Athcarne Castle and the Ghosts from the Battlefields – Moon Mausoleum

Many battles have been fought throughout time close to Athcarne Castle and the surrounding areas. From the ruins of the once grand castle, people claim to see strange silhouettes and hear the sound of the fallen soldiers. 

In the picturesque countryside near Duleek in County Meath, Ireland, the ruins of Athcarne Castle looms with lingering mysteries that envelop this Elizabethan relic. Constructed in 1590 by the skilled hand of William Bathe, the castle would see a tumultuous journey through time, evolving and transforming before falling into abandonment and decay.

The name Athcarne likely originates from either “Áth Cairn,” signifying the Fording Point at the Cairn or burial mound, or “Ard Cairn,” meaning High Cairn. In the vicinity of the castle, there is a burial mound situated to the southeast, across the Hurley River. There is a possibility that the castle was constructed atop a cairn. A cairn is a pile of stones piled on top of each other, often to mark a burial place. These cairns, believed to be about 4,000 years old, may have been subjected to Viking raids in 861, similar to the raid on Newgrange.

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Athcarne Castle, with its imposing façade, once stood as a symbol of power and prestige in the Irish landscape. It served as a residence for its builders and their descendants and underwent a significant reconstruction in 1830. However, by the mid-20th century, the castle’s once-grand walls were left to crumble, transforming it into a haunting remnant of its former glory.

Today it is left alone with a sign telling people: “Danger Keep Out” with fences all around it, although people have still managed to slip past them. 

The Phantom of King James II

Visitors to Athcarne Castle have reported unsettling encounters that extend beyond the bounds of mere history. Figures seen at the castle’s windows invoke a sense of disquiet, as though the castle’s spectral inhabitants are ever watchful. An aura of unwelcome presence has settled over the ruins, leaving many who dare to explore with a chilling sensation of trespassing on ghostly territory.

One enduring legend ties the castle to a historical figure of great significance—King James II. It is said that King James II once laid claim to Athcarne Castle and sought refuge within its walls in 1690, as he was on route to the pivotal Battle of the Boyne. 

The Battle of the Boyne, occurring in 1690, was a significant conflict between King James II, who had been deposed, and King William III, who, alongside Queen Mary II, had ascended to the thrones of England and Scotland in 1689. This battle unfolded near the River Boyne, close to Drogheda. 

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Ultimately, William emerged victorious, thwarting James’s attempt to regain the British crown and contributing to the ongoing Protestant dominance in Ireland. This pivotal battle happened on 1 July 1690 (Old Style), resulting in William’s triumph over James’s relatively inexperienced army. Although the Williamite War in Ireland persisted until the Treaty of Limerick was signed in October 1691, James fled to France after the Battle of the Boyne and never returned.

Visitors have reported glimpses of the spectral king, standing in silent contemplation, seemingly grappling with the memory of his harrowing defeat on the battlefield.

The Guardian of Irish Freedom

According to local legend, a fierce battle between Irish and English forces unfolded on the Hill of Tara. An Irish fighter, determined to protect his homeland, concealed himself within a haystack near Athcarne Castle. As the enemy approached, he unleashed a volley of shots, but his ammunition proved insufficient. In a desperate escape, he fell victim to the flames that consumed his hiding place, and he met his end on the very spot he fought to defend.

A thistle, nature’s tribute to his bravery, sprouted where he fell, and his spirit was said to guard this sacred ground every night. The unwavering sentinel vowed not to rest until the land of Ireland found freedom.

The Ghostly Echoes of Battle

Eerie cries and mournful moans have been heard echoing through the castle’s silent chambers, haunting remnants of wounded soldiers who met their tragic end here. 

The apparition of a soldier suspended from an oak tree close to the castle casts a spectral shadow over the castle’s surroundings, serving as a poignant reminder of past conflicts. If it is the same Irish fighter as in the other legend is uncertain. But the two legends go to show just how many battles the area has been through under different kings. 

The Distressed Specter of a Young Girl

There are ghost stories from the ruins of the castle that don’t have anything to do with soldiers or kings though. Among the castle’s haunted inhabitants is the apparition of a young girl. Witnesses have described her as appearing in distress, her hands stained with blood. 

It was one of the workers there that told the tale and described her as: “A demented girl with blood covered hands.”

The circumstances of her untimely demise remain shrouded in mystery, leaving behind an enigma that continues to captivate the imaginations of those who encounter her spectral presence.

The Hauntings of Athcarne Castle

Athcarne Castle, with its rich history and spectral lore, stands as a testament to the enduring mysteries of the past. Amidst its crumbling stones and whispered legends, the echoes of Elizabethan intrigue and haunted spirits beckon those who dare to explore its storied ruins. Here, history and myth converge, inviting us to glimpse into the enigmatic and ghostly past of Athcarne Castle.

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