Ireland’s spooky bridges wear more than just travelers – they keep the weight of history, the tragedy and restless spirits, writes Ann Massey Mcelroy
The ghost bridges of Ireland
Bridges have long been magnets for the paranormal, standing over rivers, lakes and deep canyons – all that are believed to be pipes for supernatural energy.
Many paranormal researchers claim that water acts as a catalyst for chases, strengthening spiritual activity and catching echoes from the past. Tragic deaths, lost souls and restless spirits are often bound to these creepy crossings, where the border between the living and the dead feels nerve -racking thin.
Whether you believe in spirits or just like a horrifying story, the ghost bridges of Ireland will certainly send a shiver about your spine. From old stones or wooden crossings to forgotten foot bridges, each holds a dark secret to be discovered.
Here are 10 of the most ghostly bridges in Ireland – do you dare to cross?
John’s Bridge, Kilkenny
John’s Bridge in Kilkenny has seen various incarnations until the early 20th -century bridge that we cross today. In 1763, during a devastating flood, it was a different story.
Spectators saw the remains of destruction float by while they were on John’s Bridge. The enormous crowd made sure that the bridge collapsed, causing screaming people to send to the furious river Nore downstairs. Sixteen people fell tragically on the dark waters.
Over the centuries there have been consistent reports of creepy appearances that rise from the river during the break of dawn. Some say they also heard weak cries for help, while others claim to see shadow figures on the edge of the water standing before they disappear.
Thomond Bridge, Limerick
The Thomond Bridge from Limerick is best known for a rather unusual spooky! In the 18th century the wife of the Bishop of Limerick was a particularly filthy piece of work, causing the locals to damage the locals.
One night she pushed a man named Drunken Thady in the Shannon river. Thady prayed hard and survived, but apparently the bishop’s wife was not so happy.
During another struggle she lost her balance and fell into herself, drowned in the strong currents. Since then, her mind has wandered through the bridge at night and looking for more victims to push their death.
Witnesses report that they feel a sudden cold breeze before they see a mysterious woman in historic clothing before she disappears in the fog.
Queen’s Bridge, Belfast
One of the most hair -raising ghost stories from Belfast revolves around Queen’s Bridge, which replaced the long bridge in 1843. Dating more than 150 years, the first ‘Phantom Jump’ was reported.
Dock employees saw a caped man staring off the bridge before they disappeared down the side in the water below. Although there was immediately help, there was no one to be found, alive or death.
Since this time, countless witnesses have stated that they have seen a figure in the Lagan River, including a police officer.
When the reports are investigated, there is no sign of someone in need. Many believe that it is a restless spirit – a victim who tragically finished their lives on the bridge, forever played their last moments.
Portobello Bridge, Dublin
Portobello Bridge in Dublin is known for strange paranormal encounters. Spectral appearances and creepy lights that float above the canal were reported at night.
One of the most important observations is that of an old lock -keeper, who drowned himself after he was fired because he was drunk during work. He stays bitterly on the site and tries to force unsuspecting passers -by in the river.
It is believed that he is the cause of a horse with a horse pulled bus that collapsed in the darkness in 1861. The malignant final keek tore the horses and the horses, carriage and screaming passengers in the icy waters.
It is believed that the observations are bound by these tragic drowning, while many have reported to feel a serious presence while they walk over the bridge, as if unseen eyes keep an eye on them …
Old Barna Bridge, Barna, County Limerick
The spirit of Barna Bridge, Sprid Na Barna, is still having this rural area in West Limerick. In the late 19th century, Moll O’Shaughnessy, once a dedicated woman and mother, killed her husband and child in a flurry of anger.
Justice was fast-she was sealed in a barrel covered with Spijkers and rolled from the highest hill to her death. But death was not the end. Her vengeful spirit returned, terrifying the locals, until she jumped a fateful night on the horse of a tired traveler and dropped him across the bridge to his death. A priest from nearby Athea was called to banish her, but he seems to have failed.
Moll’s presence remains. Her face, twisted and eternal, would be stuck in the Stone of Barna Bridge, a warning for everyone who passes. Some claim to see her watching, waiting, ready to strike again. Do you dare to look?
Blackwater Bridge, Kenmare, County Kerry
For more than two centuries, residents and visitors near Blackwater Bridge in Kenmare have reported observations of performances without a head. However, nobody has been just as frightening as the experience of a local man who wanted to deliver a package and cross the bridge.
As he started his intersection, an unseen force attacked him, so that he was paralyzed with fear and unable to fight back. He prepared for the worst, prayed and expected his fate to be sealed. But then incredible, he saw a towering, headless figure racing over the bridge before he scaled the nearby stones.
In an instant, the entity that had attacked him abandoned his attack to chase pursuits to the figure without a head. Both figures disappeared in the night and the man was spared. To this day, witnesses say they have seen a headly appearance on the bridge.
Owencarrow Viaduct, Donegal
The Owencarrow viaduct had the reputation to be unsafe in bad weather and on January 30, 1925 a freak gusts of wind caused one of the worst tragedies that had seen the area.
The gust of wind tore two of the carriages out of the rails, threw them over and shattered the roofs. Passengers were thrown in the valley violently, while damaged brickwork tumbled on top of them. The carriages dangled precarious while the injured help was waiting. Four died in the massacre.
To this day, a woman is dressed in the clothing of the 1920s through the area. Could it be one of the unfortunate travelers? Or a relieved, because only one woman was not injured in the tragedy, landed in soft earth. There is also a report of a spooky railway worker near the viaduct, who tells a local lady on a walk, not to take the train on that fateful day. Terred, she canceled her ticket.
Ballysaggartmore Bridge, County Waterford
Hidden deep in the woods near Lismore, County Waterford, Ballysaggartmore Bridge stands as a spooky memory of greed, cruelty and accident.
Built in the 19th century as part of the extensive Ballysaggartmore towers, the bridge was intended as the large entrance of an estate that has never been completed.
The landowner, Arthur Kiely-Usher, was known for his hard treatment of tenants, the imposition of high rental prices and forcing many deportation.
As he donated his wealth to build the graceful gatehouse and the bridge, his dreams of a lush country house brought off because of financial problems, leaving these creepy remains alone. Some believe that his vanity and cruelty cursed the country, and to this day, visitors report a deep feeling of discomfort while walking through the ruins.
Over the years, Ballysaggartmore Bridge has built up a reputation for spooky encounters and inexplicable phenomena. Many claim that they do not whisper, while others report that they are lurking shady figures near the bridge in the dusk.
Some locals believe that the spirits of the deported tenants are still wandering through the site, forever tied to the country they once called at home.
Despite its hair -raising past, the site is now a popular hiking trail, and attracts those who feel attracted to his Gothic beauty and supernatural tradition. Whether you visit for the history or the chases, Ballygartmore Bridge remains one of the most atmospheric and mysterious sights of Ireland.
Scarawalsh Bridge, Scaralwalsh, County Wexford
Scars from Scarawalsh – This bridge in County Wexford is a historic stone bridge with a dark past. Built in the 18th century over the river Slaney, it became notorious during the Irish uprising of 1798.
In the aftermath of the Battle of Aazgar Hill, retreating rebels were slaughtered by the British troops at the bridge, their blood that sparked the river below. The site also witnessed executions, with rebels hung on the arches as a warning for others. This grim history has left a creepy marker in the area and turns the bridge into a place of whispered legends and spooky tradition.
The local population has long reported disturbing experiences near Scarawalsh Bridge, especially after the evening falls. Tell stories about shady figures that walked past the bridge before they disappeared in thin sky, and strange, relieved cries that were worn on the wind.
Some believe that the spirits of the fallen rebels are still hanging, unable to find peace after their violent death. Others claim to hear the sound of marching footsteps, as if they echo the doomed soldiers of 1798. Whether it is merely superstition or something more, Scarawalsh Bridge remains a hair -raising memory of the turbulent past of Wexford.
Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, Anthrim
Although it is not a traditional bridge, Carrick-a-Rede Bridge in Antrim is one of the most famous crossings in Ireland, and it has its own supernatural story. Fishermen who used the bridge centuries ago spoke about spirits who warned them of approaching storms. Nowadays, some visitors claim to hear whispering voices worn by the wind, even when the bridge is empty.
Of course the fact that the bridge waves in the desired breeze of 100 feet above the Atlantic Ocean, that you can literally be afraid without the spirits!
The bridges of Ireland are more than just stone, rope, wood and steel – they carry the weight of history, the tragedy and the spirits of the past.
Have you ever had a spooky meeting on one of the ghost bridges of Ireland? Share your experiences in the comments below!
