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When you think of the most terrifying hotels in the world, a castle hotel in County Cavan, Ireland isn’t necessarily at the top of your list. ANN MASSEY tells us why the Tripadvisor Haunted Castle award given to Cabra Castle is well deserved!
As a paranormal investigator, only a hotel with a haunted claim will do. So I jumped at the chance to stay in the second scariest hotel in the world.
History of the Castle of Cabra
Cabra Castle is a tale of two fortresses with the original ruins still standing over the wishing well at the heart of the nearby castle. Dún a Rí Forest.
The castle and lands were owned by the Clan O’Reilly until Oliver Cromwell’s men laid siege and took control in the 17th century.
Colonel Thomas Cooch was ‘rewarded’ for loyalty to Cromwell and became the first landlord of Cabra Estate. His daughter Elizbeth was widowed young and remarried into the local Pratt family, having a son who would be left the entire estate by his grandfather.
The original castle was destroyed by Cromwell’s forces and another property, Cabra House, was built on the land. The acreage of the Cabra Estate was so extensive that the current town of Kingscourt remains within its original boundaries.
During this time, on the other side of what is now known locally as the Carrickmacross Road, stood Cormy Castle, a round tower owned by the Foster family. After the death of John Tomas Foster, his estate was given to his nephew, because his children grew up in England and were too young to become owners.
Delusions of grandeur tempted Henry Foster to rebuild Cormy Castle, which had been severely damaged during Cromwell’s occupation. In doing so, not only did he spend every cent of Augustus Foster’s inheritance, he also incurred additional debt, forcing the sale of the newly restored castle to the Pratt family.
Colonel Joseph Pratt was already living at nearby Cabra House and took up residence at Cormy Castle, changing the name to Cabra Castle in the early 19th century. After almost three centuries in the same family, death, duties and heavy financial losses saw Cabra Castle and Estate sold to a local family who renovated the majestic County Cavan home into a hotel.
This remained so for a few decades, after which it became a private residence, until the Corscadden family expanded their hotel collection and launched Cabra Castle as a luxury castle hotel.
Tripadvisor compiled a Top 10 Haunted Castles for Halloween in 2010 and awarded Cabra Castle in second place. This is why:
Ghosts of Cabra Castle
The country itself is located in a part of Ireland that is heavily infused with the supernatural energy of local kings, clan chiefs and of course pagan nobility and druid priests. It is located in the diamond shape created by connecting some of Ireland’s most important ancient and mystical sites via ley lines.
Charged with the energy of the past, where land changed hands through war, death and poverty, it is no wonder that some former residents of Cabra Estate remain regulars!
Before you even set foot inside the castle’s entrance, you’ll be introduced to a ghostly argument between an old man and a young gentleman, arguing over the sale of the property!
Witnesses have also repeatedly claimed that a ghostly horse and carriage tore up the driveway, screeching to a halt and then disappearing into the night. Instead, the horrifying cries of a wailing baby remain…
A maid of Cabra Castle, when it was known as Cormy Castle, was involved in an illicit affair with the owner’s son, a timeline more likely linked to Foster’s ownership than the Pratt dynasty. This relationship resulted in a pregnancy and the disgraced girl was pulled from her bed, dragged to the nearest tree and hanged. It is now known as the Hanging Tree near the hotel’s courtyard rooms.
Reports continue to come in of eerie, spine-chilling sensations, drops in temperature and the distinct sensation and whispered horror of a woman in distress. Perhaps the crying ethereal baby is hers, waiting to be reunited with a ghostly mother?
Once inside, reports of ghostly activity continue, with stories of a startled guest encountering a man dressed in an early 1900s military uniform in the hallway, before promptly disappearing from view!
On the evening of my stay we of course opted for a courtyard room! A clear sense of the weight of history resting on my shoulders, and there is an eerie spot outside the courtyard rooms where the birds seemed to fall silent.
As it was a warm night, many guests were sitting outside, so we took advantage and wandered through the empty castle halls. We felt like we were being watched as proud former owners ensured their home was maintained and respected – a feeling that only disappeared when we reached the foyer.
In our room we were woken by the opening and closing of a sturdy bathroom door, definitely closed when we went in for the night!
Visit the Cabra Castle
Its checkered history and spooky happenings make for an excellent location to visit.
However, the idyllic location, authentic charm and hospitality and luxurious historic surroundings make Cabra Castle a place you simply must stay!
You can visit Cabra Castle on Carrickmacross Road. Kingscourt, County Cavan, Ireland, A82 EC64
Have you been to Cabra Castle? Tell us about your experiences in the comments below!
