Barberstown Castle in Straffan, County Kildare dates to 1288. The original structure was built by Nicholas Barby and was primarily designed with defence in mind. The impressive structure incorporates the original keep with its slanted walls which were designed to give its guardians the best view of advancing enemies. An Elizabethan style extension was added in the 16th century and a Victorian-style extension was added in the 1830s.

The castle has changed hands multiple times during the course of its existence, often as a result of a battle. It was opened as a hotel in the 1970s and the guitarist, Eric Clapton, was a regular guest who liked it so much that he bought it in 1979. In 1987, Kenneth Healy became the 37th owner of Barberstown Castle.

Located in the Elizabethan wing (built 1594), Room 4 is said to host a benevolent spirit known as the Lady in White. Guests and staff alike have reported seeing a cloaked woman in the room, often smiling softly before disappearing through a wall or window. During a recent paranormal investigation, one of the investigators claimed to feel an unexplained presence throughout the night. Staff also report similar sensations in nearby rooms 5, 6, and 7, as well as along the hallway.

On the floor above, a manager recalled sensing a presence while staying overnight in room 10 which is located in the original keep. Another staff member also reported hearing footsteps on stone—despite the entire floor being carpeted.

Now the main restaurant, the 1830s Barton Rooms have also been active during investigations. One report involved an unexplained indentation appearing on a sofa near the fireplace. On another occasion, a staff member noticed a handprint smeared on a window. She wiped it clean, but as she switched off the lights, the mark returned—despite the area being empty and no sign of it on security footage. In the adjacent main kitchen, an unsettling incident was recounted involving a former staff member who had passed away. A chef prepping alone reported seeing their late colleague quietly working in the background.

Located in the old stables or outbuildings, likely dating to the late 18th or early 19th century, the Banqueting Hall is another known hotspot. One night, while setting up for a wedding, two staff members reported the external door bursting open with violent force—despite no one being present. CCTV confirmed their reaction and rapid departure. Similar occurrences have been reported by managers working alone. Lights have flickered inexplicably, fire alarms have gone off with no discernible cause and engineers unable to find faults in the system.

Barberstown holds more than just ghost stories. According to local lore, the skeletal remains of a former owner may still lie hidden within the tower’s walls. The tale suggests that a tenant once instructed his body be entombed above ground—within the castle itself—to prevent the expiry of his lease, which stated it would end once he was “buried underground.” Whether his remains were ever discovered is unclear.

During the Penal era, when Catholic clergy were hunted and Mass was outlawed, a secret priest hole was constructed inside the keep—small, hidden, and undetectable. In 1996, construction work revealed an underground tunnel running nearly a mile to nearby Straffan Church. Believed to have been dug in secrecy, the tunnel would have allowed priests to move between the castle and church unseen. The tunnel is now sealed, and the exact location of the priest hole remains undisclosed.