10 Haunted Irish Battlefields
This small Emerald Isle has been coveted by so many, from Demigods and Vikings to the English. But the Irish were not going to let go without a fight!
Throughout the island of Ireland, violent battles and tragic bloodshed have seeped into the very earth and the heart of Ériu, goddess of Ireland.
Battle of the Boyne, Drogheda, County Meath
1 July 1690 was the date of the horrendous battle between the Jacobites and Catholic King James II and the soldiers of William of Orange.
The meeting of armies occurred at the River Boyne crossing, now marked by the Mary McAleese Boyne Valley Bridge and at Roughgrange. Due to a change of calendar, the anniversary now falls on 12th July.
The death toll was 2000 soldiers, most of whom were Jacobites. Locals have heard the cries of war, encountered poltergeist activity and seen children running through walls. Just a few miles from the battlefield proper, lies Athcarne Castle.
The defeated ghost of King James has been seen roaming the crumbling ruin. A hanging tree stands, the writhing form of an executed soldier silhouetted against the moonlight and a blood covered female apparition paces the castle boundary, her demented stare chilling to the bone.
Aughrim Battlefield, County Galway
12 July 1691 (now 22 July) saw one of the deadliest battles in history. As the Williamite War continued to rage across Ireland, this battle was the turning point and saw the ultimate defeat of the Jacobites.
Over 7000 soldiers were slain on the battlefield, including many of the Jacobite senior officers, which was the final nail in the coffin for King James II.
The entire village of Aughrim was built over the blood and decaying bodies of the dead. It is little wonder that it is a whole village of hauntings and supernatural occurrences.
The screams of the dying are heard, only muted by the ghostly sounds of cannon fire. Skeletal spectres are seen roaming the streets and close to the Aughrim Interpretative Centre strange mists appear across the fields.
Footsteps echo through the visitor centre and shadows of the fallen appear and fade away. Headless horsemen have been sighted and nothing is more chilling than the sound of battle drums in the dead of night.
Siege of Derry, Derry City Walls, County Londonderry
The city of Derry is famous for its ancient walls and the Siege of Derry took place at this very location. In 1689, the Protestant city of Derry refused to surrender to King James II and his men, locking them out of the city. The attacking forces laid siege and the battle went on for months.
There were many deaths from heavy artillery fire and localised combat. These casualties of war remain and one of the most enduring legends is that of phantom soldiers seen marching along the city’s ramparts – an eternal duty.
Tourists and locals alike have reported hearing the distant sound of cannon fire and wails of anguish at night. The ghost of Governor George Walker, who led the defence of the city, is also rumoured to roam the walls, overseeing the city’s protection in death as he did in life.
Unusually, the old cemeteries of Derry, are thought to be some of the most haunted hotspots of the ancient city – where the fallen were interred. Witnesses have claimed to see apparitions, felt icy chills and reported swirling mists. A city borne of battle and bloodshed seems to have eternal reminders of tragic loss.
Battle of Clontarf, County Dublin
On Palm Sunday in 1014, Vikings and Irish Chieftain rivals of Leinster sought to take the crown of High King Brian Boru. The battle was one of endurance with heavy losses on both sides. Of course being Ireland, a bit of legend has become entwined with history!
Enter an epic battle of good versus evil, magic and Viking arrows dipped in the blood of dragons. Demons and witches waited as wraiths for the fallen and the Banshee of Munster would appear before a Munster man fell.
Legend aside, the battle took place and it served as a death knell for Brian Boru. As the Vikings retreated, Brian Boru prayed in his tent, only to be slain by a fleeing Norseman.
Clontarf (also the birthplace of Bram Stoker) sits on the edge of the Irish Sea, the wild waters echoing back the clash of swords and cries of battle that still hang on the breeze. The spirits of slain warriors from both sides have been reported from Clontarf Castle to the water’s edge.
Read More – 10 Haunted Irish Battlefields Echoing with Ghosts
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