Whether you’re looking for a Halloween stay you’ll never forget or the chance to experience the paranormal year-round, there are many haunted stays across the globe that offer just that. The brave and adventurous can stay in anything from a haunted log cabin to a luxurious mansion or even a castle. Book any one of these and you’re likely to come back with plenty of stories to tell.
Ross Castle - County Meath, Ireland
A popular castle stay in Europe, Ross Castle offers an authentic castle stay in a real medieval structure, unlike those that have been transformed to cater only to luxury travelers. While there are plenty of perks, the biggest is that you’ll feel as if you’ve gone back in time to the 16th-century. It was built in 1563 and many guests have reported bizarre happenings that eventually led to its reputation as a ghost hunter’s paradise. While nothing harmful has occurred, in modern times anyway, you might hear the heavy old doors open or shut on their own, the whisper of voices, or even the presence of someone sitting next to you in bed. There are seven bedrooms that can be rented individually, three of which are in the Tower.
Parks-Bowman Mansion: The Haunted Bedroom - New Orleans, Louisiana
This third-floor private room in the Parks-Bowman Mansion is often ranked among the top haunted Airbnb locations. Located in the heart of the Garden District, it includes a private balcony with sweeping views of New Orleans. The owners casually describe the ghost as “a young girl in a yellow dress from the 1890s,” and some of the reported experiences have included guests that say they heard tiny footsteps dancing around the bed all night, sounding as if they were just a few feet away.
Haunted Bedroom - Great Dunmow, United Kingdom
Located inside the Tallinston House, this haunted master bedroom sits within what’s been called “Britain’s Most Extraordinary Home.” Decorated in Scottish art nouveau style, it recreates in nightmarish detail the bed-chamber of a seven-year-old Edwardian child, including books, toys and ephemera. It’s said that a boy of that age died here during the period and continues to stay. When you book, you’ll not only spend the night in the room, but will be guaranteed exclusive use of the entire house, including a kitchen, Victorian living room and dining room, and gardens for the duration of your stay.
Live like a King - Galway, Ireland
Cahercastle dates back nearly 600 years and offers an authentic Irish castle experience. You can live like a king in a 15th-century castle, complete with cobwebs and ghosts as it’s said to be one of the most haunted in Ireland. Enjoy picturesque views from its highest room, with guests enjoying full use of the top two floors which include the master bedroom, living room, huge fireplace, a kitchen and bath set within the fairytale-like stone walls.
Historic Civil War Farm House - Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
This farmhouse is part of the David Stewart Farm, located in Gettysburg, used as a civil war field hospital immediately after the Battle of Gettysburg. Superhost Stephani claims, “I will be your only “living” host, but there are many others who reside with me.” She does say that the ghosts are friendly and after living here for 36 years, she has plenty of stories to tell. Two guests can stay in a large sunny bedroom, with a number available for groups of up to four.
Medieval Tower Apartment - Tuscany, Italy
Located in an ancient building that dates back to 1200 AD, complete with furniture from the period, this medieval tower delivers when it comes to a unique stay. You’ll not only have a beautiful view of the Eggiano’s hilltop old town, but with so many having stayed here over the centuries, it’s no surprise that some didn’t want to leave. While it’s been renovated, many of the original materials were preserved from the terracotta floor to the timber beam ceilings. The two-level apartment can accommodate up to six and includes a kitchen with a wood-burning fireplace and a dining room for enjoying your meals with an incredible view of the Tuscan hills.
Laura's Cottage - Savannah, Georgia
The one-bedroom cottage in Savannah was built in 1799 and appeared in 2010’s mystery, “The Conspirator,” starring Robert Redford. It sits in the world-famous Landmark District where you can watch the horse-drawn carriages clip-clop by and has also been rumored to have a ghost. “Laura,” who lived here for 50 years before passing, is said to roam around opening windows and flickering the lights.
Craigston Castle - Aberdeen, Scotland
Not only can you live out your dreams of staying in a real-life castle, be aware that this one is full of dark secrets with a rather creepy past. A traditional Scottish tower house, it was built in 1607 and includes five bedrooms, each of which is unique with much of the original furniture still in use. An exorcism was once performed in the Red Room, so-called for its red wallpaper, and guests have reported hearing screams in the middle of the night. In addition to the odd happenings, guests can take advantage of whisky tastings, chef-prepared meals, and relaxing in the drawing room with an open fire.
Conroy's Old Bar, The Worlds 1st Self Catering Pub
Conroy’s Old Bar is said to be the very first self-catering pub and while it doesn’t come with alcohol today, you’re welcome to bring your own. Expect to enjoy plenty of character and charm in a real slice of Irish history, complete with ghost stories. It has an open fireplace, an original mahogany bar and bar pumps, a full kitchen, dartboard and a large beer garden. Chickens provide guests with fresh eggs for breakfast and, about a 45-minute drive away is one of Ireland’s most haunted locations, Leap Castle.
