Haunted Tales & Halloween Adventures in Mourne Mountains & Ring of Gullion
Looking for a truly spine-tingling Halloween experience in Northern Ireland? The Mourne Mountains and Ring of Gullion are steeped in myths, legends, and ghostly folklore that come alive at the spookiest time of the year. From haunted castles and eerie forests to banshees, witches, and restless spirits, this region is the perfect backdrop for a Halloween escape full of mystery and intrigue.
Ancient Origins of Halloween in Mourne Gullion Strangford
Halloween, as we know it today, traces back to Samhain, the ancient Celtic festival that began over 2,000 years ago in Ireland. Samhain marked the transition between the light half of the year (summer) and the dark half (winter), when the veil between worlds was at its thinnest. It was believed that spirits could cross over into the human realm, a tradition that still echoes through the ghost stories in Mourne Gullion Strangford.
Newcastle's Restless Spirits
The seaside town of Newcastle, County Down, is said to be one of the most haunted spots in the region. From mysterious apparitions to unexplained whispers, Newcastle’s folklore is alive with tales of the supernatural.
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The Black Dog of the Rock: Described as a donkey-sized hound with glowing eyes and sharp teeth, this ghostly guardian is linked to St John’s Church. Some believe it protects forgotten or unmarked resting places, adding to the mystery.
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Newcastle Harbour: Locals whisper of banshees wandering among the boats and lobster pots, their chilling cries said to foretell death.
The Blue Lady of Tollymore Forest Park
Once the resident of Tollymore House, the Blue Lady now roams the forest avenues searching for her lost husband. Visitors have reported eerie sightings of her drifting through the trees, particularly on misty evenings.
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Dundrum Castle’s Ghostly Echoes
The ruins of Dundrum Castle are legendary for their paranormal activity. Shadowy figures, strange whispers, and an overwhelming sense of unease leave many convinced the ghosts of the past still haunt the stone walls of this medieval fortress.
The Mysterious Mourne Mountains & Ring of Gullion
Hikers often speak of ghostly encounters in the Mourne Mountains and Ring of Gullion, from chilling cries in the mist to the unexplained glow of the Slieve Binnian Ghost Light. Some say it’s a natural phenomenon, while others believe it to be the spirits of lost wanderers guiding—or misleading—those who dare to climb at night.
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Lough Shannagh: Haunted by the spirits of tragic lovers and the infamous phantom fox, said to appear with glowing eyes before storms or danger.
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Caves of Slieve Donard: Believed to hold the spirits of ancient warriors, with visitors reporting whispers and icy chills as they explore.
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The Cailleach Beara of Slieve Gullion: A legendary figure who can appear as a beautiful young woman, luring victims before revealing herself as an ancient hag.
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Haunted Killyleagh Castle
Killyleagh castle stands proudly in the picturesque village of Killyleagh, County Down and is one of Ireland's oldest inhabited castles. It may look enchanting but behind the stone walls lie chilling tales of betrayal, ambition and restless spirits. Legend has it that Alice Moore, wife of the Second Earl of Clanbrassil, still roams the great hall. She is said to haunt the castle in fury but she is not the only one. Lady Anne Hamilton, once defended the castle in her husband's absence during Cromwell's campaigns and although she eventually surrendered, folklore says she pledged to continue protecting the fortress in the afterlife. Lady Anne's spirit is believed to still linger, guarding the castle she once fought so fiercely to defend.
Ghostly Whispers at Castle Ward
With its eerie mix of Gothic and Classical architecture, Castle Ward has long been linked to ghostly goings-on. Visitors and staff have reported chilling footsteps echoing through empty corridors, sudden cold drafts, and the unsettling sense of being watched. Some say the restless spirits of former residents still wander the estate, their presence lingering in the grand halls and shadowy corners of this historic mansion.
Halloween Adventures in Mourne Gullion Strangford
Whether you’re following ghostly legends or joining a Halloween event in Mourne Gullion Strangford, this region is bursting with spooktacular experiences. From folklore trails and storytelling evenings to haunted castle tours, there’s no shortage of ways to get your fright fix this October.
Dare to Visit This Halloween?
With its haunted history, chilling legends, and ancient Celtic roots, Mourne Mountain Gullion Strangford is the ultimate destination for Halloween in Northern Ireland. Will you hear the banshee’s wail at Newcastle Harbour? Spot Lady Anne in Killyleagh? Or glimpse the Cailleach Beara at Slieve Gullion?
One thing’s certain — when the veil between worlds is thin, anything can happen…
Come along and see if you encounter any spirits over Halloween -
Click Here to see the spooktacular events happening in Mourne Gullion Strangford this year.
Newcastle is a small drying harbour with fixed fore/aft moorings and consists of two piers suitable for yachts up to 11m long that can take the ground. There is ‘the wee quay’ otherwise known as the North Quay at the town side of the harbour and ‘the dog leg quay’ which lies to the South side of the harbour. Both quays have steel gates that may be locked by local boat owners or the Local Council in storms.
Newcastle (An Caisleán Nua) is a seaside resort located in County Down at the foot of the Mountains of Mourne and made famous by the Percy French song "Where the Mountains of Mourne Sweep Down to the Sea".
Tollymore Forest Park has panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the sea at Newcastle and is open to the public all year. Tollymore Forest covers an area of almost 630 hectares at the foot of the Mourne Mountains.
Believed to have been built in or around 1177, Dundrum Castle was built by John De Courcy as part of his coastal defence after he invaded Ulster. Dundrum Castle is located on a wooded hill north-west of Dundrum village near Newcastle.
"Where the Mountains of Mourne sweep down to the sea" (Percy French) The popular song has made the Mournes the best known mountains in Ireland. Distinctive and self-contained, they are tucked away in the southeast corner of Northern Ireland, with 12 shapely summits rising about 2,000ft on the eastern side.
Lough Shannagh walk leads up hill on the 'Banns Road', an off road farm track. The route circles Lough Shannagh (in an anti-clockwise direction) with a high point of 587m at Carn Mountain. It also follows and crosses the Mourne Wall on places.
Slieve Donard at 850m (2,789 ft) is the highest of the Mourne Mtns. The views from the summit are extensive and on a clear day the Isle of Man, Wicklow, Donegal, Wales and Scotland may be seen, as well as the long stretch of Newcastle Beach.
Follow Fionn's Giant Adventure (previously known as the Giant's Lair) at Slieve Gullion Forest Park. Follow the trail, there's so much to explore. Seek out fairies, spells, music and more. Help is at hand as you'll have fairies and warriors to help you follow the trail.
Killyleagh is a large village in County Down located on the shores of Strangford Lough and dominated by Killyleagh Castle, a Loire-style chateau which claims to be the oldest inhabited castle in Ireland. The Castle has been the home of the Hamilton family since the 17th century Plantation of Ulster and the turrets can be hired for a self-catering holiday experience. Delamont Country Park is located outside Killyleagh on the road to Downpatrick on the shores of the stunning Strangford Lough. Follow Killyleagh's Heritage trail to learn more about it's famous inhabitants and local history.
This new digital heritage trail will bring the story of the historic town of Killyleagh to life for all visitors
Discover a place of contrasts and creativity at Castle Ward, an eccentric 18th century mansion and estate looking out over the tranquil waters of Strangford Lough in County Down where visitors can explore cultivated gardens, sheltered woodland and the shoreline.
