It is said that the servant ended up in an icy cool, watery grave, the Irish castle of Lough Cutra is haunted by his presence and is called Cheeky Murray.
The history of Lough Cutra Castle and Estate dates back to old times, probably as early as 866 AD. The peaceful surroundings of the castle have witnessed the death of influential figures such as Ireland's patron saint, St. Patrick and Saint Colman MacDuagh, who is commemorated by the nearby Kilmacduagh Round Tower.
Christianity has left its mark on the property, with the remains of churches, cells and monasteries scattered throughout the immediate area. These holy places refer to the introduction of Christianity to the region.
The hills surrounding Lough Cutra bear traces of tribal conflict between the Firbolg and the Tuatha De Danann, two old Irish tribes. These conflicts continued throughout the Danish invasion, and the ruined church at Beagh stood as a earnest reminder of the confusion that once engulfed the area.
In 1678 Sir Roger O'Shaughnessy inherited the lands around Lough Cutra but faced upheaval during the revolution which led to the occupation of the Gort lands. These lands were later given to Thomas Prendergast, who planted numerous fruit trees on the islands in the lake. The land dispute continued until it finally ended with a resolution in 1753.
In the 1920s the Gough family moved out of the castle due to rising maintenance costs. During World War II, the castle and estate were occupied by Irish troops.
Over the years, ownership of Lough Cutra Castle has changed and various renovations and renovations have taken place. In 2003, significant renovation works on the roof were completed at the castle. Further renovation and rebuilding projects took place in the gatehouses and courtyards.
The Mystery of the Visitation
Amidst the historic grandeur of Lough Cutra Castle lies a tale of the supernatural. Whispers of ghostly apparitions and uncanny phenomena have haunted the castle's corridors for a long time. From unexplainable sounds to gloomy figures, some believe that the castle's long history may have left behind more than just memories.
The ghost allegedly haunting the castle is that of a former servant. Murray was working on the castle when he traversed the frozen lake one winter. The ice was too skinny, so he fell and became trapped under it.
He was rescued from the icy waters and taken to the castle, but died in one of the rooms shortly afterwards. After his death, strange things began to happen and for this reason it was decided to close the room.
Many years later, they were renovating the castle and wanted to apply the room as a bathroom. When they opened it, it was as if Murray's spirit was somehow released as they began to experience strange things like before they closed again.
He is said to be quite flirtatious, and when people notice him, women often complain that he touches them inappropriately, such as pinching their buttocks. For this reason, he was known as Cheeky Murray.
The haunted heritage of Lough Cutra Castle
Lough Cutra Castle still stands proudly on the shores of the picturesque lake, and its legends, both historical and supernatural, live on, inviting us to discover the mysterious past that lies within its walls.
While the presence of Cheeky Murray, a mischievous ghostly servant, lingers within the castle walls, renovations have breathed fresh life into the old structure. The room where Murray's spirit was trapped has been reopened, and its mysterious aura remains, inviting visitors to witness a multitude of supernatural wonders.
As the sun sets over the tranquil lake, casting a mesmerizing reflection on the castle's facade, the whispers of the past mingle with the laughter and footsteps of state-of-the-art guests. The enchanting legends of Lough Cutra Castle continue to intrigue and captivate, attracting those seeking insight into the hidden depths of history.
Reference:
Lough Cutra Castle | Haunted Galway, Ireland | Ghost Island
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