- Askeaton Abbey and the Spectral Monk: Askeaton Abbey is haunted by a spectral monk, seen near the cloisters, guarding relics from its Franciscan past. Founded in the 14th century, the abbey faced dissolution during the Reformation. Dúchas.ie records tales of ghostly monks tied to its sacred history. Askeaton Abbey, Askeaton, County Limerick.
- Bruff and the Spectral Druid: Bruff’s standing stones are haunted by a spectral druid, seen guarding ancient rituals at dusk. The area’s megalithic sites inspire druidic tales. Dúchas.ie records ghostly figures tied to Bruff’s prehistoric past. Bruff, County Limerick.
- Carrigogunnell Castle and the Banshee’s Wail: Carrigogunnell Castle is haunted by a banshee, her cry foretelling death for the O’Brien family, heard in the castle’s ruins. The 15th-century castle was an O’Brien stronghold. Dúchas.ie notes banshee tales tied to its Gaelic heritage. Carrigogunnell Castle, near Clarina, County Limerick.
- Croom Castle and the Phantom Piper: Croom Castle is haunted by a ghostly piper, whose music echoes at night, believed to be a musician killed in a feud. The 13th-century castle saw clan disputes. Dúchas.ie mentions tales of spectral music linked to Croom’s violent history. Croom Castle, Croom, County Limerick.
- Desmond Castle and the Earl’s Ghost: Desmond Castle is haunted by a Geraldine earl, seen wandering the ruins, mourning the loss of his lands during the Desmond Rebellions. The 13th-century castle was a Fitzgerald stronghold. Dúchas.ie includes tales of spectral figures linked to its turbulent past. Desmond Castle, Adare, County Limerick.
- Glin Castle and the Lady in White: Glin Castle is haunted by a Lady in White, seen in the gardens, believed to be a Fitzgerald family member mourning a lost love. The 18th-century castle was a Fitzgerald stronghold. Local lore links the ghost to romantic tragedies, per oral tradition. Glin Castle, Glin, County Limerick.
- Killeedy Church and the Phantom Bell: Killeedy Church is haunted by a phantom bell that tolls at midnight, rung by a ghostly parishioner lost in a storm. The church, linked to Saint Ita’s 6th-century convent, has tales of rural tragedies. Dúchas.ie mentions spectral bells in Killeedy’s folklore. Killeedy Church, near Newcastle West, County Limerick.
- King John’s Castle and the Phantom Soldier: King John’s Castle is haunted by a spectral soldier, seen patrolling the walls, believed to be a Norman casualty of 13th-century sieges. Built in 1210, the castle endured multiple conflicts. Dúchas.ie records tales of ghostly warriors tied to its military history. King John’s Castle, Limerick city, County Limerick.
- Lough Gur and the Ghostly Lady: Lough Gur is haunted by a ghostly lady, seen drifting across the lake, believed to be a drowned noblewoman from a nearby castle. The lake’s ancient sites inspire tales of tragedy. Dúchas.ie mentions spectral figures linked to Lough Gur’s prehistoric past. Lough Gur, near Bruff, County Limerick.
- Newcastle West and the Ghostly Horseman: Newcastle West’s roads are haunted by a ghostly horseman, believed to be a Fitzgerald soldier killed in battle, seeking his lost home. The area saw 16th-century clan conflicts. Dúchas.ie includes tales of spectral riders tied to Newcastle West’s violent past. Newcastle West, County Limerick.
- Saint Ita’s Well in Killeedy: Saint Ita’s Well offers cures for ailments, particularly skin diseases, when pilgrims perform rituals with its water and nearby rag trees. Saint Ita, a 6th-century saint, founded a convent in Killeedy. Dúchas.ie documents the well’s healing reputation, blending Christian and pagan traditions. Killeedy, near Newcastle West, County Limerick.
- The Banshee of Newcastle West: A banshee haunts the River Arra near Newcastle West, her wail foretelling death for families like the Fitzgeralds, tied to the area’s Gaelic heritage. Banshees are female spirits linked to specific clans. Dúchas.ie notes banshee cries in Newcastle West, reflecting rural omens of death. Newcastle West, County Limerick.
- The Cursed Stone of Bruff: A standing stone in Bruff is cursed, causing misfortune to those who touch or move it, as it marks a druidic site protected by ancient spells. Megalithic stones are linked to druids or fairies in Irish lore. Dúchas.ie notes local fears of disturbing stones in Limerick’s rural areas. Bruff, County Limerick.
- The Fairy Fort of Ballingarry: A ring fort in Ballingarry is a fairy fort, home to the aos sí (fairy folk), who curse those who disturb it with illness or misfortune. Ring forts, Iron Age structures, are seen as Otherworld portals in Celtic folklore. Dúchas.ie records local fears in Ballingarry of fairy retribution for trespassing. Ballingarry, County Limerick.
- The Fairy Hawthorn of Askeaton: A lone hawthorn tree in Askeaton is a fairy tree, sacred to the aos sí, and cutting it invites curses like illness or livestock death. Fairy trees are rooted in Celtic beliefs about the Otherworld. Dúchas.ie records farmers in Askeaton avoiding such trees to prevent fairy retribution. Askeaton, County Limerick.
- The Fairy Music of Lough Gur: Lough Gur’s shores echo with fairy music at dusk, luring listeners into the Otherworld if they follow the sound. Fairy music is a common motif in Irish folklore, tied to enchanted landscapes. Dúchas.ie mentions supernatural sounds at Lough Gur, linked to its ancient sites. Lough Gur, near Bruff, County Limerick.
- The Ghost of Desmond Castle: Desmond Castle in Adare is haunted by the ghost of a Geraldine earl, seen wandering the ruins, mourning the loss of his lands. The 13th-century castle was a Fitzgerald stronghold, destroyed during the Desmond Rebellions. Dúchas.ie includes tales of spectral figures tied to its turbulent history. Desmond Castle, Adare, County Limerick.
- The Leprechaun of Glin: Glin is known for leprechaun sightings, small fairy shoemakers who hide pots of gold but trick those who pursue them. Leprechauns are iconic in Irish folklore, symbolising elusive wealth. Dúchas.ie includes tales of leprechaun encounters in Limerick’s rural areas. Glin, County Limerick.
- The Phantom Coach of King John’s Castle: A ghostly horse-drawn coach roams the grounds of King John’s Castle, driven by a spectral figure, believed to be a cursed Norman soldier. Built in 1210, the castle was a site of sieges and conflict. Dúchas.ie includes tales of phantom coaches tied to its military history. King John’s Castle, Limerick city, County Limerick.
- The Púca of Carrigogunnell: Carrigogunnell Castle’s ruins are home to a púca, a shape-shifting creature appearing as a black horse or goat, tricking travellers or offering cryptic warnings. The púca is a mischievous figure in Irish mythology, suited to Limerick’s ruined sites. Dúchas.ie mentions púca sightings near Carrigogunnell’s craggy remains. Carrigogunnell Castle, near Clarina, County Limerick.
Haunted
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County Limerick:
Ireland’s county Limerick combines historic landmarks with riverside charm, with Limerick City’s King John’s Castle offering insights into medieval history along the Shannon. The Hunt Museum showcases an eclectic art collection, while Adare’s thatched cottages and historic manor add picturesque appeal. Other attractions include the nearby Ballyhoura Mountains’ cycling trails. Limerick is Ireland’s tenth largest county by size (2,686 sq km), and ninth largest by population (209,536). Population peaked at 330,029 in 1841 and reached its lowest point, 133,339 in 1971. In terms of hospitality, Limerick is Ireland’s seventh most visited tourist county with around 420,000 international visitors per year.
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