Leamaneh Castle

The "ghost lady" of Leamaneh Castle, Máire Rua O'Brien (also known as " Red Mary " because of her fiery red hair), is one of the most infamous and mysterious figures in Irish folklore and history. Máire Rua was born around 1615 to a noble family in County Clare. She married three times, including to Conor O'Brien of Leamaneh Castle . Through her marriages and strategic choices, she managed to preserve her estates during a period of great unrest in Ireland. She was known for her domineering personality and ruthless behavior, both toward enemies and her servants. Stories tell of her hanging servants who displeased her and of her harsh treatment of unwanted visitors. Legend has it that many husbands disappeared under mysterious circumstances—sometimes murder or other sinister practices are involved, though these elements are largely attributable to oral traditions and horror stories.

After her death in 1686 , the stories and myths surrounding Máire Rua continued to grow. Leamaneh Castle , situated on the edge of the Burren , fell into disrepair and is now known as one of Ireland's most haunted places . Legend has it that Máire Rua's ghost still haunts the castle and its surroundings. She is said to wander the ruins at night, sometimes in anger, sometimes in grief—seeking lost power or retribution. Visitors sometimes claim to sense her presence, and it is a popular stop for fans of ghost stories and Irish folklore.

Pascal Brackman