Scare Week - Shankill Castle

The final destination for Scare Week was Shankill Castle in Paulstown, Kilkenny. It was built near the ruins of an old church and has gone through many developments over the years. Each new generation brings new stories and the present day family are the Copes, most notably the famed artist Elizabeth Cope who is the lady of the house.

What made Shankill Castle different for us was that this time we’d be taking in the ghost tour, whereas in the other locations we’d been talked through the location, been given the stories and shot the footage we needed to shoot. This time, we were going to experience what the guests on the tours experienced and we were certainly excited.

The tour is led by Sybil Cope who actually lives in the house. She’s a fantastic story teller who keeps you hanging on every word which makes the scares even more frightening. You’re so engrossed with what Sybil is saying that you simply can’t predict that something is going to jump out on you.

You’re brought all through the house and learn of the various sightings that have been made. The children’s room in the attic is so eerie and creepy and by the time we got to the kitchen, Trish had enough and needed a break. We rejoined the tour as it headed out into the garden to see the ruins of the old church and this part was terrifying. Noises, howling, people screaming, chainsaws. The whole experience left us scared and shaken.

Of course the tour is pure entertainment but don’t let that fool you. There are ghosts in Shankill Castle and Sybil’s tales make you anxious to get a glimpse of something. Overall, it was a fascinating experience which we recommend you take in this Halloween season.

www.shankillcastle.com