Built in 1904 and nestled in the scenic Glenmalure Valley, Glenmalure Hostel has served as a tranquil holiday retreat since its inception. Isolated from modern conveniences, the hostel remains without running water or electricity, adding to its rustic charm. However, the hostel and the surrounding valley are also said to be home to numerous paranormal entities.

Within the hostel itself, staff have reported the presence of a resident ghost, affectionately dubbed Scary Mary. This spectral figure is believed to have a particular fondness for female wardens, many of whom have reported the unsettling sensation of being touched by an unseen force. There have also been numerous accounts of objects mysteriously moving within the warden’s quarters, where Scary Mary is thought to linger.

Beyond the hostel, Glenmalure Valley has a dark history, having been the site of several battles, including the infamous Battle of Glenmalure in the 1500s, which claimed the lives of approximately 800 men. It is believed that the spirits of these fallen soldiers continue to haunt the valley to this day.

One well-known tale tells of a group of hikers staying at the hostel who ventured out on a late-night hike. As they made their way back in the darkness, they heard the sound of a large group approaching from behind. Fearing an unexpected encounter in the remote valley, they hid and soon witnessed what appeared to be a troop of soldiers marching past them, only to vanish into the night. Upon sharing their experience with the hostel staff, they were left with the eerie realization that they may have encountered the ghosts of soldiers who perished in the battles fought in Glenmalure centuries ago.