10 Haunted Castles in Ireland & Scotland That Will Give You Chills

Scottish castle photographed by the park in the moonlight
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From eerie whispers in stone corridors to ghostly figures drifting through moonlit halls, Ireland and Scotland are packed with castles that refuse to rest quietly. Ready for chills and legends that linger long after dark? Here are 10 haunted castles that feel very much alive at night.

Leap Castle: The Elemental

Castles of Leinster: Leap, Offaly
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Known as one of the most haunted places in Ireland, Leap Castle is said to house violent spirits and a mysterious entity called The Elemental. Visitors report sudden chills, eerie laughter, and a sense that something unseen is always watching.

Dunskey Castle: They Grey Lady

Inside Dunskey Castle - coast, derelict building, military installation, estuary, castle, Portpatrick
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Perched on dramatic seaside cliffs, Dunskey Castle radiates a ghostly charm. Built in the 1500s, it has endured centuries of storms and sorrow. Visitors say The Grey Lady still wanders the crumbling halls, her misty form drifting through the ruins at twilight.

Craigmillar Castle: The Mourning Queen

Craigmillar Castle, medieval castle, Edinburgh, Scotland
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Just beyond Edinburgh, Craigmillar Castle hides a dark royal secret. Linked to the mysterious death of Lord Darnley, husband of Mary, Queen of Scots, the fortress is said to be haunted by a sorrowful woman’s spirit drifting through its ancient halls at dusk.

Dunnottar Castle: The Whispering Soldiers

Dunnottar Castle at Dawn.
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Standing high above the North Sea, Dunnottar Castle commands breathtaking views and a haunting past. Once a stronghold against English invaders, its windswept ruins echo with ghostly murmurs. Visitors to the old chapel often report faint voices and a chilling sense of unseen company.