The Haunting of Charleville Castle

Charleville Castle in County Offaly is considered one of Ireland’s most haunted buildings. The dramatic Gothic Revival castle, built in the early 19th century, hosts several ghosts including the tragic spirit of a young girl.

The Castle

Charles Bury, 1st Earl of Charleville, built the castle between 1798 and 1812 to designs by Francis Johnston. The romantic Gothic style, with its turrets and battlements, creates an ideal setting for haunting.

Harriet’s Ghost

The most famous ghost is Harriet, a young daughter of the Earl who fell to her death from the main staircase in 1861. Her ghost has been seen on the stairs and in her former bedroom. Childlike laughter is heard.

The Little Girl

Beyond Harriet, a younger girl has been seen in the castle. She appears in Victorian dress and plays in the corridors. Her identity is unknown, but she may be another family member who died young.

The Other Spirits

Adults have also been seen: a soldier in the grounds, a woman in the drawing room, and an unidentified man in the main hall. The concentration of spirits suggests the castle is exceptionally active.

The Investigations

Charleville Castle has been investigated by numerous paranormal groups. Electronic voice phenomena have been recorded. Temperature anomalies have been documented. The castle’s owners have cooperated with researchers.

Assessment

Charleville Castle’s Gothic architecture and tragic history create ideal conditions for haunting. The persistence of Harriet’s spirit, despite attempts at communication, suggests something genuinely supernatural occurring.