Nestled on the outskirts of Tullamore in County Offaly, Charleville Castle is one of Ireland’s finest examples of Gothic Revival architecture. With its striking towers resembling chess pieces—a King and Queen watching over the forest—it’s no surprise that many say the castle looks like a chess set brought to life.
A Gift of History: From Royal Grants to Gothic Grandeur
The ancient oak woodland surrounding Charleville Castle adds to its majestic setting. These lands were a gift from Queen Elizabeth I in 1577 to the Moore family, specifically the first Earl of Charleville. Today, one of the oldest oak trees in Ireland, known as the King Oak, still stands on the estate—over 900 years old and a silent witness to centuries of Irish history.
When the Moore family line lacked a male heir, the estate passed to Charles William Bury, the grand-nephew of the last Earl. At just six months old, he inherited the lands. Later, in 1797, Charles became Baron Tullamore and, alongside his talented wife Lady Catherine Maria Bury, envisioned building a castle that would become one of the most iconic landmarks in Ireland.
Inspired by Lady Bury’s sketches, the couple commissioned Sir Francis Johnston, famed architect of the General Post Office and Chapel Royal in Dublin, to bring the design to life. Construction began in 1798 and took 14 years to complete, using the craftsmanship of local Irish artisans.
Architectural Significance
Charleville Castle is a masterpiece of Gothic Revival style and stands as a symbol of a celebratory era in British-Irish history, marking Britain's victory over the third French Revolutionary expedition to Ireland.
At its peak, the estate spanned over 24,000 acres, but as time passed, the castle fell into disrepair and neglect, especially after 1912 when it was no longer regularly occupied.
A Legacy Passed Down
Eventually, the estate passed to Lady Emily Howard-Bury, and later to her son Colonel Charles Howard-Bury, a renowned explorer and member of the first British Mount Everest reconnaissance expedition in 1921. However, he chose not to live in the vast castle, preferring a simpler residence, leaving Charleville Castle to the care of a small staff.
Upon his death in 1963, the castle was abandoned and lost its roof by 1968.
Restoration and Preservation
In 1971, restoration work began under the direction of Michael McMullen, supported by Constance Heavy Seaquist and Bridget Bonnie Vance. Today, Charleville Castle is managed by the Charleville Castle Heritage Trust, a volunteer-run charitable organization with global supporters dedicated to its preservation.
Charleville Castle in Film and Pop Culture
Thanks to its unique and atmospheric interiors, Charleville Castle has served as a filming location for major period dramas such as:
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Northanger Abbey (2007)
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Becoming Jane (2007)
Its haunted reputation has also drawn interest from numerous paranormal investigators. The castle has been featured on:
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Most Haunted
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Ghost Hunters International
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Spooked Ireland
The Ghosts of Charleville Castle
Charleville Castle is often listed among Ireland’s most haunted places. The most well-known spirit is Harriet, the 8-year-old daughter of the 3rd Earl of Charleville, who tragically died in April 1861 after falling from the staircase while sliding down the bannisters. Visitors often report feeling sudden cold spots or catching glimpses of a young girl playing hide and seek near the stairs.
Harriet is sometimes seen in the company of a mysterious little boy, though his identity remains unknown.
Some believe that the ancient grounds, once potentially used by druids for spiritual practices, contribute to the castle’s paranormal activity. With the ancient King Oak tree still standing strong in the garden, it's not hard to imagine the layers of history—and mystery—that linger on the estate.
Plan Your Visit
Whether you're a history enthusiast, architecture lover, or paranormal investigator, Charleville Castle offers a unique experience unlike any other in Ireland.
🕯️ Explore Gothic architecture.
🌳 Walk among ancient oaks.
👻 Discover Ireland’s most haunted castle.
