11 of the most haunted places in Northern Ireland
No wonder we are a superstitious lot 👻 🧙♀️
Last updated 3rd Oct 2024
To help get you into the Halloween spirit, we explored some of the most haunted spots across Northern Ireland and uncovered their sinister tales.
There’s many a supernatural story told of witches, spirits and ghouls that will leave you with goosebumps.
Take a look at some of the most chilling paranormal experiences
Ballygally Castle Hotel, County Antrim
Ballygally Castle Hotel in County Antrim is one of the most famous haunted hotels. It is said to be haunted by Isabella Shaw, the wife of Lord Shaw who built the hotel. She reputedly wanders the corridors at night dressed in a silk dress, amusing herself by knocking on guests' doors. If you're feeling brave, you can request to stay in the 'ghost room' in one of the hotel towers.
The Dark Hedges, County Antrim
Northern Ireland's iconic Dark Hedges are a beautiful avenue of Beech trees planted by the Stuart family in the 18th century. Beautiful as they are, they are also thought to be haunted. If you're visiting, watch out for the 'Grey Lady' who appears at dusk and glides silently along the roadside before vanishing as she passes the last tree.
The White Horse Hotel, County Londonderry
As Derry/Londonderry is home to one of the biggest and best Halloween festivals, it's no surprise that there are some spooky tales to tell. The White Horse Hotel in the city is said to be haunted by a mail stagecoach complete with driver, who pulls up and enters the hotel only to mysteriously disappear.
Mussenden Temple, County Londonderry
Further along the coast, Mussenden Temple, situated on the Downhill estate, is said to have blood appear on the floor only to mysteriously disappear within minutes.
Springhill House & Gardens, Country Londonderry
Springhill, an early plantation house situated outside Moneymore in County Londonderry, is haunted by the friendly ghost of Olivia Lenox Conyngham. She is said to float around the gardens and house and loves to see visitors to her home.
Tollymore Forest Park, County Down
In County Down at Tollymore Forest Park, the Blue Lady is a wistful spectre who can formerly resided in the seat of the Roden family, at Tollymore House. Since the destruction of the house in the post war years, she now wanders restlessly through the forest park and has been seen on many a dark night walking the tree lined avenue.
Newcastle Harbour, County Down
Across in the seaside town of Newcastle in County Down, there are stories of a banshee, seen walking silently among the tied-up boats and lobster pots. Described by locals as a small woman with a high-pitched voice, her appearance is said to herald a death.
St John's Church, County Down
At St John's Church, also in Newcastle, sightings of a huge black dog have been seen. This hound is said to have eyes of blazing fire and gleaming white teeth.
Mourne Mountains, County Down
If you're wandering in the Mourne Mountains this Halloween, beware of the Slieve Binnian light, which has been known to block the path of unsuspected walkers and steer them away from the haunted trees near Spelga Dam where it is claimed an Irish Chieftain is buried.
Carrickfergus Castle, County Antrim
Carrickfergus Castle in County Antrim not far from Belfast, is said to be haunted by Button Cap who carries his head under his arms as he walks the battlements and Dobbin's Inn, also in Carrickfergus, is supposedly haunted by Button Cap's girlfriend.
Dunluce Castle, County Antrim
A few centuries ago the kitchens of Dunluce Castle, which overlooks the Causeway Coast in County Antrim, slipped into the sea below taking the staff with them. On certain nights you can still hear the screams of the people as they fell to their watery graves
Check out our list of spine-tingling events taking place this October 👇
The Halloween Experience at Glenarm Castle
From Friday 25th – Sunday 27th October, 4pm – 8pm, see Glenarm Castle's grounds transform into a school of magic and mystery where little ones can learn how to make their own wands and receive special wand training. Help the Potions Master create the most preposterous potions, and visit the Halloween themed live animals. There will be much more activities, including storytelling, photo opportunities and rides, but are you brave enough to board the Train of Terror? 😱
Crumlin Road Gaol - Paranormal Tours
Are you brave to search for paranormal activity in one of Belfast's most haunted buildings? There have been sightings, noises and unexplained happenings within the walls that have seen 17 men executed over its 150 year history. The world-famous Paranormal tour will take you to the various hot spots of the Gaol where Paranormal Activity has been reported and the guide will tell you off the harrowing stories associated with these areas.
Tickets are available from www.crumlinroadgaol.com
Fright Night at The Jungle
If you want to get your heart racing, then The Jungle's fright night is for you. 13 nights of blood-curdling horror and entertainment which includes a Woodland Trail and six unique scare attractions, as well surprise characters lurking around almost every corner.
Booking online is essential, with limited availability so be sure to get in quick.
Derry Halloween
For four nights the worlds of past and present collide to bring you a dazzling street celebration of all things spooky in the official home of Halloween.
Follow the Awakening the Walled City Trail and find out more about the folklore, history and heritage that makes this place so special. The story of Halloween is brought to life through illumination, aerial performance, pyrotechnics and music, as the spirits cross over to join the festivities, bringing magic and mischief to the streets.
Spooky activities at the Share Discovery Village
Running from Sunday 27th October – Friday 1st November, there's something to suit all ages this Halloween.
🎃 Two-hour session of baking and pumpkin decorating
🧟♂️ Creepy Combat Corps
🌊 Paddle through the eerie waters on Lough Erne as you encounter ghostly tales and spooky stories of the lake
Check out their website for more details sharevillage.org
Drive in cinema at Let's Go Hydro
The Drive In Cinema returns to Carryduff at Let's Go Hydro for another terrifying horror movie marathon experience. Playing everything from Hocus Pocus and Hotel Transylvania to The Conjuring and The Exorcist. With pizza delivered straight to your door what's not to love.
All show times and ticket info can be found at letsgohydro.com/events
Halloween at Montalto
Step into the enchanting world of Halloween at Montalto with everything from a Fairy Bridge, Day of the Dead House, Witches Coven, and even an off-road Train.
Montalto's Halloween experience is suitable for kids and families of all ages, including their spooky Adventure Walk and haunted Pumpkin Patch. Tickets are available from montaltoestate.com
Hallowe'en Celebrations at Ulster Folk Museum, Cultra
Celebrate Hallowe'en for real at the Folk Museum from Tuesday 29th to Thursday 31st October. Discover the origins, traditions and customs of the spookiest time of year, a celebration derived from the Celtic festival of Samhain (pronounced: Sow-wen). Meet suspicious characters across the week and encounter their uncanny tales.
You can also sample colcannon in Tea Lane, barmbrack in Bank House, and apple pie in the Parochial House for you to taste.
Find out more from ulsterfolkmuseum.org/whats-on/halloween
Boo at the Zoo
On 26 and 27 October, dust the cobwebs off your favourite costume and jump on your broomstick to Belfast Zoo. Lots of arts and crafts, spooky animal talks and animals galore. There's also a fun trail for you to follow with the chance to win a spooktacular prize!
You can even watch the zoo animals tuck into pumpkin activities of their own as they enjoy some hall-zoo-ween enrichment at feeding times!
Colin Glen's Halloween Spooktacular
Enjoy a whimsical adventure through Colin Glen Forest, where you can meet beloved characters, pick your perfect pumpkin, and enjoy the enchanting beauty of nature.
Discover a frightful night of fun at their 'Spooky Glen' event – full of familiar faces, fantastic entertainment and more. Finish your night with some toasted marshmallows and a spooktacular spectacle from the Jump, Jiggle and Jive dance crew!
More info and booking can be found at colinglen.org/halloween-spooktacular-at-colin-glen/
Ghost Tours of Armagh
For those seeking spooky thrills, these guided tours bring the city's eerie past to life, combining education with a scare running from October 25th-28th. With its blend of history, culture, and delicious local fare, Armagh is emerging as the must-visit destination this autumn and Halloween season, inviting everyone to explore the stories and flavours that make it one-of-a-kind.
ALSO...Why not experience something new with a Dining in the Dark experience at the Game of Thrones Studio Tour. Encounter a night of shadowy ambience with a delicious autumnal menu under the gaze of the Night King's army, from 31 October – 2 November.
Monsters & Magic at the Marble Arch Caves
An enchanting outdoor Halloween adventure where monsters meet magic! Wander through the enchanted woodland on an interactive guided quest, encounter magical creatures, and uncover hidden treasures. Build your inventory and craft magical objects, and become the hero of your own Halloween tale.
With captivating performances, imaginative costumes, and fun-filled activities, this guided adventure is the ultimate Halloween event for all ages. Prepare for thrills and chills in a safe, family-friendly atmosphere.
Halloween at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens
Hillsborough Castle's Scarecrow Parade is back! See the Walled Garden filled with enchanting characters of myth and legend this autumn. Visit the Walled Garden during October and November to see some spectacular scarecrows made by local schools and community groups in partnership with local artists.
Get closer to nature with special family workshops, navigate the twisty maze, go on a storytelling walk, and hunt for scarecrows designed by talented artists and local communities. Don't miss challenging your family to classic Halloween games - from conker tournaments to apple bobbing and welly tossing.
More info with opening times & tickets can be found hrp.org.uk/hillsborough-castle
Little Spooks - Navan Centre & Fort
Families can dive into ancient legends with ghost stories, a haunted trail, and fun pumpkin carving competitions at Navan Centre & Fort's Halloween Spooktacular. You are assured of thrills, chills and spellbinding fun with our stage show, The Ghost Who Lost His Boo! The enchanting characters of Little Spook and his nemesis the powerful witch, Isadora Nightshade, are sure to get everyone in the Halloween spirit, with plenty of surprises along the way.
Tickets are available from visitarmagh.com
The Halloween Experience at Glenarm Castle
From Friday 25th – Sunday 27th October, 4pm – 8pm, see the castle grounds transform into a school of magic and mystery where your little ones can learn how to make their own wands and receive special wand training.
There will be much more activities, including storytelling, photo opportunities and rides, they've even got a Train of Terror!
Tickets are available from glenarmcastle.com/events/the-halloween-experience-2024
Springhill after Dark: Haunting tales from the house
For over 300 years, myths and legends have shrouded Springhill House in mystery. These tales, passed down through generations of the family, have left an eerie presence, as if not all past residents have truly departed. Join a member of the Lenox-Conyngham family during the haunting season to hear stories from a bygone era within the house.
Take a look at the dates and ticket info at nationaltrust.org.uk
Footsteps in the Forest Returns to Slieve Gullion
Immerse yourself in the spirit of Samhain at the Footsteps in the Forest festival, taking place in the enchanting Slieve Gullion Forest Park. This year, the festival extends its run from Monday 21 October to Tuesday 29 October, offering a truly magical celebration.
The festival combines spine-chilling entertainment with delightful treats, featuring captivating characters, eerie surprises, and immersive storytelling. It's a fantastic chance to explore the park's hauntingly beautiful landscapes while soaking in some festive Halloween fun.
Starting each evening at 5pm, the event offers six guided trails running every 45 minutes, with the last tour at 8.45pm. Accessible tours will be available at 5pm and 5.45pm, featuring a brighter atmosphere and softer music. Irish language tours will be available on Tuesday 29 October. For updates and reminders, follow @VisitMourne on social media.
Mrs Maker's Spooky Masquerade at Castle Espie
Join local artist Kerrie, aka Mrs Maker, and get into the Halloween spirit by creating masks of your favourite animals or your crazy imaginary creatures!
From spooky bats to ghostly swans, wear your mask around the wetlands for spine-tingling selfies. Be transported to a place of adventure and creative fantasy role play in your newly designed masquerade face.
Check out more info & ticket options at wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/castle-espie
Finn's Frightful Fun Fest at the Giant's Causeway
Spend this Halloween at Northern Ireland's iconic World Heritage Site as our resident, ferocious giant hosts his Frightful Fun Fest! Enjoy spooktacular guided tours to hear of unnerving stories of the lost spirits of the Causeway Coast, including Stingy Jack, The Hidden Mine of Ballycastle and The Phantom Carriage of Loughareema.
They've also got face-painting, a haunted treasure hunt and creepy crafts. Why not show Finn McCool that you can be just as scary as him, by dressing up as your favourite Halloween character!
Read more:
13 of the prettiest places to see autumn leaves in Northern Ireland
Causeway Coastal Route voted 2nd most popular road-trip on Instagram
15 magical places to camp under the stars in Northern Ireland