How superstitious are you? How much money would it take to make you spend a night in a cemetery or one of the most haunted places in Dublin? Do you believe in the power of a curse?…
It is spooky season and Dublin City Centre is notorious for its spooky stories and macabre history. From pubs to churches, and even entirely haunted streets, you are sure to cross some ghoulish apparition in your time in this ancient city.
We’ve rounded up the top nine haunted places in Dublin that will send shivers down your spine, trek onto the cobbled streets and take in some scary sights. However, if you’re easily terrified, check out some of the certified not haunted places in Dublin!
Jump to section
- Kilmainham Gaol
- The Black Church
- St Michan’s Church
- The Gravediggers
- Malahide Castle
- Connolly Station
- The Brazen Head
- Hellfire Club
- Hendrick St
Kilmainham gaol
Kilmainham Gaol is an infamous prison located in North Dublin, Ireland where some of the country’s most notable political and military figures were held.
Now an unoccupied prison, It is said that if you pay close attention while visiting the jail, you might hear mysterious footsteps from parading soldiers, cell doors slamming and flickering at the prison chapel lights. The eerie atmosphere provides visitors with an idea of what life would have been like within Kilmainham Gaol during its days of operation.
The prison was also home to events such as public hangings which could be seen taking place at it’s entrance. One of the most important chapters in Irish History occurred within Kilmainham Gaol and the Prison Chapel.
This is evident as visitors can walk through the very cells which accommodated those involved in Easter Rising of 1916 just prior to their meeting a grisly end in the Kilmainham Gaol’s courtyard. It certainly offers an unforgettable experience that will forever leave many people with a lasting impression of Ireland’s dark past.
The black church
The Dark Secrets of the Black Church: The Black Church, officially known as St. Mary’s Chapel of Ease, is an ominous and gothic-looking structure located in Dublin 7. It’s not just the architecture that’s spooky; this church is surrounded by stories of paranormal activity. Legend has it that anyone who walks around the church three time anti-clockwise will encounter the devil!
Only a short walk from The Hendrick, Smithfield this is a must-see for thrill-seekers in Dublin.
St. Michan’s church, arran quay
St. Michan’s Church, located in Arran Quay, is famous for its underground crypts that house centuries-old mummies. These preserved remains have witnessed countless events over the years, and some claim they may even be reanimated at times.
Visitors often report feeling an inexplicable presence and a sensation of being watched while exploring the dark chambers of the crypt. Inside the caskets, the mumified remains lay there including;The Thief (complete with severed hands and feet), The Crusader, The 400-year-old nun, The Unknown as well as the Death Mask of Wolfe Tone all on display in St Michan’s Church.
Dracula’s author Bram Stoker took inspiration from the church when writing the hit novel, taking inspiration for his supernatural characters.
Just across the square from The Hendrick Smithfield, you can check it out before heading to the Jameson distillery! For more information on this church’s dark history, head to Dublin.ie
The Gravediggers, Dublin 9
The Gravediggers, officially known as John Kavanagh’s Pub is right next to the Glasnevin Cemetery. It’s a place with a long history and, some say, lingering spirits. Patrons and employees have shared eerie tales of unexplained sounds, moving objects, and shadowy figures within the pub.
A spectral figure is seen regularly sitting in the corner, sipping on his pint. Just as quickly as he appears, he disappears again without a trace. Check out their website here to see opening times and menu.
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Malahide Castle
If ghost stories are more favourable than scary stories, then over the estuary lies an ancient castle in the small village of Malahide. For over 800 years, the Malahide Castle grounds have witnessed duels, battles, blood and death. It’s no suprise that inside the castle walls, the long gone souls continue to haunt the hallways and turrets such as Puck the court jester or the Lady in White.
Everytime they have visitors, new reports of spine-tingling presences are told of as they toured the building.
Connolly station, dublin 1
Connolly Station, one of Dublin’s busiest transport hubs, has a hidden side that’s not often talked about. As recently as 2011, commuters and staff have reported ghostly figures and strange noises, adding an eerie dimension to this bustling transportation hub.
If you want to check out the very serious and technically advanced ghost busting expeditions that went on in Connolly Station, then you can read more here.
Stay and discover dublin!
Discover the Most Haunted Places in Dublin and modern scary stories at the Hendrick Hotel in Smithfield,
The Hendrick offers our guests a rich history of street art, surprising experiences in our hotel and maybe a visit from friendly ghosts too….
Book in on any Friday or Saturday night and enjoy a special cocktail on arrival and free late check out at 1pm…Where you explore in your time is up to you.
All rooms in the Hendrick have
- Individually Controlled Air Conditioning
- Power Shower with Rituals Toiletries
- 32″ TV with Chromecast
- Free High-Speed WiFi
- Safe suitable for laptops up to 13″
- Tea & Coffee
So what are you waiting for,
The brazen head
The Brazen Head is renowned as Dublin’s oldest pub, dating back to 1198. With such a long history, it’s no surprise that it’s said to have a few resident ghosts. Visitors and staff have recounted encounters with mysterious apparitions, flickering lights, and unexplained drafts. Most notably, The Brazen Head is haunted by the ghost of Robert Emmett, Irish Revolutionary who was executed in 1803, for his role in the Thomas Street disturbance.
It is said that the pub is also haunted by his executioner which must make for an awkward pint. You can read more about the history of Ireland’s oldest pub in their archives.
Hellfire club
The old Hunting Lodge up on Mountpelier hill dates back to the 18th Century, and was home to devil worshippers aka the young wealthy boys club. They would meet to play cards, drink beer, hire prostitutes, and worship Satan himself.
It’s reported that Satan did visit the Hellfire Club for a game of cards, before leaving through the chimney. Visiting here in the daytime is our best advice, the views are worth it, the supernatural not so much!
Hendrick st
Hendrick St is steeped in Dublin’s history and reportedly haunted by its past. On the very site of the Hendrick Smithfield Hotel used to stand one of Dublin’s most haunted buildings. Before its demolition in the 1960s, residents and passersby have described encountering ghostly figures, hearing phantom footsteps, and feeling an otherworldly presence.
The wrap up
Did we make this up like Bram Stoker’s Dracula, or are these real life tales of the eerie history hidden around Dublin Castle and Marsh’s Library?
Looking to stay in one of Ireland’s spookiest sites this Halloween? Book your stay at The Hendrick Smithfield here
Dublin, with its rich history and centuries-old buildings, holds numerous stories of the supernatural. These Haunted places in Dublin offer a glimpse into our city’s spooky past, providing a unique and spine-tingling experience for those daring enough to explore the unknown.
Whether you’re a believer in the paranormal or just curious about Dublin’s dark side, these locations will leave you with a newfound appreciation for the mysterious and ghostly tales that haunt this vibrant city.