Hidden within ancient woodland on the outskirts of Tullamore, Charleville Castle stands as one of Ireland’s most captivating examples of Gothic Revival architecture — and also one of its most famously haunted.

Constructed on ancient ley lines and surrounded by oak forest once considered sacred by druids, the castle’s dramatic silhouette, eerie atmosphere, and long history of unexplained events have made it a focal point for paranormal investigations.

A History of Grandeur and Decline
The first mansion on the site was built by Thomas Moore in the 1640s. However, the castle as we know it today was commissioned in 1798 by Charles William Bury, 1st Earl of Charleville. Designed by Francis Johnston — the architect behind Dublin’s General Post Office — the structure was completed around 1814. Its lavish interiors, vaulted ceilings, and sweeping staircase were intended to reflect aristocratic power and status.

Despite its grandeur, Charleville Castle was never continuously occupied. The Bury family frequently struggled with the cost of upkeep, leading to long periods of vacancy. When reoccupied, rooms were occasionally added or refurbished — not just as enhancements, but as a way to obscure the underlying financial strain.

By 1912, the castle was abandoned. In 1968, the roof was removed — likely to avoid paying rates on an unoccupied property — leaving the building exposed to the elements. Restoration efforts began in 1973 and continue today under the care of the Charleville Castle Heritage Trust.

Among the most well-known spirits said to haunt Charleville Castle is Lady Harriet Hugh Adelaide Bury, daughter of the 3rd Earl of Charleville. In April 1861, seven-year-old Harriet was reportedly returning from the nursery when she attempted to slide down the banister of the grand staircase. She lost her grip, fell to the stone floor below, and died instantly from a broken neck.

Over a century later, two trustees sleeping at the castle were awoken at 3:00 a.m. by the sound of a young girl singing — followed by a sudden scream. Startled, they searched the building but found no sign of anyone else inside.

Since then, countless visitors and volunteers have reported strange occurrences linked to Harriet’s presence. Witnesses describe soft laughter, childlike singing, the sensation of a gentle tug on clothing, and even sightings of a young girl in a blue and white dress with curly hair tied in ribbons, often near the staircase where she died.

Harriet may not be alone. Paranormal activity has been reported throughout the castle:

• A green mist was seen seeping from a wall in one of the bedrooms.
• Another visitor in the same room was mysteriously locked out — and later, locked in — without explanation.
• A volunteer in the Octagon Room reported hearing footsteps and seeing flickering lights on the floor above, despite that area having no electricity.
• A separate account tells of a door flying open multiple times during the night, followed by the sound of a child skipping and singing: “lah, lah, lah, lah…”

Even the grounds are steeped in legend. The ancient King Oak, estimated to be between 400–800 years old, is said to predict death in the Bury family if a branch falls. In 1963, a major split in the trunk was soon followed by the death of Colonel Charles Howard-Bury.

Charleville Castle has attracted the attention of film crews and ghost hunters from around the world. It has featured in productions including Most Haunted, Scariest Places on Earth
and Ghost Hunters International. These investigations have recorded EVPs, unexplained EMF spikes, and sudden temperature drops, particularly on the main staircase and in the chapel.

Today, Charleville Castle is managed by the Charleville Castle Heritage Trust. Though still undergoing restoration, it remains open for public tours, overnight stays, and special events.