How to Have a Spooky Time at Leap Castle

Leap Castle is one of Ireland's most well-known haunted locations and was recently featured on the "Ghost Hunters" television show. This medieval building has a history of chaos and murder that is both intriguing and tragic. It was once owned by the O'Carroll family and that is where the terror began. Upon the death of the patriarch of the family, brother turned against another brother (a priest) in a bloody battle for control. The "Bloody Chapel" is famous for its history and there are plenty of scares for paranormal enthusiasts at Leap Castle.

Things You'll Need

• A spot on one of many castle tours of Ireland
• Camera
• Digital recorder for EVP work

Instructions

1. Start your tour with the Bloody Chapel. This is the spot where the O'Carroll brother killed his priest brother in an effort to gain control of the family. His bloody murder still reverberates through this space and visitors say that strange sounds can be heard coming from the chapel area, otherworldly footsteps can be heard and some people claim to have captured EVP's here. Take plenty of photos and bring your digital recorder for EVP work of your own.

2. Go to the "dungeon" room off the bloody chapel area. This space had a drop floor that was used to spike unfortunate prisoners or to starve or torture them to death. The TAPS team had personal experiences here and claims have been made that an apparition has appeared in the room. Cartloads of bones were discovered in this small room, so it isn't unusual to think that some of these poor souls still reside there. Take plenty of photos and ask the spirits to knock to make their presence known.

3. Take a look up at the castle very late at night (as a family does live there now) and you might see unusual candlelight coming from some of the top rooms. When the castle was in ruin and unoccupied, locals claimed that this spooky lighting effect occurred on many, many nights.

4. Listen for period music wafting throughout the castle. The current owners have noticed music coming from the main rooms on quiet evenings.

5. Talk to the owners. They will share their personal paranormal experiences at Leap Castle.

Tips & Warnings

• Book your castle tour before leaving for Ireland to ensure that you get to visit Leap. Check into special paranormal tours or "story nights" offered at the castle.

• This is a privately owned residence, so don't trespass.