A servant girl working at Skryne Castle was brutally murdered by a spurned suitor. Now it is said that her haunted screams are heard throughout the castle as she constantly replays her last terrified moments in her mind.
In the midst of the Irish countryside and a stone’s throw from the legendary Hill of Tara stands the imposing Skryne Castle. This three-storey 12th century structure bears witness to centuries of history and has its own share of chilling ghost stories woven into its antique stones.
The castle was built around 1172-1175 by the knight Adam de Feipo, who was granted the land by Henry II of England. Eight centuries later the estate is still held by direct descendants, the Dunsanys.
Today, Skryne Castle offers visitors the chance to immerse themselves in the past as it is available for self-catering hire. However, beneath its serene exterior, the castle conceals incredible tales of its ghostly inhabitants.
The Legend of Lilith Palmerston
One of the most well-documented ghost stories associated with Skryne Castle revolves around the tragic figure of Lilith Palmerston. She worked as a maid at the castle in 1740.
A neighboring landowner and widower, Phelim Sellers, had feelings for Lilith, but when she rejected his advances, his infatuation took a gloomy turn. Sellers, driven by his desires, attempted to attack Lilith. However, her cries for lend a hand reached the ears of quick-thinking servants, who intervened and saved her from her attacker's clutches.
Lilith's Fatal Fall
Darker rumours circulate, suggesting that Sellers may have been involved in his own wife's earlier death. Fearing further advances from Sellers, Lilith plans to flee to Dublin. Upon learning of her plans, Sellers confronted her again, but this time Lilith was alone and defenseless.
Legend has it that Sellers forced foxgloves down Lilith's throat and killed her. Realizing the gravity of his crime, Sellers fled the scene. However, justice caught up with him and he was eventually caught, tried, and hanged for the murder of Lilith Palmerston.
Lilith's haunting presence
Today, Skryne Castle is haunted by the ghost of Lilith Palmerston. She appears as a ghostly lady in white, her ethereal form fleeing the castle, clutching her throat, forever reliving the horror of her final moments.
Lilith's terrifying screams echo through the castle's corridors, a poignant reminder of her tragic end.
Unexplained footsteps echo throughout the estate, evoking the presence of Lilith or perhaps her vengeful attacker, Phelim Sellers. Witnesses have also described an encounter with a mysterious, obese male figure dressed in clothing reminiscent of the 18th century.
The Nun, the Tall Man, and the Dog
The ghosts of Skryne Castle do not end with Lilith. Some visitors have reported sightings of a ghostly nun whose noiseless presence mysteriously disappears after being noticed.
Rumor had it that a statuesque man, often accompanied by a ghostly hunting dog, roamed the castle grounds. However, these apparitions have recently become elusive and little is known about the two reported ghosts.
The Lasting Legacy of the Skryne Castle Hauntings
Skryne Castle, with its opulent history and ghostly inhabitants, offers a unique window into Ireland's past. From the tragic tale of Lilith Palmerston to the mysterious apparitions that continue to fascinate the imagination, the castle's stone walls seem to hold echoes of centuries past.
For those seeking a fusion of history and the supernatural, Skryne Castle stands as a testament to Ireland's enduring legacy of haunted past, where the past and the paranormal intersect in eerie harmony.
References:
Scary Irish Castles and Houses Halloween Irish Culture and Customs
Skryne Castle | Haunted Meath, Ireland | Spirited Isle
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