Important: Locations are approximate and for reference only. Please verify before visiting and always respect private property, local laws, and landowner wishes. Many locations may be on private land or restricted areas.
The Priory, Youghal
The Priory in Youghal is said to be home to some pretty spooky goings-on. People have reported hearing a baby crying, which is quite unsettling, to say the least. Footsteps have also been heard passing through empty parts of the building, which begs the question - who's making them? And if that wasn't enough, there's even a story about a monk who vanished into thin air. It's no wonder this place is considered haunted.
Built in a bygone era, The Priory has a rich history that spans centuries. Although the exact date of construction is unclear, it's believed to have been a place of worship and possibly even a residence for monks. The reported hauntings, including the crying baby, footsteps, and vanishing monk, all contribute to its reputation as a hub of paranormal activity. These events were documented in 2008, and it's interesting to note that multiple people have experienced these strange occurrences.
The Priory was likely built in the medieval period, serving as a place of worship and possibly a residence for monks.
Off coast, Youghal
Off the coast of Youghal, a bizarre phenomenon has been observed. In June 1801, a mirage of an unknown city appeared, leaving onlookers perplexed. The illusion was described as a representation of mansions, surrounded by shrubbery and white palings, with forests behind. This ghostly city seemed to materialise out of thin air, sparking curiosity and wonder among those who witnessed it.
The account of this mirage was documented by Charles Fort in his book New Lands. Fort was a renowned writer and researcher, known for his work on unexplained phenomena. His description of the mirage provides valuable insight into the strange event, which remains unexplained to this day. The fact that multiple witnesses observed this illusion lends credibility to the account, leaving us to ponder the circumstances surrounding this enigmatic occurrence.
The 19th century saw a surge in reports of unexplained phenomena, often attributed to natural causes but still shrouded in mystery.
The old Desmond Castle, Youghal
The Old Desmond Castle in Youghal stands as a testament to the area's rich history and paranormal activity. This sixteenth-century castle is home to the spirit of a white rat, famously known as Jephson's Rat. The story goes that Sir John Jephson, on the brink of bankruptcy, made a pact with a mysterious stranger to have all his debts paid off. In return, Jephson was required to keep a white rat as a companion during every meal. Jephson thought the rat would soon die but was surprised when it lived on for seven years. When he finally tried to get rid of it, the stranger reappeared and violently threw Jephson from an upstairs window. Since then, the white rat has been seen occasionally, believed to foretell a death in the Jephson family.
Delving into the historical context, Sir John Jephson's encounter with the mysterious stranger has been a topic of discussion for many years. The incident took place in the sixteenth century, a time of great turmoil and financial struggle for many families, including the Jephsons. This haunting is classified as a crisis manifestation, directly linked to a moment of extreme distress and desperation. The white rat's appearances are considered an omen of death, a grim reminder of the consequences of Jephson's actions. While there are no documented witness accounts of the rat's appearances, the legend has persisted, contributing to the castle's reputation as a haunted site.
The Old Desmond Castle dates back to the sixteenth century.
Moll Goggin's Corner, Youghal
Moll Goggin's Corner in Youghal is a spot where locals claim to have seen the ghostly apparition of Moll, a young woman who lived in the area centuries ago. They say she fell deeply in love with a sailor who unfortunately failed to return from sea, leaving Moll heartbroken. Every day, she'd stand on this very corner, gazing out at the water, hoping against hope that her beloved would come back to her. Her love and longing were so strong that even in death, her spirit couldn't leave this spot, and now she's said to haunt it.
The story of Moll Goggin has been passed down through generations in Youghal. A more sinister version of her tale claims she was a witch who delighted in casting spells to drown sailors, but the core of her story remains tied to her unrequited love. Whatever the truth may be, Moll's phantom is said to return to this corner, perhaps still searching for her lost love or maybe forever trapped in her grief. Locals have reported seeing her ghostly figure, and while there's no concrete evidence to prove her existence, her legend has become an integral part of Youghal's folklore.
The story of Moll Goggin dates back to the 17th or 18th century, when Youghal was a thriving port town.
Lighthouse, Youghal
Youghal Lighthouse stands tall on the Irish coast, its beams cutting through the darkness for centuries. But for the lighthouse keeper, the isolation was once pierced by strange occurrences. He reported hearing unexplained movements within the building, as if someone was wandering the halls when he was alone. It was then that he spotted a phantom monk, a fleeting glimpse of a figure that vanished into thin air. This wasn't a one-off sighting; the monk has been seen walking the grounds, a harmless apparition that's become a local legend.
Digging deeper into the story, it seems the ghostly monk's presence wasnt just a solitary sighting. Local nuns would apparently hand out sweets to children who caught a glimpse of the ghost, on the condition they didnt tell their parents. This unusual behaviour suggests the monk's presence wasnt just a fleeting apparition but a familiar figure in the community. The fact that multiple people have witnessed the monk, including the lighthouse keeper and local children, adds weight to the sightings. While we cant pinpoint exactly when these events occurred, the consistency of the stories hints at a genuine paranormal phenomenon.
The Youghal Lighthouse was built in the 19th century to guide ships safely into the harbour.
The Red House, Youghal
The Red House in Youghal is said to be haunted by a friendly and calming presence. This historic house has a long history of paranormal activity, with folklore suggesting that a ghostly nun roams its halls. According to local legend, the nun is known to rearrange visitors' clothing, a quirk that has been reported by many who have stayed at the house. The atmosphere at The Red House is often described as peaceful and serene, with many visitors reporting a sense of calm and tranquility during their stay.
Delving deeper into the history of The Red House reveals a rich and varied past. While the exact date of the haunting is unknown, the house has been a prominent landmark in Youghal for centuries. The ghostly nun is said to be a benign presence, and her antics have become a popular part of the house's folklore. Although there are no recorded witness accounts or documented evidence of the haunting, the legend of the nun has endured for generations, making The Red House a fascinating destination for those interested in the paranormal.
The Red House has been a prominent landmark in Youghal for centuries.
Unnamed street in the area, Youghal
Youghal's streets are said to be haunted by the ghostly apparitions of Roundhead troops. These spectral soldiers are reputed to make their presence known by the sound of their marching footsteps echoing along the roads. It's a chilling experience for locals and visitors alike, who claim to have heard the unmistakable sound of military boots and equipment being worn. The haunting is a reminder of the town's rich history and the significant role it played during the Cromwellian conquest of Ireland.
The haunting of Youghal by Roundhead troops is steeped in historical context. During the 17th century, Youghal was a key location in the Cromwellian campaign, with Oliver Cromwell's forces laying siege to the town in 1649. The Roundheads, known for their strict Puritanical values and military discipline, were instrumental in the siege. It's believed that the ghostly apparitions are a manifestation of the residual energy left behind by these soldiers, who died in battle or succumbed to disease. While there are no concrete witness accounts or documented evidence, the legend of the Roundhead hauntings has been passed down through generations, captivating the imagination of locals and visitors alike.
Cromwellian conquest of Ireland, 1649
No paranormal sites match your filters
We use cookies to enhance your browsing experience and analyse our traffic. View our cookie policy