Ireland's Most Haunted Fortress: Leap Castle
Leap Castle is a building steeped in blood, treachery and ghost stories that is situated in the verdant countryside of County Offaly, Ireland. With a history as dark as its icy stone walls, this ominous stronghold has earned its terrifying reputation as Ireland's most haunted castle for centuries. Its stories are not for the weak of heart, as there seem to be echoes of violence, restless spirits, and an eerie presence that never goes away. A Blood-Born Fortress The illustrious O'Bannon clan built Leap Castle in the latter half of the 15th century. According to a gory legend, the name "Leap" comes from two O'Bannon brothers who chose to settle their rivalry in a lethal manner while fighting for control. They leaped onto the location of the castle from a rocky outcrop. The stronghold was constructed on the exact spot where one brother's body was found broken, and the survivor asserted their authority. The tone for the ensuing centuries was set by a violent b...
