The Ghosts of Charleville Castle: when an Irish castle becomes a Netflix star

The Charleville castle - © andrew

If there’s one place that epitomizes the mystery and magic of Ireland, it’s Charleville Castle, located in Tullamore, County Offaly. This neo-Gothic masterpiece of the XIXᵉ century, surrounded by dense forest and often shrouded in mist, is now one of the most haunted castles in the world. And the icing on the cake: it has just been thrust into the spotlight thanks to Netflix, which filmed several scenes there for Tim Burton’s acclaimed Wednesday series.

A castle whose stories would thrill even the most skeptical…

A setting worthy of dark tales

Built between 1798 and 1812 by Charles William Bury, Charleville Castle impresses with its crenellated towers, grand vaulted rooms and endless corridors where, it is said, you can hear more than the wind. The long-abandoned castle is a jewel of neo-Gothic architecture, blending medieval influences with Romantic extravagance.

Netflix didn’t choose this location by chance: its murky atmosphere and changing natural light provided the perfect backdrop for Wednesday’s darkest scenes. Attentive viewers will also have noticed that certain rooms in the castle, notably the great hall and main staircase, were used to recreate the atmosphere of Nevermore Academy.

Apparitions that thrill visitors

But Charleville Castle’s fascination lies not only in its architecture. Above all, it owes its reputation to a long series of… paranormal stories. The most famous concerns Harriet, the young daughter of the Earl of Charleville, who died tragically by falling down the stairwell in the XIXᵉ century. Since then, several witnesses have claimed to have heard her childish laughter echoing at night, or glimpsed her silhouette in a white dress at the bend in a corridor.

Numerous ghost hunters, TV shows and paranormal investigation groups have conducted on-site investigations. Some swear to having captured strange phenomena: whispered voices, unexplained lights, even doors slamming without a draft. In short, an ideal playground for thrill-seekers.

Between heritage and modernity: a living castle

Today, Charleville Castle is more than just a film set or ghost lair. Managed by passionate volunteers, the building regularly hosts guided tours, festivals, concerts and even spiritual retreats. Funds raised go towards its restoration, as the castle remains fragile in the face of Irish humidity and the passage of time.

It’s also a favorite with photography enthusiasts and travelers in search of original experiences. Spending a night here (during special events) promises memories… bordering on the supernatural.

Tourism revival thanks to Netflix

Since the worldwide release of Wednesday, attendance at the castle has literally exploded. Visitors from all over the world now come to Tullamore to walk in the footsteps of the famous Gothic heroine. Local hotels and B&Bs are sold out at weekends, and the town is enjoying a veritable boom in tourism.

Netflix has unwittingly given a second life to this forgotten gem. The once-silent castle once again resonates with the footsteps of the curious. A fitting tribute to Harriet, whose childlike laughter seems to accompany this rebirth.

Practical information for travellers

Charleville Castle is just 1.5 hours’ drive from Dublin, and can be reached by train from Tullamore. Visits are possible from April to October, but it’s advisable to book in advance, especially during the Halloween period when the place is transformed into a veritable theater of thrills.

For Netflix fans or those with a passion for strange stories, it’s a not-to-be-missed detour on a road trip to the heart of Central Ireland, between mystery, culture and wild beauty.