11 of the most haunted places in Northern Ireland
No wonder we are a superstitious lot 👻 🧙♀️
Last updated 3rd Oct 2023
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 👇
Jail of Horror at Crumlin Road Gaol
With a range of activities during October Crumlin Road Gaol has you covered! From the 14th – 30th of October the Pumpkin Patch Extravaganza is a family friendly event for children and adults of all ages, including a tour of the Jail and visit the petting farm and live interactive musicals.
The Jail of Horror runs from the 13th – 31st of October. Visitors will be entering the jail, looking their biggest fear in the eyes with only one way out…
The Paranormal Tour (16th – 26th) and the Paranormal Investigation (14th – 30th) explores the sightings, noises and unexplained happenings within the walls of the Jail where 17 men were executed over the jail's 150-year history. Taking you to the hot spots of paranormal activity and hearing the harrowing stories from inside the jail.
Fright Night at The Jungle
This year at the Jungle, enjoy 11 nights of blood-curdling horror and entertainment at the Halloween Fright Night. If you're heading down to the Jungle you are in for a fright with their brand new Woodland Trail, 6 scare attractions and an even spookier cast of Street Theatre characters. Keep your eyes peeled as trouble could be lurking.
Todds Leap Horror Night
The countdown is on to Todds Leap Horror Night on Fri 20th, Sat 21st, Fri 27th, Sat 28th and Mon 30th of October. You will be faced with spooky alleys leading you to the spine-chilling maze to make your way out plus access to the pulse-pounding attractions, axe-orcism, wicked woods, the off-road scream ride and the sisters of ripper alley.
Boo at The Zoo
Get ready for some spooky family at Belfast Zoo with their Boo at the Zoo, taking place on the 28th and 29th of October. There are numerous spooktacular events with pumpkin decorating, freaky face painting, animal meet and greets, watch the animals tuck into some delicious pumpkins and so much more!
Halloween Gruffalo Guided Walk at Colin Glen
Take a walk through the Forests of Colin Glen on Ireland's only official Gruffalo Trail with a spooky Halloween twist!
Listen to the story of the Gruffalo before heading outside for an immersive walk through the deep dark wood where you will meet your favourite characters and pick pumpkins from the pumpkin patch where you can pick your own pumpkin to carve and bring home.
Spookfest at Let's Go Hydro
The Drive-in Cinema – Horror week is back with some spooky surprises! Watch a range of terror-ific movies from the so-called 'safety' of your car with several dates from 20th October – 4th November.
With the addition of popcorn and pizza, lock your doors and enjoy the experience.
The list of movies include Halloween classics like Hocus Pocus and The Witches, as well as the more blood-curdling choices, Insidious, Annabelle, The Shining, The Conjuring and more. Come if you dare…
As well as the Drive-in Cinema, the pumpkin patch is back with several dates from the 14th to the 31st of October! Grab a seat on the haycart ride or put your skates on for the Stranger Things roller disco and so much more. There will be something for everyone to enjoy, so grab a ticket and head to Let's Go Hydro!
Halloween Torchlight Tours, Ulster American Folk Park
On the 28th, 30th and 31st step back in time at the Ulster American Folk Park discovering the gruesome stories hidden beneath your feet about Patrick McSorley. Whose path will you cross and what darkness will you uncover?
If gruesome ghost stories aren't your thing, the Ulster American Folk Park also have a traditional hallowe'en. Fully immersing yourself in a land of superstition, history and folklore finding out how the people of Ulster celebrated Hallowe'en over the past two hundred years. Listen to tragic tales, do a bit of barn dancing and snack on delicious Hallowe'en treats at the Ulster American Folk Park.
Halloween Ghost Tour, Armagh
A tour of gruesome and terrible tales taking place in Armagh will have you trembling with fear, facing surprises along the way. The terror ends with hot wisky/hot port or a drink of your choice with the addition of audio sets for a full and immersive experience. The terrifying tours will take place on 28th – 30th of October.
Ultimate SUP Halloween Party Paddle, Downpatrick
The ultimate fancy dress event of the year! You will be paddling up the Quoile River on a guided tour, facing Viking invasions with warm tapas, soup, sweet treats and refreshments provided on the riverbank. You will end the tour with photographs to take home from a memorable adventure.
Hocus Pocus Movie Night - Cabaret Supper Club
On Tuesday the 24th of October make your way to Cabaret Supper Club in Belfast to kick start your Halloween festivities with a delicious dinner and a Hocus Pocus movie night
Halloween at Montalto
From the 27th-31st pre-book your spooktacular experience at Montalto estate. If you dare to enter the eery carriage rooms you will be bewitched by face painting, Halloween workshops, children's disco and select your own estate-grown pumpkin from the Montalto pumpkin patch… there may be some spooks along the way!
Hallofest Music Festival - Boucher Road
Will you be spooked enough to go to Hallofest Music Festival? Taking place on the 13th and 14th of October you will experience a fun filled spooky night with drinks and dancing.
Halloween Hootenanny - The Junction
Head down to The Junction, Antrim, and experience two days of country and western Halloween family fun on the 28th and 29th of October. With everything from food and crafts to markets and music. You will also be able to pick your own pumpkin and decorate it or have a thrilling time at the funfair with rides, face paint and petting farm
The Wicked Witch Trail Halloween - Marble Arch Caves
On the 28th and 29th of October join the wicked witches at the Marble Arch Caves for some frightening family fun. Dressed in your spookiest costume, adventure through the woods for monsters and magic for those who are brave enough! Make wants to cast spells, protecting you from what is lurking behind the trees, and disguise yourself from monsters with fearful face painting.
Crumlin Halloween Bazaar
On the 27th of October at Crumlin Glen Park, immerse yourself in a family fun day with food and a craft market. With activities for everyone with face painting, slime making and a petting zoo, but stay alert for the terrifying Sanderson Sisters lurking around the corner.
Halloween at Hillsborough Castle & Gardens
Enjoy the spine-tingling Halloween experience at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens from the 26th-29th of October. As the moonlight guides your path you will encounter characters inspired by the Grimm fairy tales come to life before your eyes. End the night with a trick or a treat in the café with Halloween-themed foods.
Terror at the Tavern – Whites
A blood-curdling night on Sun 29th October, experience a paranormal night at Whites Tavern in Belfast City Centre. Experience the ghostly happenings in one of the oldest buildings in Belfast for paranormal workshops. Who knows what you will see…
Ballycastle Halloween Artisan Market
On the 29th of October, experience the Ballycastle Halloween Artisan Market. With a great selection of local produce, handcrafted goods and tasty treats, the market has something for everyone.
The Children’s Ghost Walk of Newry
If you dare, join other fearless ghost hunters on the 27th and 28th of October as you dive into the mysteries and terrible tales of ghouls, ghosts, banshees and fairies in Newry. Be alert for ghosts and ghouls!
Black Parade - 00s Emo Anthems at the Empire
On the 27th of October enjoy some Black Parade Emo Anthems at the Empire. A night filled with fun, costumes, Fall Out Boy, Paramore, All American Rejects and more! Belfast's favourite Emo night you will not want to miss.
Footsteps in the Forest - Slieve Gullion Forest Park
From the 25th-30th of October get ready for a spooky night at Slieve Gullion Forest Park enjoying the Halloween fun. Experiencing a self-guided tour on a journey from the origins of Samhain to modern-day Halloween.
Little Spooks - Navan Centre & Fort
The Navan Centre in Armagh is calling out for all the ghosts, ghouls, witches, and wizards for their Halloween game show, "I'm a Ghost… Get Me Out of Here!"
On the 28th-31st of October, contestants will be subject to gruesome gruelling tasks with one lucky contestant! Will you dare to take part?
For the tiny terrors, there are other Halloween activities, with themed games and a disco.
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