Irish Getaways Blog
Discover Ireland through local insights, travel guides, and cultural stories
Haunted Places in Ireland: The Ultimate Guide to Ghost Tours & Castles
The definitive guide to Ireland's most haunted places. From the Bloody Chapel of Leap Castle to the Hellfire Club in Dublin. Discover where to find ghosts, how to book private tours, and why you need a driver for the dark rural roads.
Samhain: Visiting the Hill of Ward (The Birthplace of Halloween)
Did you know Halloween started in Ireland? Visit the Hill of Ward (Tlachtga) in County Meath, the ancient site of the first Samhain fire. Discover why you need a guide to unlock the secrets of this sacred landscape.
Duckett’s Grove: Visiting the Home of the Banshee
Visit Duckett's Grove, the spectacular Gothic ruin in County Carlow. Discover the legend of the Banshee Curse, the mysterious fire, and how to explore this paranormal hotspot safely with a local guide.
Spike Island vs Wicklow Gaol: Which Prison Tour Is Better for Your Ireland Trip?
A practical comparison of Spike Island and Wicklow Gaol—what each prison tour feels like, logistics for US visitors, and which one fits your Ireland itinerary best.
Ghost Tours in Ireland at Night: Safety, Logistics & Why You Need a Driver
A practical guide to haunted tours in Ireland after dark—no streetlights, narrow roads, awkward parking, and late finishes—and why hiring a private driver can make the night safer and more enjoyable.
7-Day Haunted Ireland Itinerary: A “Dark Ireland” Paranormal Road Trip
A practical 7-day haunted Ireland road trip itinerary for US visitors—Dublin ghost tours, medieval Kilkenny, Leap Castle, and the west—plus the night-driving logistics that make a private driver the smartest way to do it.
Charleville Castle, Offaly: Tours, Access Logistics & the Ghost of Harriet
A practical visitor guide to Charleville Castle in County Offaly—its ghost stories (Harriet and the King Oak), how to visit a volunteer-run site, and why a private driver makes rural night tours safer and easier.
Oweynagat Cave: Braving Ireland’s "Gate to Hell"
Dare to enter the Oweynagat Cave? Known as Ireland's "Gate to Hell," this unlit cavern in Roscommon is the home of the Morrigan. Learn how to visit safely and why you need a guide for this muddy, terrifying descent.
The 5 Best Haunted Tours in Dublin: A Local’s Guide to the Macabre
Looking for the best haunted tours in Dublin? We review the top 5 scary experiences, from the Gravedigger Ghost Bus to the Hellfire Club hike. Discover which tour is right for you.