Everything about Charleville Forest Castle, what it is, and its history.

Buried in the woods next to Tullamore, Ireland, Charleville Castle is well-known for its mysterious charm and long history.
Loaded with Gothic Revival style and years of tales—both true and fabricated—this grand building astonishes visitors from around the world. Whether you love history, appreciate old architecture, or enjoy ghost stories, Charleville Castle will impress you.

I’m going to guide you through the castle’s origins, its architectural style, the folk tales surrounding it, and what you can experience if you visit. Plus, I’ll share a unique fact at the end that you probably won’t find anywhere else.

Where Is Charleville Castle?

Charleville Castle is located in Tullamore, County Offaly, right in the heart of Ireland’s midlands. The castle is surrounded by Charleville Forest, a sprawling ancient oak woodland that lends a mystical quality to the entire estate.

Location:
The castle is located in Tullamore, Co. Offaly, Ireland, and is called Charleville Castle.

Official Website

One of the Greatest Examples of Gothic Revival Architecture

Beginning in 1798 and completed in 1812, Charleville Castle is a fine example of the Gothic Revival style. Francis Johnston, an illustrious Irish architect, was in charge of designing and constructing the library.

You’ll notice that the castle is influenced by the medieval period in its towers, pointed arches, and battlements. Detailed plasterwork on the ceilings, sweeping staircases, and a grand entrance are clear signs of Johnston’s artistry.

The Bury Family: The Original Settlers

The castle was constructed for Charles William Bury, the 1st Earl of Charleville, who inherited enormous holdings–many of them as a newborn—after his father’s untimely death, including the town of Tullamore.

When Charles came of age, he was determined to restore the estate and its town after a tragic fire, which, remarkably, was started by a hot-air balloon accident in 1785. Together with his wife, Catherine Maria Bury, he commissioned the castle as a family residence that would reflect their status.

Eventually, the estate included over 24,000 acres, making it one of the grandest in Ireland.

The King Oak Tree

Right before you enter the estate is the King Oak, estimated to be between 400 and 800 years old, and considered one of the oldest trees in Ireland. Folklore holds that if a branch from this ancient oak falls, a member of the Bury family will soon die.

In 1963, the tree was struck by lightning and split in half. Not long after, Colonel Charles Howard-Bury, the then-owner of the estate, passed away. Whether coincidence or curse, the King Oak remains one of Ireland’s most famous trees and finished third in the 2013 European Tree of the Year contest.

Druidic Connections

Before Charleville Castle ever stood on these grounds, the ancient oak forest was said to be a gathering place for Druids—the high priests and priestesses of Celtic society. The peaceful and beautiful forest might have been used for sacred ceremonies in ancient times; however, there is no concrete evidence to support this.

Tales of the Druids are part of local folklore and continue to add an intriguing layer to the estate’s history.

The Castle’s Interior Is an Interesting Place to Explore

As soon as you step through the doors, you find yourself in a grand entrance hall with an ornate staircase in the center and a shining chandelier hanging from the detailed plaster ceiling overhead.

The dining room especially stands out, as it was redecorated by renowned textile artist William Morris in 1860. His intricate stenciled ceiling is still on display, and many of the original ornamental details survive throughout the house, despite decades of neglect.

The castle’s rooms exude the grandeur of 19th-century Irish aristocracy—from tall, pointed archways to carved fireplaces and luxurious decorative finishes.

Paranormal Tales: Harriet’s Ghost and Other Stories

Charleville Castle is known as one of the most haunted places in Ireland. The most well-known ghost is that of Harriet, who was just eight years old when she died in 1861 after falling from the banister of the main staircase.

Visitors to the museum report feeling sudden chills, hearing unexpected giggles, and seeing a young girl dressed in blue and white near the staircase. Investigators have captured images of strange smoke, monk-like figures, disembodied voices, and an eerie sense of dread in certain areas.

The Mysterious Cave

The castle never served as a prison, but it does have a basement that resembles a dungeon. According to legend, the 1st Earl of Charleville performed occult rituals at Sandford Park, and an unusual altar was discovered during recent restoration efforts.

Volunteers and ghost hunters alike have reported unsettling encounters and a menacing presence lurking in the depths beneath the castle. Whether fact or fiction, it’s a must-see for thrill-seekers visiting the estate.

Tours and Visiting Information

Charleville Castle is open to the public for private tours and events. However, as it is run by the Charleville Castle Heritage Trust—a non-profit, volunteer-led organization—tours are not available daily.

To book a visit:
📧 Email: info@charlevillecastle.ie
📞 Phone: +353 (0)57 9323040

It’s best to arrange your tour in advance via email or phone.

Unique Fact You Might Not Know

Here’s something most people don’t realize: Charleville Castle served as a filming location for the hit TV series The Tudors and also featured in several paranormal TV documentaries, including Most Haunted.

Although this castle is famous for its ghosts, it remains largely undiscovered by tourists, which has left Charleville Castle—as opposed to Leap Castle—a hidden treasure among Ireland’s historical sites.

Lastly I would say

Charleville Castle is not only a stately home but also a place that allows you to explore Irish history, unique architecture, and ancient legends. Because of its striking appearance, rich background, and lingering mysteries, it’s a destination every curious traveler should consider.

Whether you’re searching for Gothic Revival architecture, forests filled with centuries-old trees, or a spine-tingling ghost story, Charleville Castle has something for you.