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During Cromwell’s reign, Malahide castle and its property were handed to Miles Corbett. During his occupation of the castle, Miles committed many atrocities but the worst was the desecration of the chapel of the old abbey near the castleMany castle throughout Europe all have one thing in common - a resident ghost. Malahide Castle which is the oldest in habited castle in Ireland has not one ghost to frighten its guests but FIVE.
The first ghost is that of Sir Walter Hussey, who on his wedding day was killed in battle during the 15th century by a spear wound to the side of his body. Sir Walter can bee seen wandering and groaning throughout the castle pointing at the deadly wound. It is believed that he haunts the castle venting his resentment towards his young bride, who upon his death married his rival. Lady Maud Plunkett who had been married three times is the second ghost to haunt Malahide Castle. Her last marriage was to a Lord Chief Justice. By this stage of her life she had become a notorious virago, and she can bee seen chasing her husband through the corridors of the Castle. The Chief Justice himself is the third of our ghosts to haunt Malahide Castle. He who simply appears to provide his spouse with an opportunity of taking a little exercise. I will leave what type of exercise to your imagination…. Our fourth ghost and probably the most interesting is that of Miles Corbett. During Cromwell’s reign, the castle and property were handed to Miles. During his occupation of the castle, Miles committed many atrocities but the worst was the desecration of the chapel of the old abbey near the castle. For his crimes he was hanged, drawn and quartered and when his ghost first appears it seems to be a perfectly whole soldier in armor. But! If you are brave enough to be still around when you meet him you will find that he falls into four pieces before your very eyes.
The fifth and final ghost is that of a 16th century court jester called “Puck”. Puck had the misfortune of falling in love with a relation of Lady Elenora Fitzgerald, who under orders from Henry VIII was being detained at the castle due to her rebellious nature.
Poor Puck was found close to the castle during a snowy December night and for his troubles was stabbed through the heart. With his dying breath he swore and oath that he would haunt the castle until a reigning lord chose a bride from the common people. Pucks latest reported sighting was in 1976 when the castles contents were sold off in May of that year. His dwarf like specter can be seen in many photographs taken at the castle but the most vivid is on were his wrinkled old face is seen peering out of the ivy on the walls of malahide castle. Tourist informationOpening Times:January – December Monday – Saturday 10am to 5pm April – September Sunday & public holidays 10am to 6pm October – March Sunday & public holidays 11am to 5pm Closed for tours 12.45pm to 2pm
Admission Prices Adults - €6.50 Concessions - €5.50 Child - €4 Family - €18 Combined tickets available with Fry Model Railway. Prices for combined tickets: Adults €11 (Groups €10) Concession €9 (Groups €8) Child €6.50 (Group €5.50) Family €30
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