Leap Castle Tours



Every year Leap Castle attracts thousands of visitors from all over the world, drawn by mysterious stories of dreadful deeds and eerie apparitions.

Located in Birr in County Offaly, the fortress was originally the home of the powerful O’Carroll family. Sitting in a commanding position facing the Great Pass through the Slieve Bloom Mountains to the province of Munster, it was built in 1250 to act as the family’s main stronghold.

The castle, with walls nine feet thick, is said to have witnessed a number of gory murders over the centuries. One of the most gruesome took place in 1532 in a room now known as the Bloody Chapel. A bitter dispute came to an end when one of the O’Carrolls drove a sword into the back of a priest as he held mass - the priest was the murderer’s brother and the victim is said to haunt the chapel to this day.

In 1922, workmen uncovered a secret dungeon full of human skeletons amassed on top of wooden spikes. It is thought they were probably prisoners sent to their deaths via a trap door. A horrific act of treachery also saw an entire 40-strong clan poisoned to death even though its members had helped the O’Carrolls in battle.

However, the castle’s most famous, and most evil, supernatural resident is an elemental spirit whose apparition is said to be accompanied by the rotting stench of a decomposing corpse and the smell of sulphur.

Plan a trip to see Leap Castle

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Point A Liberties
Hotel Riu Plaza The Gresham Dublin
Camden Court Hotel

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Leap Castle

County Arms Birr

County Arms Birr

4 out of 5
Moorpark, Birr, Offaly
County Arms Birr
The Ring Farmhouse

The Ring Farmhouse

3 out of 5
The Ring, Birr, Offaly
The Ring Farmhouse
Racket Hall Country House

Racket Hall Country House

3 out of 5
Dublin Rd, Roscrea, Tipperary
Racket Hall Country House
Kinnitty Castle Hotel

Kinnitty Castle Hotel

4 out of 5
Kinnitty, Kinnitty, Offaly
Kinnitty Castle Hotel
Elegant  townhouse steps from historic Birr Castle Demense

Elegant townhouse steps from historic Birr Castle Demense

Birr
Elegant townhouse steps from historic Birr Castle Demense
A gardener's cottage tucked away in the corner of an old country house estate.

A gardener's cottage tucked away in the corner of an old country house estate.

Mountrath
A gardener's cottage tucked away in the corner of an old country house estate.
Beautiful Cottage Full of Art & Atmosphere

Beautiful Cottage Full of Art & Atmosphere

Templemore
Beautiful Cottage Full of Art & Atmosphere
Apartment 3 Bedroom Banagher Town Centre

Apartment 3 Bedroom Banagher Town Centre

3.5 out of 5
Birr
Apartment 3 Bedroom Banagher Town Centre
Apartment 3 bedroom banagher town centre

Apartment 3 bedroom banagher town centre

banagher
Apartment 3 bedroom banagher town centre
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Leap Castle

Near Leap Castle, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities such as jazz music and golf. Key attractions include castle events, the Giant Leap experience, open house days, and an exciting castle festival. Don't miss the chance to take a guided tour to explore the rich history and haunting tales of this fascinating site.

Shopping

For a great shopping experience near Leap Castle, visit Banagher Town Centre, located 13 miles away, offering a mix of family-friendly shops. If you're up for a drive, Athlone Towncentre, 28 miles away, features a vibrant atmosphere with a variety of stores perfect for souvenirs.

Recreation

Experience the scenic Roscrea Golf Club, just 5 miles from Leap Castle, where you can enjoy a day on the greens surrounded by nature. Birr Golf Club, 8 miles away, offers a similar outdoor vibe, while Templemore Golf Club, located 16 miles from Leap, provides a tranquil setting for golf enthusiasts.

Nightlife

Your night near Leap Castle can start with excitement at Athlone Leisure World, an arcade adventure zone 28 miles away, perfect for families. For a cultural experience, check out Punchbag Theatre, located 17 miles away, offering a romantic atmosphere and engaging performances.

Find the best attractions near Leap Castle

When visiting Leap Castle in County Offaly, you'll find a variety of attractions that cater to all interests, from history buffs to outdoor enthusiasts. Explore the hauntingly beautiful Leap Castle itself, including its intriguing interior, and discover nearby parks and historic sites that showcase the rich culture of the area. Experience the thrill of exploring one of Ireland's most famous haunted castles and immerse yourself in the captivating stories that surround it.

  • Birr Castle: Located 7 miles from Leap Castle, Birr Castle is a stunning blend of romance and culture, featuring beautifully landscaped gardens and impressive architecture. It's a perfect spot for history buffs and those looking to explore Ireland's rich heritage.
  • Slieve Bloom: About 6 miles away, Slieve Bloom is a family-friendly park that offers eco-friendly outdoor adventures. With its stunning trails and natural scenery, it’s ideal for hiking, picnicking, and enjoying the great outdoors with loved ones.
  • Slieve Bloom Display Centre: Situated 6 miles from Leap Castle, this museum showcases the cultural heritage of the Slieve Bloom region. Visitors can explore engaging exhibits that highlight local history and traditions.

Best time to go to Leap Castle

Visitor numbers around Leap Castle is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Leap Castle can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Leap Castle falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Leap Castle falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January40.1°F (4.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February41.0°F (5.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March42.6°F (5.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
April46.4°F (8.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
May51.3°F (10.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
June56.3°F (13.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
July58.6°F (14.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
August57.7°F (14.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
September54.7°F (12.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
October50.2°F (10.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
November44.2°F (6.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
December41.2°F (5.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Leap Castle

To save money on your trip to Leap Castle, consider visiting between January and March when accommodation prices are lower, and aim for a Monday stay to avoid higher Saturday rates. Use Expedia to compare hotel prices and filter for eco-certified options. Bundle your hotel, flights, and activities for extra savings, and join the One Key membership for exclusive discounts and future cash rewards. Additionally, utilize public transport for affordable travel around the area, and take advantage of free outdoor activities to enhance your experience without breaking the bank.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Leap Castle are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Leap Castle is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Leap Castle is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool makes it easy to choose your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can organize your results to display prices from lowest to highest, ensuring you see the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type—if you select the "Eco-certified" filter, you'll find a selection of sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your Leap Castle hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.