Ireland’s most terrifying road trips

Motorists have been warned to avoid certain roads this Halloween after a string of eerie supernatural sightings have left drivers unnerved.

From headless horsemen to Dracula, our research has revealed the ten creepiest roads across the Island of Ireland that are said to be stalked by a paranormal presence.

The roads from Antrim to Offaly to Waterford are reportedly riddled with ghostly apparitions, so easily-spooked travellers planning on taking a road trip during the spooky season have been told to reroute their satnavs. 

Experts say that easily scared drivers should avoid these roads because panicking could lead to an incident – and supernatural incidents are rarely covered by car insurance.

According to research, 45% of people in Ireland believe in paranormal activity* – with the total spend by all adults in Ireland on Halloween last year just under €56 million.**

Ian Wilson, Managing Director of CompareNI.com said: “Most of us are familiar with traditional ghost stories and may feel uneasy when driving past an old church or a cemetery at this time of year.

“However, few will be quite as aware of what unearthly terrors lie in wait for them when driving around Ireland.

“With Halloween fast approaching, we’ve researched the 10 most supernatural roads and revealed what apparitions drivers might find – so anyone prone to a scare should give these spooky streets a miss.

“When driving it is essential that motorists remain calm for their own and other road users’ safety, so anyone easily panicked should steer clear because supernatural incidents aren’t normally covered by car insurance and they could rack up penalty points for driving without due care and attention.

“On the other hand, these spooky roads could represent an opportunity for would-be ghost hunters to go on a phantom-filled road trip this Halloween, just be safe and remember to leave your dashcam switched on!”

Here are 10 of Ireland’s most haunted roads:

1. Clonony Castle, Offaly

The ghost of a man, surrounded by a hazy, eerie light, stands at the top of a castle tower wearing old-fashioned clothes. This tall, gaunt figure is regularly seen by people driving by the castle.

2. Old Malone Road Belfast, Antrim

At the entrance to Lady Dixon Park, there have been many reports of a woman holding a baby jumping out in front of cars but when the drivers stop and get out there is no one to be seen. Legend has it that the woman drowned herself and her baby in the nearby lake and now haunts the park entrance still carrying her baby in her arms.

3. Wilton Castle, Wexford

Once a year, as the sun sets, a phantom carriage drives away from the castle. The ghostly sight was said to have been so common that dozens of people would gather to watch the scene.

4. Tower Bridge, Kilkenny

In 1763, it is reported that 16 people drowned during a flood when the bridge collapsed. To this day, people claim to see ghostly figures rise above the water during the early hours of the morning.

5. Mullaghmoyle Road, Tyrone

In 2009, reports of dozens of sightings of a mysterious ‘lady in white’, with some locals believing the arrival of the ghost was related to the cutting down of an ancient ‘Fairy Tree’ in the nearby forests.

6. Glenullin, Derry / Londonderry

Abhartach was no ordinary man. Buried upright and upside down, he is thought to be the world’s first vampire and the likely inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Dracula. A vicious blood-drinking monster that was short in stature and thought to practice black magic, he was known as the “red blood sucker”. They claimed he could only be killed by a wooden sword and buried head downwards. Today, locals are advised to give this mysterious grave a wide berth, particularly after dark.

7. The Headless Horseman, Antrim

A robber escaping from a house rode into a thin piece of wire pulled between two gate posts, cutting his head off.  It’s said that every Halloween the ghost of this headless horseman can be seen and heard still trying to make his escape down the Crebilly Road in Ballymena. 

8. The Quay, Waterford

It is said that if you visit the quay late at night, there’s a chance you’ll catch a glimpse of ancient, long-sunk tall ships, and some of the crew getting off the ship and walking around the quay in their period attire.

9. The Grey Lady of the Dark Hedges, Antrim

The grey lady is said to haunt the famous Dark Hedges of the Bregagh Road, moving between the trees. She vanishes from sight when she passes the last tree.  On Halloween night, the forgotten graves are said to open and the Grey Lady is joined on her walk by the tormented souls of those who were buried beside her.

10. Ballynalackan Castle, Clare

A ghost, the shadowy figure of an unknown woman stands at the castle entrance, as if in waiting, haunting passersby.

If you don’t want to be stranded roadside on your terrifying road trip, CompareNI.com can help you find cover and make savings.

References:

*https://www.irishmirror.ie/news/irish-news/half-irish-people-believe-ghosts-28374904
** https://www.lmfm.ie/news/news-extra/adults-in-ireland-will-spend-e56-million-on-halloween-this-year-down-from-e65-million-in-2021/