Grace Neill’s Bar in Donaghadee proudly claims to be the oldest licensed premises in Northern Ireland. First opening its doors in 1611 under the name The King’s Arms, this historic seafront pub has served generations of patrons—from pirates and smugglers to lifeboatmen, soldiers, and local fishermen.

The original structure, with its stone-flagged floors, timber beams salvaged from old ships, and cosy traditional snug, still forms the heart of the bar today—retaining the character and charm of a much earlier time.

The building’s history is colourful to say the least. One persistent local tale claims that poet John Keats stopped in during a visit to Donaghadee, only to be mocked and jeered by the regulars, who reportedly took offence at his appearance and assumed he was a foreigner.

The bar took a new direction when it passed into the hands of Grace Neill, gifted to her by her father, Hugh Jamison. Known for her warm yet no-nonsense personality, Grace is said to have transformed the atmosphere of the place—welcoming patrons with a kiss on the cheek and ensuring good behaviour was the order of the day.

Grace died in 1916, but many believe her presence never left. Staff and visitors frequently report sudden cold spots, flickering lights, and the sound of sweeping when no one is there. Objects have been known to move on their own—glasses slide across the bar, and cups are pushed from shelves by unseen hands. A ghostly woman in Victorian dress—believed by many to be Grace herself—has been spotted adjusting furniture near the staircase. Some say she’s simply keeping the place in order, just as she always did.

But not all the energy here is benign. Paranormal investigator Mike Hirons described a deeply unsettling encounter in the upstairs rooms, where he witnessed a glowing orb and experienced what he called an “extremely oppressive” force that left him breathless.

Others have reported the sound of heavy footsteps above when no one is present, and sightings of a shadowy figure in the upper floors suggest that Grace may not be the only spirit keeping watch.

Grace Neill’s Bar continues to attract interest from ghost hunters, television crews, and curious visitors alike. Séances have been held on-site, but so far, no one has managed to identify the full cast of spirits said to reside here.