Historic Irish Mansion with a Haunted Legacy Hits the Market
Located on the scenic Hook Peninsula in Wexford, Ireland, a sprawling 22-bedroom estate with a storied past is now available for purchase. Known as Loftus Hall, this historic mansion dates back to the mid-14th century and is renowned as one of Ireland’s most haunted residences. Its long history is intertwined with ghostly legends, and it has even undergone exorcisms to rid it of malevolent spirits.
The Legends and Supernatural Reputation of Loftus Hall
One of the most enduring tales associated with Loftus Hall involves a mysterious visitor who was believed to be the devil in disguise. According to legend, the devil arrived for a game of cards with Lady Anne Tottenham, a resident of the house. During their game, the devil’s true form was revealed when a cloven hoof was seen, prompting him to vanish in a cloud of smoke through the roof. The shock of this encounter left Lady Anne traumatized, and after her death, reports of ghostly apparitions and poltergeist activity have persisted. Sightings of her ghost and unexplained disturbances continue to be reported by visitors and staff alike.
From Medieval Fortress to Modern Haunted Attraction
The origins of Loftus Hall trace back to a medieval fortress constructed in 1170 by Norman knight Raymond Lee Gros. To embrace Irish identity, Raymond later adopted the surname Redmond, and by 1350, his descendants had replaced the original castle with a more substantial residence called Redmond Hall. The estate was later renamed Loftus Hall after it was granted to the Loftus family during the Cromwellian conquest of Ireland.
The current structure underwent significant renovations in the late 19th century, specifically between 1872 and 1879, under the direction of John Wellington Graham Loftus, the fourth Marquess of Ely. Anticipating a visit from Queen Victoria-though it never materialized-he expanded the estate, adding a grand staircase, intricate mosaic tiled floors, and elegant parquet flooring, transforming it into a stately Georgian mansion.
Modern Day: A Cultural and Paranormal Landmark
Throughout the years, Loftus Hall has changed hands multiple times, including ownership by two religious orders of nuns. Today, it serves as a popular destination for ghost tours and paranormal enthusiasts. Visitors can explore its 27,124 square feet of historic rooms, often participating in themed events such as monthly ‘paranormal lockdown’ nights, where guests spend the night investigating the supernatural phenomena reported within its walls.
The current owners, Aidan and Shane Quigley, have decided to sell the estate, which includes 63 acres of land and a private beach, for €2.5 million (approximately $2.89 million). The property’s website offers further insights into its rich history and ghostly reputation, making it a unique investment for those interested in Ireland’s haunted heritage.
Additional Attractions and Related Destinations
- Explore Ireland’s most captivating castles
- Discover lesser-known haunted sites around the world
- Visit historic hotels and hostels that once served as prisons or other significant structures
