable history truly begins in the 16th century when it was likely built by the O’Bannon clan. Originally called Leim Ui Bhanain or “Leap of the O’Bannons,” the name comes from a legendary contest between two O’Bannon brothers, who leaped from the rocks where the castle was constructed to determine who would lead the clan.
However, the O’Bannons were merely secondary chieftains, while genuine power lay with the formidable O’Carroll clan. The O’Carrolls seized control of Leap Castle, frequently using it as a site for massacres of rivals and even members of their own families. As O’Carroll heirs murdered dinner guests and soldiers alike, the haunting reputation of the castle was solidified by the ghosts of their victims.
In 1649, Jonathon Darby, a soldier under Cromwell, received Leap Castle as compensation for his military services. Some accounts suggest that Darby married an O’Carroll daughter. The Darby family resided in Leap Castle for many generations, until it was set ablaze during the Irish Civil War in 1922, leading to a long period of abandonment.
In 1974, Peter Bartlett, a descendant of the O’Bannon clan from Australia, purchased the castle and began restoration efforts until his death in 1989. The property was subsequently acquired by Sean and Anne Ryan, who continue to restore Leap Castle to this day.
What to See
As Leap Castle is privately owned, access to the entire structure is limited. Nevertheless, the Ryans occasionally permit visitors to explore some of the upper floors, which remain in ruins.
The primary attraction at Leap Castle is, undoubtedly, its ghosts. Often dubbed “the most haunted castle in Ireland,” this reputation stems from the horrific legends surrounding the O’Carroll clan. One notable feature is The Bloody Chapel, where Teige O’Carroll murdered his brother during a family mass.
Following the castle’s destruction in 1922, repair work unearthed a hidden dungeon with numerous corpses, suggesting that victims may have been disposed of through a concealed trapdoor. Although an exact count of bodies was never determined, it reportedly took three carts to remove all the human remains.
Ghost enthusiasts should be on the lookout for several spirits believed to haunt the grounds. One such apparition is a lady in red, who is often seen wandering the castle with a dagger, lamenting her murdered child. Additionally, the ghostly figures of two young girls, who are thought to have lived at Leap Castle in the 1600s, are frequently reported.
How to Visit Leap Castle
Leap Castle is situated in County Offaly, Ireland, just outside of Coolderry, and is privately owned by Sean Ryan and his wife, Anne. As they reside in the castle, they continue its repair and restoration. Sean claims to have encountered various spirits and is typically eager to share his historical insights while allowing for self-guided tours of the grounds.
To visit Leap Castle, it is advisable to contact Sean directly via email to confirm availability and the most appropriate time for your visit. A donation of €6 is requested to help maintain this unique historic site.
What Else to Do Nearby
If you’re looking for more haunted castles, consider visiting Charleville Castle, a Gothic-style structure known for its eerie history, located near Tullamore. Another nearby attraction is Birr Castle, which, while lacking ghost stories, offers engaging science exhibits for children.
The county town of Tullamore is renowned for its local whiskey, Tullamore Dew, a beloved Irish beverage.
For a taste of the outdoors, the nearby Slieve Bloom Mountains offer scenic beauty and outdoor activity options.
