Leap Castle

Phone: 0868690547



Leap Castle dated back to the 12th or 13th centuries. The keep is the oldest building in the castle, going back to the 12th century while the Wings on either side were added in the 17th.

The Leap Castle has one of the darkest histories in Ireland and is thought to be one of the most haunted castles in Europe. In 1532, on the death of the O’Carroll Chieftain, a fierce rivalry for the leadership erupted within the family setting brother against brother. One of the brothers, a priest, was celebrating mass with his family when his rival brother – ‘one-eyed’ Teige O’Carroll – burst into the chapel and killed the priest – committing the terrible sins of killing a brother, a priest and the desecration of holy ground and holy sacrament.