Halloween Road Trip

They say that Halloween is the time when the veil between the living and the dead is the thinnest... is there a better way to celebrate this creepy period than embarking on a spine-tingling road trip to some of Northern Ireland’s most haunted places? Whether you believe in the supernatural, enjoy a good ghost story, or simply just want a road trip, the Emerald Isle has a rich history of hauntings and legends that will send shivers down your spine. Read on for a chilling tour of haunted locations that you can visit by car in Northern Ireland. 

Situated on the northern shore of Belfast Lough in Carrickfergus, Carrickfergus Castle is one of the best-preserved Norman castles in Northern Ireland. It is said to be inhabited by a ghost called Buttoncap who was wrongly accused of murder and executed, vowing to haunt the castle forever. The story is that a soldier by the name of Robert Rainey fell in love with a local girl but discovered she was already spoken for, so in a fit of rage, he killed her man with his sword. Here's where the plot thickens: before he died, he accused Timothy Lavery, aka Buttoncap of the gruesome murder. Head to Carrickfergus Castle, which is open to the public, but keep an eye out for a ghostly figure near “Buttoncap’s Well”. 

The Dark Hedges in County Antrim offers a hauntingly beautiful drive. This enchanting avenue of beech trees is famous for its appearance in "Game of Thrones." Locals tell tales of the Grey Lady, a ghostly figure who supposedly wanders the road. The story goes: her husband died at sea and she now wanders the trees waiting for him to return. Another tale is that the spirits from a near-overgrown graveyard come out every Halloween to wander, so enjoy a scenic drive and capture stunning photos while keeping an eye out for the spectral Grey Lady and her graveyard friends

Located in Ballynahatty, near Shaw's Bridge, sits the Giants Ring, a pre-Christian religious site, older than the Egyptian pyramids and is surrounded by tales of the supernatural and stories of cults and sinister rituals being conducted. Reports of deep impenetrable mists suddenly surrounding the area and strange experiences of visitors trying to leave but somehow ending up back at the central standing stone have left visitors spooked. Take a drive to Ballynahatty and park for free in the car park, if you dare. 

Take advantage of the natural beauty and realm of ghostly legends and haunted places that we have at our fingertips... you might even have a chilling encounter with the supernatural. Whether you're a ghost hunter at heart or are simply looking for a creepy way to spend your Halloween, Northern Ireland’s haunted locations offer a memorable and spine-tingling adventure... but beware of who or what might pick up along the way.

Happy Halloween: may your road trip be filled with haunting memories! Good luck!

Located on the coast, just outside of Larne, is the Ballygally Castle. Built in 1625, this beautiful castle is said to be home to ghosts known as Lady Isabella Shaw, and Madame Nixon. Lady Isabella Shaw was cruely locked in the tower by her husband after giving birth and after being starved and tormented by her baby’s cries, she fell to her death on the docks below after trying to escape through a window. She is heard around the corridors at night, knocking on doors, searching for her child. Another reported apparition is that of the castle's former nineteenth-century resident, Madame Nixon, whose silk skirts can be heard rustling as she walks the castle at night. Drive to the castle and enjoy a delightful afternoon tea, but keep an eye out for any unexplained events... 

No haunted road trip through Northern Ireland would be complete without a visit to Dunluce Castle. Perched precariously on the cliffs of County Antrim, this medieval castle is said to be the dwelling place of restless spirits. The tragic story of a kitchen collapse into the sea adds to the castle's eerie charm and according to legend, the cries of the doomed workers as they fell into the sea can still be heard on stormy nights! Approach the castle by car, park at the nearby visitor centre, and explore the historic ruins and ghostly tales.  

Tucked away in Belfast's University Quarter, Friar's Bush Graveyard is one of the city's oldest and most haunted places. This eerie burial ground is home to countless chilling tales and ghostly sightings, perhaps due to the hundreds of the cholera victims were hurriedly buried in the infamous "plaguey pit" during dealy outbreaks in the 1800s. Many believe their restless spirits still linger, haunting those who dare enter after dark. 

Local whisper of body snatchers, murdered fiars, and cries of lost souls that ech from the shadows. Some visitors claim to have felt unseen hands touch them near the old gate, while others report sudden cold spots and flickering lights. The tunnel connecting the nearby Queen’s University’s David Kerr building has had reports of these creepy goings ons, making it a bone-chilling area that some staff refuse to go near.

If you're brave enough to visit Friar's Bush, tread carefully - the dead don't always rest quietly here. 

The Grey Point Ford is a coastal defence fort, located on the south side of Belfast Lough, which was constructed during World War I, and has seen its fair share of history, which often brings restless spirits. Many visitors have reported paranormal encounters, including shadowy figures and strange noises. If you are feeling brave, drive along Belfast Lough to this haunted location and explore.