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Local Castle Dubbed One of the UK’s Spookiest Spots, Just in Time for Halloween
As autumn leaves begin to fall and Halloween draws near, those seeking a spine-tingling experience might not have to look much further than a historic castle just outside Larne, Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland. Ballygally Castle, a 400-year-old landmark, has recently been named the fourth most haunted location in the UK and the most haunted in Northern Ireland, according to a new study.
Originally constructed in 1625 by John Shaw, Ballygally Castle has a rich history and, now, a burgeoning reputation for the supernatural. While it’s celebrated today for its acclaimed bistro and as a picturesque wedding venue, it’s the resident spirits that are truly drawing attention.
The castle, which now operates as a hotel, is famously home to the “Ghost Room” and the lingering presence of Lady Isabella. According to the hotel’s website, the Shaw family owned the castle for several generations before facing financial difficulties.
Later, in the 1800s, it served as a residence for Rev. Thomas Alexander and was even leased to the coastguard to combat local smugglers.
The most prominent ghostly tale revolves around Lady Isabella Shaw. After giving birth to a daughter, she tragically fell out of favor with her husband, Lord James Shaw.
He reportedly took their child and imprisoned Lady Isabella in a small room at the top of a turret. Desperate and tormented by her baby’s cries, she attempted to escape through a window, only to fall to her death on the rocks below.
Guests and staff alike report that Lady Isabella’s spirit still roams the hotel corridors at night, knocking on doors, perhaps still searching for her lost child.
Another reported apparition is that of Madame Nixon, a nineteenth-century resident, whose silk skirts can allegedly be heard rustling through the castle halls after dark.
With Halloween approaching, Ballygally Castle offers a unique opportunity for paranormal enthusiasts and those simply looking for a good fright to explore a location steeped in history and spectral lore.