The Ghosts of Loftus Hall: Ireland’s Most Haunted House



Nestled on the windswept Hook Peninsula in County Wexford, Ireland, Loftus Hall is infamous as one of the most haunted locations in the country. With a history of tragedy, betrayal, and eerie paranormal occurrences, the abandoned mansion has become a legendary hotspot for ghost hunters and supernatural enthusiasts.

The History of Loftus Hall

The origins of Loftus Hall date back to the 14th century, when it was first built by the Redmond family during the Norman invasion of Ireland. However, in 1650, during Oliver Cromwell’s conquest, the house was seized and given to the Loftus family, who expanded it into the grand mansion that stands today. While the house changed hands multiple times over the centuries, it was during the 18th century that the infamous legend of Loftus Hall’s haunting took root—one that continues to chill visitors to this day.

The Devil’s Visit: The Legend of Loftus Hall

According to legend, in the mid-1700s, Anne Tottenham, the daughter of the Loftus family, experienced a terrifying encounter that would seal the house’s reputation as a place of supernatural horror. One stormy night, a mysterious stranger arrived at Loftus Hall, seeking shelter from the storm. The Loftus family welcomed him in, offering hospitality and a seat at their evening card game. As the night wore on, Anne found herself drawn to the stranger, who had an unsettling yet irresistible presence.

Then, in a moment of horror, Anne dropped a playing card and bent down to retrieve it. As she did, she glanced under the table and saw that the stranger had cloven hooves instead of feet. Anne screamed in terror, and the stranger suddenly revealed his true form—a demonic entity. With an unearthly roar, the figure burst into flames and shot through the ceiling, leaving behind a gaping hole that supposedly remains to this day. The encounter left Anne traumatized and mentally unstable. She was locked away in the Tapestry Room, where she spent the rest of her days in isolation, refusing to eat or speak, until she died a tragic and lonely death.

Ghostly Encounters at Loftus Hall

The ghost of Anne Tottenham is said to still haunt the halls of Loftus Hall, her restless spirit lingering within the decaying mansion. Over the years, numerous reports of paranormal activity have fueled the mansion’s eerie reputation.

Anne’s Spirit in the Tapestry Room

Visitors to Loftus Hall have reported seeing a pale, spectral woman in the Tapestry Room, where Anne was confined. Many describe a heavy, sorrowful atmosphere, and some have even heard soft weeping or whispers in the darkness.

The Devil’s Shadow

Some witnesses claim to have seen a dark, shadowy figure lurking in the corners of the house, believed to be the spirit of the demonic visitor who terrified Anne centuries ago. Others have reported unexplained scratches, objects moving on their own, and sudden temperature drops.

Mysterious Knockings and Disembodied Voices

Multiple ghost hunters and paranormal investigators have captured EVPs (electronic voice phenomena) featuring voices whispering in response to questions. Loud bangs, knocking, and even ghostly laughter have also been heard in the dead of night.

The Phantom Horse

A ghostly horse and carriage has been seen approaching the house, only to vanish into thin air—a spectral echo of the night the mysterious visitor arrived.

Loftus Hall Today: A Haunted Destination

Loftus Hall remained abandoned for many years, adding to its eerie allure. It briefly opened for paranormal tours, drawing ghost hunters and thrill-seekers from around the world. The mansion’s chilling atmosphere, combined with its tragic history, continues to make it one of Ireland’s most famous haunted locations. Though Loftus Hall was recently sold to new owners, the question remains: Will Anne Tottenham ever find peace, or will her tormented spirit remain forever trapped within the mansion’s walls?