Plas Mawr:

Plas Mawr, an Elizabethan townhouse in Conwy, Wales, is renowned not only for its architectural splendor but also for its rich tapestry of paranormal lore. Built between 1576 and 1585 by Robert Wynn, the mansion's history is steeped in tragedy and mystery, giving rise to numerous ghost stories.

The Tragic Tale of Lady Wynn and Dr. Charles

One of the most poignant legends centers on Lady Wynn, Robert Wynn's pregnant wife. While awaiting her husband's return, she descended the tower's spiral staircase holding her infant son. In her weakened state, she slipped and fell, leading to fatal injuries. She and her son were taken to the Lantern Room, where she succumbed to her wounds. Dr. Charles, the attending physician, allegedly attempted to flee the scene to avoid Robert Wynn's wrath. In his haste, he became trapped in a chimney and perished there. Their spirits are said to haunt the mansion, with sightings of a woman in white and a man in period attire reported by visitors and staff.

Visitors and volunteers at Plas Mawr have reported various paranormal occurrences. The most frequently cited apparitions include a young woman in a white gown seen in the upstairs rooms and a black dog that appears and disappears mysteriously. Additionally, staff have experienced unexplained cold spots, the scent of pipe smoke, and the sudden appearance of floating orbs.

The Lantern Room: A Hub of Activity

The Lantern Room, an upper chamber in the mansion, is particularly notorious for its supernatural activity. Strange noises emanate from this room, often traveling throughout the house. Some believe these sounds are linked to the tragic events involving Lady Wynn and Dr. Charles, while others suggest they are residual energies from the past.

The Mermaid's Curse

Adding to the mansion's mystique is the legend of the Mermaid's Curse. According to local folklore, fishermen once captured a mermaid in the Conwy estuary and paraded her through the town. As she began to suffocate, she cursed the people and buildings of Conwy. This curse is said to have affected various structures, including Plas Mawr, leading to misfortunes and tragedies associated with the mansion.

Gwydir Castle:

Gwydir Castle, nestled in the Conwy Valley of North Wales, is renowned not only for its Tudor architecture and historical significance but also for its rich tapestry of ghostly legends. Among the most prominent apparitions is the 'Grey Lady,' believed to be the spirit of a maid who met a tragic end after becoming pregnant by a member of the Wynn family.

According to legend, she was murdered and her body concealed within the castle's walls. Witnesses have reported encounters with her spectral form in the corridor between the Hall of Meredith and the Great Chamber, often accompanied by a foul odor reminiscent of decay—a lingering reminder of her grim fate.

Adding to the castle's eerie reputation is the tale of Sir John Wynn, a former owner who allegedly confessed on his deathbed to the murder of the maid. His apparition has been observed on the spiral staircase leading to the Great Chamber, where he is said to linger, perhaps as a penitent spirit.

Other reported phenomena include the sounds of children crying echoing through the halls and sightings of a ghostly dog, whose bones were reportedly discovered in 1995. These accounts contribute to Gwydir Castle's status as one of Wales' most haunted sites, drawing both history enthusiasts and those intrigued by the supernatural.

Ruthin Castle:

Ruthin Castle, nestled in the Vale of Clwyd in North Wales, is renowned not only for its medieval architecture but also for its rich tapestry of paranormal legends. One of the most prominent tales is that of the Grey Lady, believed to be the spirit of a woman who, in a fit of jealousy, murdered her husband's mistress with an axe. After her execution, she was buried within the castle grounds, and her apparition is said to haunt the battlements and former chapel, now the Medieval Banqueting Hall .

Visitors and staff have reported eerie phenomena, including the sounds of moaning, crying, and shrieking echoing through the castle's corridors. These unsettling noises are often attributed to the spirits of convicts who were once imprisoned and executed within the castle's walls . Additionally, some have claimed to witness a spectral knight and a young boy playing in the Great Hall, adding to the castle's reputation as one of Wales' most haunted locations.

Today, Ruthin Castle operates as a hotel, offering guests the opportunity to experience its storied past firsthand. Whether one is a history enthusiast or a seeker of the supernatural, the castle provides a unique glimpse into Wales' haunted heritage.

Activity Level: Moderate

Itinerary subject to change depending on availability, weather and other conditions beyond our control.

Ruthin Jail:

Rising from the historic heart of Denbighshire, Ruthin Jail in Wales is not just a relic of the past—it’s a hotspot for paranormal intrigue. This former 17th-century prison, with its cold stone corridors and shadowed cells, is said to retain the echoes of those once confined within its walls. Visitors have reported hearing disembodied footsteps pacing the empty hallways, faint whispers drifting through the air, and chilling cold spots that seem to follow you from cell to cell. Some claim to have glimpsed shadowy figures lurking in the corners, while others feel sudden, unexplained touches or a presence watching them from the darkness. Whether you’re a seasoned ghost hunter or simply drawn to the macabre, Ruthin Jail offers a spine-tingling journey into Wales’ haunted history.

Llanfyllin Workhouse:

Deep in the rolling hills of Powys, the Llanfyllin Workhouse stands as a stark reminder of Victorian hardship—and a magnet for spine-chilling paranormal activity. Built in 1837 to house the poor and destitute, its echoing wards and decaying rooms are steeped in sorrow and suffering. Visitors and investigators alike have reported hearing the cries of unseen children, the rustle of skirts sweeping along empty corridors, and the sudden slam of heavy doors when no one is near. Strange shadows flit across the walls, icy gusts seem to pass straight through the body, and an overwhelming sense of despair often lingers in the air. Some leave with the uneasy feeling that they were never truly alone, as if the spirits of the forgotten still walk the workhouse halls, yearning to tell their stories.

Activity Level: Light/Moderate

Itinerary subject to change depending on availability, weather and other conditions beyond our control.

Stokesay Castle:

Stokesay Castle, nestled in the rolling countryside of Shropshire, England, is one of the finest and best-preserved fortified manor houses in the country. Built in the late 13th century by wealthy wool merchant Laurence of Ludlow, it beautifully blends the defensive features of a castle with the comfort and elegance of a stately home. Its timber-framed gatehouse, golden stone walls, and picturesque moat transport visitors back to medieval times, while the Great Hall remains virtually unchanged for over 700 years. Though its history is peaceful compared to many castles, whispers of ghostly figures and unexplained footsteps echo through its ancient rooms, adding an air of quiet mystery to this romantic and historic gem.

Ludlow Brewing Company:

Ludlow Brewing Company is a small independent family-owned brewery based in the beautiful medieval market town of Ludlow.

From humble beginnings, we have grown into a leading brewery in the region. We are passionate about producing ale using the finest quality local ingredients teamed with sustainable technologies.

Located in a Victorian railway shed, roughly 50 metres north of Ludlow Station, the building has been fully refurbished to latest building standards and houses a 20-barrel brewing system. We pride ourselves on being a modern-day sustainable brewery offering traditional, honest ale making alongside more adventurous craft beers.

We are proud of our railway heritage and so “The Railway Shed” opened to the public in 2011. Open daily, our taproom is a vibrant community hub, and a popular live music venue and events space. But don’t just take our word for it! We have high ratings on Facebook, Google and Trip Advisor for taproom visits and for our popular tours.

Being part of the community is very important to us, and we have strong links with many local sports clubs, while supporting charities and fundraising events as much as we can. With company founder Gary Walters being a keen cyclist, the brewery has its own race team, who are as passionate about pedalling as they are about beer!

In keeping with Ludlow’s tradition of purveying fine food and drink, at Ludlow Brewing Company we are dedicated to crafting quality ales for the discerning beer drinker. We are currently producing around one and a half million pints annually: Why not pop in and try one for yourself?

Dean Sculpture Trail:

The Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail presents a rich source of inspiration – not only for artists – but for everyone.

The Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail offers over four miles of sculptures in the heart of England’s ancient woodland. For nearly 40 years, the Forest of Dean Sculpture Trust (FODST) and Forestry England have provided a home to works by some of the world’s leading artists.

On the trail, which is free to visit and open daily, visitors encounter iconic highlights, including works by Peter Randall-Page and Cornelia Parker, alongside more recent pieces by Natasha Rosling, Kristina Veasey and Julian Wild.

The trail welcomes over 300,000 visitors every year, and we invite you to enjoy the sculptures and their environment on a wide range of levels. The Forest of Dean is not a gallery, and although there are footpaths and signposts, you will not find labels and information about the artworks. Instead, you are encouraged to investigate the sculptures in your own way.

Activity Level: Moderate/High

Itinerary subject to change depending on availability, weather, and other conditions beyond our control.

Port Talbot:

Port Talbot, Wales, has long been a hotspot for strange aerial phenomena, with locals and visitors alike reporting unexplained lights darting across the night sky and hovering silently over the steelworks and surrounding hills. Witnesses describe glowing orbs, triangular craft, and sudden flashes that vanish without a trace, sometimes accompanied by an eerie stillness in the air. Some accounts speak of low-flying objects that seem to defy the laws of physics, changing direction instantly or disappearing in the blink of an eye. These sightings have fueled speculation of extraterrestrial visitors and made Port Talbot a point of intrigue for UFO enthusiasts, who flock to the area hoping to glimpse the unexplainable.

Llandaff Cathedral:

Llandaff Cathedral, a stunning medieval church in Cardiff, Wales, stands as both a place of worship and a site of whispered ghostly tales. Its grand Gothic architecture and serene setting belie the paranormal stories that linger within its walls. Visitors have reported sightings of shadowy figures drifting through the aisles, ghostly footsteps echoing in the silence, and a sudden chill that sweeps through even on the warmest days. One of the most famous spirits is said to be a robed figure, believed to be a long-departed clergyman, who appears near the altar before fading into nothingness. Some claim to hear faint chanting when the cathedral is empty, as if the echoes of centuries-old services still resonate in the air, adding an eerie layer to this sacred and historic place.

Insole Court:

Insole Court, a grand Victorian Gothic mansion in Cardiff, Wales, is not only known for its elegant architecture and rich history but also for the whispers of paranormal activity that cling to its corridors. Visitors and staff have reported strange occurrences—doors opening and closing on their own, the faint scent of pipe smoke lingering in empty rooms, and the unsettling feeling of being watched. Shadowy figures are said to drift along the grand staircase, and disembodied voices have been heard in the library, as if the house’s former residents are still going about their daily lives. Cold spots appear suddenly, even in heated rooms, and some paranormal investigators claim to have captured unexplained knocks and faint whispers on their recordings, deepening the mystery of this hauntingly beautiful estate.

Cardiff Castle Investigation:

Cardiff Castle, with its Roman foundations and lavish Victorian Gothic towers, holds more than just centuries of history—it’s also steeped in tales of the supernatural. Visitors have reported ghostly apparitions wandering the corridors, including a spectral soldier believed to date back to the castle’s military past. Muffled footsteps and the faint clinking of armor have been heard echoing through empty halls, while sudden icy drafts sweep through even on calm days. Some claim to have seen a shadowy figure pacing the battlements at night before vanishing into thin air. In the castle’s dimly lit chambers, strange whispers and fleeting movements out of the corner of the eye suggest that the spirits of Cardiff Castle’s past inhabitants may still linger, watching from the shadows.

Activity Level: Moderate/High

Itinerary subject to change depending on availability, weather and other conditions beyond our control.

Skirrid Mountain Inn:

The Skirrid Mountain Inn, perched in the shadow of the Black Mountains in Wales, is famed as one of Britain’s most haunted pubs, with a chilling history stretching back over 900 years. Once used as a courtroom, the inn’s upper floor saw many trials and executions, with a beam in the ceiling still bearing the marks where a hangman’s rope once swung. Visitors and staff have reported sudden drops in temperature, the sound of heavy boots pacing in empty rooms, and the ghostly scent of perfume lingering in the air. Shadowy figures are said to drift through the dimly lit bar, while in the dead of night, muffled cries and the creak of the gallows rope are sometimes heard—reminders of the inn’s dark and storied past.

Activity Level: Low

Itinerary subject to change depending on availability, weather and other conditions beyond our control.

Old House Hereford:

Nestled in the heart of High Town, Hereford, the Old House (this historic gem dates back to 1621) stands as the sole survivor of the original Butchers' Row, its black-and-white Jacobean half-timbered façade a striking reminder of centuries pas Over its long life, the building has housed butchers, ironmongers, bankers, and since 1929, has served as a museum of Jacobean domestic life—rebranded the Black and White House Museum in 2017 

Though charmingly restored, the Old House bears whispers of its past: staff and visitors have reported eerie moments—four-poster bed curtains found mysteriously rearranged, beds left in disarray, and an unsettling presence felt in the upper rooms, as if someone invisible still moves through its corridors

Whittington Castle:

Whittington Castle, nestled in Shropshire, England, is renowned not only for its medieval architecture but also for its rich tapestry of ghostly legends and paranormal occurrences. The castle's tumultuous history, marked by sieges, betrayals, and political upheaval, has left an indelible mark on its walls, giving rise to numerous spectral tales.

One of the most prominent apparitions is that of Lady Eleanor, the wife of Sir Fulk FitzWarin. Legend has it that she haunts the castle grounds, often seen as a white or grey lady gliding across the courtyard or along the castle walls. Visitors have reported feeling a sudden chill or sensing an unseen presence when exploring the ruins.

Another frequently reported apparition is that of a young boy, believed to be a former page or servant. Witnesses claim to have seen him running through the castle’s corridors or heard the sound of childish laughter echoing through empty rooms.

The castle’s gatehouse is said to be particularly active with paranormal activity. Staff and visitors have reported hearing unexplained footsteps and witnessing doors opening and closing on their own. Some have even claimed to see shadowy figures moving in the upper windows when the building was empty. 

During World War II, the castle was used as a shelter for evacuees. Since then, there have been reports of phantom soldiers seen patrolling the grounds at night, possibly connected to this wartime history.

The moat surrounding the castle is also said to be haunted. Witnesses have described seeing mysterious mists rising from the water and hearing splashing sounds when the water’s surface appears calm. 

For those intrigued by the supernatural, Whittington Castle offers a compelling glimpse into England's haunted past. Whether you're a skeptic or a believer, the tales of its restless spirits continue to captivate and mystify visitors.

Activity Level: Moderate

Subject to change depending on availability, weather and other conditions beyond our control.

You have the day and night to explore and shop until you drop if you wish. Below are a list of some interesting places that you might like to consider visiting while out and about.

1. Manchester Art Gallery

A centrally located, free-to-enter gallery featuring over 25,000 artworks across three connected, architecturally notable buildings 

2. John Rylands Library & Chetham’s Library

• John Rylands: A neo-Gothic masterpiece housing rare manuscripts in a stunning reading room—free to visit 

• Chetham’s Library: The UK’s oldest public library (est. 1653), offering a magical setting for book lovers 

3. Manchester Cathedral

A beautiful medieval Gothic church with striking stained glass and carved choir stalls—free entry and rich in history 

4. Castlefield & Castlefield Viaduct

Explore Castlefield's preserved canal-side warehouses and Roman fort remains. Don’t miss the new sky garden on the Castlefield Viaduct—an urban green retreat on a Victorian structure 

5. Chinatown

One of the UK’s largest Chinatowns, brimming with vibrant shops, eateries, and a stunning gateway arch 

6. Royal Exchange Theatre

A thrilling “theatre-in-the-round” experience in a circular steel and glass module suspended within a historic building 

7. Heaton Park

Manchester’s largest green space featuring a historic hall, boating lake, animal farm, and lovely views from the park's temple.

8. Northern Quarter & Afflecks

Manchester’s creative and alternative district filled with street art, vintage shops, indie cafés, and the iconic Afflecks emporium—a treasure trove of unique finds 

9. Manchester Town Hall & St. Peter’s Square

Admire the neo-Gothic architecture and murals inside the Town Hall and soak in the city atmosphere at St. Peter’s Square with the striking Mancunian Cenotaph 

Local Picks & Hidden Gems

• Mayfield Park & Street Art in the Northern Quarter
  Free urban green space and colorful street art make for a budget-friendly yet vibrant experience 

• Live Music & Nightlife
  Discover nostalgic venues like Band on the Wall, the legendary Free Trade Hall, iconic spots tied to Oasis and The Smiths, and cultural hubs like Gorilla and Afflecks for music, gigs, and brunch vibes 

• Thriving Wine Scene
  Manchester's wine culture is youthful and dynamic, with approachable bars like Flawd and Blossom Street Social leading the scene 

• Festive Holiday Highlights
  During the Christmas season, central spots like Albert Square host enchanting markets, ice-skating in Cathedral Gardens, and seasonal concerts at Bridgewater Hall 

Activity Level: High

Manchester airport:

We bring you back to the airport for your return flight home. We hope you had a great time and we hope you will join Secret Ireland Tours again on a future adventure.

If you have a family and friends group that would like to take an exciting vacation please consider letting us help you put it together and arrange everything for you. www.SecretIrelandToursLLC.com