The Ghosts of Clonony Castle: Ireland’s Forgotten Spirits



Hidden in the rugged landscape of County Clare, Ireland, the ruins of Leamaneh Castle stand as a chilling reminder of its violent past. Though now abandoned, the castle’s dark history and tales of vengeful spirits have made it one of Ireland’s most infamous haunted sites.

The castle’s most terrifying legend revolves around its infamous former mistress, Máire Rúa McMahon, a ruthless and cunning woman whose cruelty allegedly cursed the castle forever. Locals and visitors alike have reported ghostly screams, eerie figures, and an overwhelming sense of dread within the ruins—could the spirit of Máire Rúa still haunt Leamaneh Castle?

The Dark History of Leamaneh Castle

Leamaneh Castle was built in the late 15th century and later expanded in the 17th century. It was home to the powerful O’Brien family, but it is Máire Rúa McMahon, wife of Conor O’Brien, who is most often linked to the castle’s sinister reputation. Máire Rúa (meaning "Red Mary" due to her red hair) was known for her ruthless ambition, sharp wit, and unyielding cruelty. After her husband Conor O’Brien was killed fighting Cromwellian forces in the mid-1600s, she quickly remarried a Cromwellian officer to retain her land and power. It is said that she married over 20 men, each meeting a mysterious or violent end. Some legends claim she would murder her husbands when she tired of them, throwing their bodies from a window or having them hanged.

However, her luck eventually ran out. When the Cromwellian government lost control of Ireland, Máire Rúa was captured by her enemies. According to legend, she was sealed inside the hollow trunk of a tree and left to die—a fate as cruel as the ones she had inflicted on others.

The Hauntings of Leamaneh Castle

With such a violent history, it’s no surprise that ghostly activity surrounds Leamaneh Castle. Some of the most chilling reports include:

The Ghost of Máire Rúa

Many believe that Máire Rúa's vengeful spirit still roams the castle ruins. Visitors claim to have seen a tall, shadowy female figure with fiery red hair, often accompanied by an eerie, oppressive atmosphere. Some have even heard her laughter echoing through the empty castle, sending shivers down their spines.

Phantom Screams and Whispers

Leamaneh Castle is notorious for disembodied voices and bloodcurdling screams. Some say these could be the spirits of Máire Rúa’s murdered husbands, crying out for justice. Others believe the wailing belongs to prisoners who were once tortured within the castle walls.

Poltergeist Activity

Paranormal investigators who have visited the site report objects moving on their own, strange lights, and sudden gusts of wind inside the ruins, even when the air outside is still.

Unexplained Cold Spots

Even on warm summer days, visitors describe bone-chilling cold spots within the ruins, particularly near the remains of the great hall and staircases. Many believe this indicates the presence of restless spirits.

A Ruin Cursed by the Past

Today, Leamaneh Castle stands as a crumbling ruin, but its eerie reputation endures. The castle’s dark history, the terrifying legend of Máire Rúa, and the many ghostly encounters make it one of Ireland’s most haunted locations.