We take a very scenic drive south of Dublin today to Wicklow where we visit Wicklow Light house and Wicklow Jail. Both places have a long and dark histories. Wicklow Jail has been a prison since the late eighteenth century. Prisoners from the 1798 rebellion and the Great Famine were held there. It also held some republican prisoners during the Irish war of  Independence and Irish Civil War. The last prisoners left in 1924. It is now a museum but it is reported to be one of the worlds most haunted buildings due to the long history of suffering associated with it. 

Wicklow lighthouse is reputed to be haunted by a headless woman. It is said that this woman was beheaded with a slash hook by her jealous boyfriend when he found out she was in love with another man. Many people claim to see her tormented headless body prowling around the lighthouse.

Today we leave Dublin and go across the country to Sligo in the North West. But on the way we visit a few places with dark and troubled histories. Our first stop is Belvedere House in Co Westmeath. This house was owned by the Rochforts, a very old and influential family who came to Ireland during the 13th century. The 1st Earl of Belvedere was a member of Parliament for  Westmeath. He married Mary Molesworth who was a very talented lady and was known in the theatrical circles in Dublin. The Earl was well known for his selfish qualities. Lady Belvedere gave birth to a son but was very lonely because her husband spent much of his time in London and was known for being unfaithful to his wife, but he was also a very jealous man and he accused her of having an affair with his brother. He took their son from her and locked her in a room in the house where she stayed for 30 years until she died. 

His brother built a bigger mansion in the valley and Lord Belvedere could not stand to look at it so he built a "jealous wall" between the two mansions which is there to this day.

We then call into Strokestown House and gardens. Again a very troubled history built on the site of a 16th century castle, home of the Pakenham Mahon family. The landlord Major Denis Mahon was assassinated in Nov 1847 at the height of the Great Famine. The National Famine Museum is housed there now and it is very fitting because it houses many of the original documents which came to light during the restoration of the house. The house has a galleried kitchen, elegant vaulted stables, a six-acre walled garden, mausoleum and a lodge. Many haunted stories abound about this house.

Our last stop today is Lough Key Forest Park. Here you will see from the shores of Lough Key an 11th century castle on an island on the lake. There are many stories about the castle and many songs written telling the story of Una Bhán who was the daughter of the King. Lots of history here and we will tell you all about it and we might even sing a song or two that tells you the love stories too!

We take another scenic drive west this time to Westport house and Gardens and then on to Kylemore Abbey. 

Even if the sun is not shining you are going to enjoy the journey through the luscious green countryside today. Our first stop will be Westport house which is full of history. Its history goes as far back as the 16th century when Grace O'Malley the pirate Queen of Connacht ruled the land and seas around the estate. Built upon the foundations of one of her many castles which can still be toured in the dungeons today, the original Westport House was built in 1650. 

We then go further West to Kylemore Abbey and walled garden. Kylemore Abbey has a history of tragedy, romance, education and spirituality. It has a 6 acre Victorian walled garden, beautiful lakeshore walks, neo-Gothic Church and a Mausoleum where Mitchell and Margaret Henry are buried side by side. Breath-taking scenery and you have dining and shopping options also. Its a must see.

Day 5

We take another scenic drive today, we go to North Sligo and take a coastal drive around the Mullaghmore coastline. Here we will see Classiebawn Castle where Lord Mountbattan spent his summers,  then we drive around the horseshoe drive at the back of our famous mountain Benbulben. We visit Glencar waterfall too! Glencar waterfall and lake were the subject of many poems by the famous WB Yeats. 

Morning trip to an underground passage tomb that pre-dates the pyramids by 800 years. The is an amazing place called Carrowkeel or Carrowmore passage tombs. You will feel like your have been transported back in time when you visit this place. We then go back to our accommodation and relax for a while because we will be leaving again in the evening to go to Sligo town where we will be brought to some of the most haunted places. You will get to see where Bram Stoker's parents are buried. You will see the ruins of Lisheen house that is reputed to have a poltergeist. We will then take in a traditional session of music held in the oldest pub in Sligo. 

Today we take a journey to the world's most haunted Castle, Leap Castle. Leap Castle is in Co Offaly. 

A turbulent and bloody history, used as a fortress, home and tomb.  Leap Castle is home to many fascinating and sometimes horrific spirits.

Built in the early 1500’s under the supervision of the powerful and warring O’Carroll clan, Leap Castle has been the centre of much bloodshed and brutal  atrocities. We will spend the day here. 

We make the journey back to Dublin today and say goodbye to the North West. We are going to visit Malahide Castle and the very haunted Brazenhead pub before settling into our own Castle accommodation in South Dublin. We are staying in a 18th century real Irish castle called Fitzpatricks Castle. All the old world charm of a castle but is a 4 star hotel with all the modern conveniences. It is also haunted. 

We return you to the airport today. We ask you when you book your flights please book to arrive in Ireland before 9am the first morning of the tour and have your departure after 1pm the 9th day of the tour. All international travelers must arrive in the airport at least 3 hours before your departure time because you must go through American customs, and it can take a long time to get through Irish and American security that is why we like to get you there 3 hours early. We will not say goodbye but we will wish you a safe flight and hope to see you back with us in Ireland again soon.