11 Spooky Places in Waterford for a Halloween Scare

As the sun sets and the autumn mist drapes itself over the south-east coast, County Waterford reveals a quieter side of its heritage: ruin, shadow and whispering legend. Whether you believe in ghosts or simply love a good historic chill, here are eleven locations that fuel the imagination this Halloween.

1. Ballysaggartmore Towers (near Lismore)

Once the lavish gateway to a grand estate, the fairytale-gothic towers of Ballysaggartmore now stand abandoned in the woods. Built by Arthur Kiely-Ussher to impress his wife, their extravagance bankrupted him — and legend says his restless spirit still roams the forest path at dusk. Visitors speak of a heavy silence beneath the arches, as if the forest remembers.

2. Greyfriars Abbey (Waterford City)

One of the city’s oldest monastic sites, the ruined abbey cloisters and graveyard hold echoes of medieval devotion and centuries of change. It appears listed among haunted-location directories around Waterford.

3. The Haunted Well, Tramore

Just outside Tramore, folk-stories tell of a well where a woman was suffocated in the early 1900s and where spirits are said to linger. A dark spot, often referenced in local online forums as being genuinely unsettling after dusk.

4. Comeragh Mountains (County Waterford)

High in the misty folds of the Comeraghs lies the cave-hideout of William Crotty, the 18th-century highwayman. His presence lingers in local legend — a ghostly rider or a sudden drop in temperature at dusk.

5. Dunnore House / N25 near Dungarvan

Rumours among locals speak of a house where generational misfortune seems to cling, vehicles mysteriously fail at night and residents move out soon after arrival.

6. Waterford Treasures – Dark History Tour (Waterford City)

For a guided experience, this 90-minute tour walks you through the city’s darkest corners — vampires, murderers, wraiths from Waterford’s past make an appearance.

7. Mothel Abbey (Village of Mothel)

A 6th-century Augustinian site turned ruin; the south wall, transepts and grave slabs still stand. Ruined abbeys often harbour a sense of quiet sorrow — make of that what you will.

8. Ballyvoile Tunnel, Waterford Greenway

Locals say the old railway tunnel near Ballyvoile still echoes with the ghosts of its steam-train days. The air grows cold halfway through, and travellers sometimes hear phantom footsteps or distant whistles that fade into the darkness.

9. Ballyduff House Ruins (near Lismore)

Hidden among trees near the Blackwater, the ruins of Ballyduff House are said to be haunted by the Lady in Grey, who appears on stormy nights overlooking the river.

10. Carroll’s Cross haunted house (N25, Co. Waterford)

Driving between Waterford and Kilmeaden, the old house at Carroll’s Cross carries a reputation. Locals speak of a tree where nothing grows and of restless energy around the house.

11. Ardmore – Whiting Bay / Glencairn Beach (Coastal County Waterford)

A place of twilight and sea-mist. On the water, fishermen once told of a silent boat that vanished, and on shore the old ghost-stories of “Nellie Flemming” still swim in memory.

Tips for your spooky tour

• Some of these sites are private or remote — check access before you go, and respect local landowners.

• Bring a torch, wear sturdy shoes and maybe a light jacket — autumn evenings get chilly.

• Ghost-stories or not, the atmosphere of these places after dark is full of history and mood — the real “scare” may be the quiet, the past stirring around you.

• If you’re planning to visit supposed haunted pubs or bars, go with friends and check opening hours.

Whether you’re a believer in the paranormal or simply fascinated by the layers of history, this Halloween let County Waterford show its shadow side. From island castles to misty mountain hideouts, the county holds more stories after dark than you might expect. Happy haunting!