Haunted Cavan: Ireland’s spooky heartland

October 23, 2024

Cavan is a place known for its tranquil landscapes, picturesque lakes, and rich history. But beneath the surface, it has a more chilling reputation. The rolling hills, crumbling castles, and misty lakeshores hold tales of ghostly apparitions, tragic deaths, and strange monsters. From haunted castles to spine-chilling local legends, Cavan is a region that has attracted ghost hunters and thrill-seekers for centuries. Let’s take a look at some of the most notorious hauntings of the area, including Castle Saunderson, Clough Oughter Castle, and other eerie locations.

Castle Saunderson: echoes of a tragic past

Castle Saunderson, located near Belturbet, is an imposing structure with a long and tumultuous history. Dating back to the 14th century, the castle has seen its fair share of bloodshed, tragedy, and despair. As with many historic buildings in Ireland, the atmosphere of Castle Saunderson is steeped in stories of the supernatural.

In 1689, the castle was burned down by soldiers of James II. A short time later, 400 of these men were ambushed at the site of the castle and driven into the nearby Finn River where they were drowned. This was not the only tragedy to take place at Castle Saunderson. A notable military guest, Major Frederick John Sandys Lindesay died in the castle, with no cause of death given in 1877 and heir to the Barony of Farnham, Barry Maxwell died in a cycling accident on the grounds just two years after that. The was also engulfed in fire not once but twice after the initial fire of 1689. There have also been reports of spectral figures wandering the grounds. There are whispers of cold spots, footsteps, and eerie voices that can be heard in the dead of night, leading many to believe that Castle Saunderson is a hotbed of paranormal activity.

Clough Oughter Castle: a solitary ruin with a haunted past

Clough Oughter Castle, perched on a small island in the middle of Lough Oughter, is one of Cavan’s most striking historical landmarks. Its solitary, decaying towers rising above the misty waters create an image straight out of a ghost story. Built in the 13th century, the castle has witnessed its fair share of violence and death. It served as a fortress during times of war and rebellion and was used as a prison in later years. Unsurprisingly, its dark history has given rise to tales of hauntings.

The protestant bishop of Kilmore, William Bedell – famed for commissioning the first translation of the Bible into Irish – was held prisoner in the castle for three weeks over Christmas 1641, and into 1642. The castle at the time had no windows or shutters and he later died as a result of illness contracted during his imprisonment. 

One of the most enduring ghost stories associated with Clough Oughter Castle involves the death of Eoghan Rua O’Neill/Owen Roe O’Neill,  nephew of the renowned Irish chieftain Hugh O’Neill and prominent Irish military leader during the 17th century. One belief is that O’Neill was poisoned in 1649 by a priest who was working for the English, another that he died from an illness resulting from an old wound. It is said that he died at Clough Oughter Castle and under cover of darkness, his body was smuggled to a Franciscan Abbey in Cavan Town where it was buried in an unmarked grave. Other local tales claim O’Neill’s body was buried at Trinity Abbey on an island in Lough Oughter. His death was kept secret for some time after it occurred, such was his significance in Ireland’s defence against Oliver Cromwell. Wherever he is buried, some believe that his spirit has never left Lough Oughter island, and many believe his ghost still haunts the ruins to this day. 

Una and Tomas: A tragic tale of love on Trinity Island

Una Bahn, the daughter of a MacDermott chieftain, fell deeply in love with a neighbour named Tomas. However, when her father forbade their marriage and exiled Tomas from Trinity Island, Una was overcome with sorrow and passed away from a broken heart. She was laid to rest on Trinity Island, near the old monastery.

Heartbroken, Tomas swam to her grave each night to keep vigil, but eventually fell ill. Knowing his own end was near, he pleaded with the MacDermott chieftain to be buried beside Una. The chieftain agreed, and in death, the two lovers were finally reunited. It is said that sometimes, the sound of laughter echoes across the lake, and two figures can be seen rising from the mist, embracing.

Other spooky stories from Cavan

Cavan is home to many more haunted locations, from eerie ruins to haunted houses and mysterious lakes. The ruins of Drumlane Abbey, for instance, could very well be haunted by the spirits of monks who once lived there.  The green and lovely lanes of Killeshandra are steeped in spooky lore. A coach pulled by ghostly horses is said to manifest in the area when a death is due. Near Belturbet, Ashgrove House is said to be haunted by former resident Miss Sheridan – apparently, she was very proud of the flowers and trees which lined her driveway. After her death, the new owners removed the plants and  Miss Sheridan appeared to one of the owners and complained about the destruction before vanishing. 

The One Tree, an iconic ancient tree in Ballyhaise which sadly stands no more, has a long and colourful history. It is said that Red Hugh O’Neill stopped at the One Tree to address his men. Bridie Smith Brady’s Articles on Ballyhaise published in the Anglo Celt in the early 1920s mention the One Tree: “If you are travelling to Killoughter by the Ballyhaise route, you are sure to pass a noted landmark – The One Tree. A ghost story, preserved in a quaint old tradition, has made this spot remarkable. In 1651, when this whole district from Ballinacargy to Killoughter was trampled by the Parliament troops, one of the native outposts stood convenient to the One Tree. In the dead hours of an autumn night while the winds howled through the woods of Ardamagh and Carrickmore, the Irish troops were surprised here, where a party of Colonel Venables’ men put a large number of them to death. Some say that often about this time of year, one may perhaps see at the One Tree a spectral group of soldiers in death’s grasp. Indeed, an old resident from new Shannowood recently told this writer that he heard his grandfather say he witnessed this sight while travelling past here in his young days with a ‘back load’ of hay.”

The Oillipheist from 5th century legends is reputedly an eel shaped creature with a horse like head. The Oillipheist is said to have carved out the Shannon River while trying to escape Saint Patrick and could very well still be lurking around Dowra or the waterways around the Cuilcagh mountains. Killykeen Forest Park might have its own version of the ‘Loch Ness’ monster – in the late 90s a local man accidentally photographed an underwater monster.  After brushing against a swimmer, the creature thought to lurk in Killykeen lough was accidentally photographed by local man Sean Walsh. The beast has been described as over two metres long with a spiky head.

This Halloween, whether you’re visiting Castle Saunderson, venturing out to Clough Oughter Castle, or driving along the haunted roads of Ballyhaise, Cavan offers plenty of opportunities for those brave enough to seek out its haunted past. 

Do you have a haunted tale from Cavan? We’d LOVE to hear it! Send your spooky stories to us at [email protected] and we’ll compile a collection of local tales to share!