Charleville Forest Castle: A Magical Spot in Ireland
Charleville Forest Castle sits in the middle of an ancient oak forest in Tullamore, County Offaly. It’s a stunning example of Gothic Revival architecture that feels both grand and mysterious. Oh, and it’s said to be haunted too—adding a little extra thrill to its beauty!
For years, the castle stood empty, but everything changed in 1973 when the current owners stepped in. They started restoring it with love and care, and those efforts are still going strong today. The Charleville Castle Heritage Trust now takes care of the property, making sure this piece of history stays alive.
The Architect Behind Charleville Forest Castle
Charleville Forest Castle is a true masterpiece of Gothic Revival style. Designed by the talented architect Francis Johnston in the late 1700s, it took 14 years to complete, with the Charleville castle finally finished in 1812.
Francis Johnston was well-known for his skill in both neo-classical and neo-gothic designs. If you travel around Ireland, you’ll find more of his stunning work, including the breathtaking Chapel Royal in Dublin Castle—a shining example of Gothic Revival architecture.
What makes Charleville Castle so special is how it blends medieval Gothic features into its design. Many people consider it one of the best Gothic Revival buildings in Ireland, and it’s easy to see why when you visit.
The Original Owners of Charleville Forest Castle
Charleville Forest Castle was built for Charles William Bury, the Earl of Charleville, who inherited his title and thousands of acres of land when he was just six months old. Tragically, his father passed away in a drowning accident, leaving Charles with an enormous estate that included a vast oak forest and the town of Tullamore.
When Charles turned 21 and graduated from Trinity College Dublin, he returned to Tullamore with big plans. The town was still recovering from a bizarre accident—a fire caused by a hot-air balloon mishap! Charles worked hard to rebuild and improve the area.
Charles and his wife, Catherine Maria Bury, the 1st Countess of Charleville, decided to build Charleville Forest Castle as their family home. Over time, the Charleville Estate grew to an impressive 24,000 acres, and Tullamore became a bustling, prosperous town.
The Legendary King Oak Tree
At the entrance to Charleville Forest Castle Estate stands the King Oak, an ancient and massive oak tree surrounded by myth and history. This majestic tree is part of the old oak forest that wraps around the Charleville castle, creating an enchanting setting.
While some sources online claim the King Oak is 900 years old, reliable estimates place it between 400 and 800 years old. The Irish Wildlife Trust recognizes it as one of the oldest trees in Ireland. For generations, locals have believed the King Oak had a deep spiritual connection to the Bury family. According to legend, whenever a branch fell from the tree, it was seen as a sign that a family member would pass away.
This eerie connection seemed to prove true during a storm in 1963 when the tree was struck by lightning, splitting it nearly in half. Just weeks later, Colonel Charles Howard-Bury, the estate owner, passed away at the age of 82. He had inherited Charleville Forest Castle from his mother and passed away at Belvedere House in County Westmeath.
The King Oak Tree also gained international recognition in 2013 when it placed third in the European Tree of the Year contest. Although it didn’t win, this tree remains a beloved symbol of Ireland’s rich natural and cultural heritage.
The Stunning Interior Design
Step inside Charleville Forest Castle, and you’re greeted by a breathtaking sight. The entrance hall leads to a grand staircase crowned by a sparkling chandelier, with a ceiling so intricately designed it feels like a work of art.
The castle’s interior is a Gothic dream, with pointed arches and beautifully detailed plaster ceilings that add to its charm. One standout feature is the dining room, which was given a makeover in the late 1860s by the famous textile designer William Morris. His stenciled ceiling, a masterpiece of craftsmanship, still adds a touch of elegance to the room today.
The Hauntings
Charleville Forest Castle has long been a hotspot for paranormal activity, attracting ghost hunters and paranormal experts from all over. One of the most famous spirits said to haunt the castle is Harriet, the 8-year-old daughter of the 3rd Earl of Charleville. Tragically, she died in 1861 after breaking her neck while sliding down the banister. Many visitors claim to feel a cold spot near the staircase where she fell, and some even report seeing a young girl in blue and white. At times, she’s accompanied by a small boy, her playful companion in the afterlife. Others have heard children laughing and singing in the halls, giving the Charleville castle an eerie yet curious charm.
But Harriet isn’t the only ghost said to linger here. Visitors have also reported seeing spectral monks, strange lights dancing on the ceilings, and hearing ghostly footsteps and disembodied voices echoing through the Charleville castle. A mysterious mist has been known to appear, adding to the spooky atmosphere. The dungeon, however, is where the real chills set in—legend has it, a dark, oppressive spirit resides there, striking fear into anyone who dares to linger too long.
The Mysterious Dungeon
Despite its ominous name, the dungeon at Charleville Forest Castle is more of a basement than a place where prisoners were held. In fact, there’s no solid evidence of anyone being locked up or tortured there—just a few vague stories. But if you know otherwise, the castle team would love to hear about it!
The real intrigue lies in the legends surrounding the dungeon. Some say the 1st Earl of Charleville practiced devil worship, and during renovations, a strange altar was reportedly discovered, possibly hidden behind a concrete wall. While the truth remains uncertain, one thing is for sure: visitors often claim to feel an unsettling presence in the dungeon, with many reporting encounters with a terrifying spirit.
Charleville Forest Castle isn’t just a Gothic Revival masterpiece—it’s also a testament to the dedication and passion of those working tirelessly to restore and preserve its beauty. Whether you visit for its history, architecture, or ghostly tales, this castle is truly unforgettable.
Customer Experiences at Charleville Forest Castle
Charleville Forest Castle has left visitors with unforgettable memories, from its historic charm to its spooky paranormal tales. Here’s what some visitors have to say:
“A Beautifully Preserved Treasure”
“This place is kept in amazing repair. While not fully open to the public, the ground floor is accessible, including a couple of haunted spots! The forest in front is absolutely stunning—a perfect place for a picnic. We saw many families and couples enjoying the peaceful surroundings. The road to the estate is a bit rough, but the Charleville is well worth the slow drive. We took so many photos, and the castle is absolutely gorgeous!”
“Ghost Stories and Friendly Guides”
“My girlfriend and I toured the castle with Romain as our guide, and it was fantastic! He was super friendly and shared incredible stories about the Charleville castle’s history and ghosts. If you’re into paranormal tales, you’ll love this experience. The volunteers do an amazing job maintaining the castle, and all they ask for is a small donation. Definitely 5 stars from us!”
“Dedicated Restoration Work”
“Some people leave negative reviews, but it’s important to remember that this isn’t a government-funded project like Kilkenny Castle—it’s someone’s home. The family that lives here works tirelessly to preserve the Charleville castle, not for personal gain, but for future generations. Any money earned goes straight back into the restoration. It’s clear this is a labor of love, and without their dedication, the castle would likely be in ruins. The tour was a heartfelt and memorable experience.”
“A Warm Welcome and a Touch of History”
“I feel so lucky to have joined a tour on May 6, 2024. It’s just a short taxi ride from Tullamore train station. Bonnie, the castle’s owner and trust holder, gave us a detailed and personal tour. While some areas weren’t open due to filming contracts, the accessible parts gave a vivid glimpse of the castle’s beauty and potential once fully restored. A calico cat, the ‘Princess of the Castle,’ even greeted us! Keep in mind that tours are limited and entry is cash-only, so it’s best to confirm your visit in advance. I can’t wait to return and see how the restoration progresses!”
If you a castle lover, and interested by renting a castle then you can read How to Rent a Castle in Ireland.
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