Constructed in the early 1500s, the castle was originally named Leim Ui Bhanain meaning "Leap of the O'Bannons," a reference to the Irish chieftain who first occupied it. But legend has it that even before the castle's construction, two of the O'Bannon brothers challenged another ruling family, known as the O'Carrolls, to a duel. Whoever survived jumping off the rocky outcrop where the new castle was supposed to be built would live in the palace as the area's foremost ruling family. One of them died in the process.
The O'Carrolls were allegedly also known for their extreme violence. When the O'Carrolls occupied the palace in 1532, it is said that one of the sons stabbed his brother, who was a priest, to death. The murder took place inside the castle's chapel which is now known as the Bloody Chapel.
Leap castle was apparently also built on a known initiation site for druids, who were an ancient Celtic class of religious leaders. The druids allegedly believed that the area was within the crossing of the so-called Ley Lines, which demarcated the realms of the living and spiritual.
As such, there have been a number of supernatural sightings at the ancient castle. For instance, there are the ghosts of Emily and Charlotte, who allegedly lived on the estate during the 1600s. The ghosts of these two little girls are sometimes said to be seen playing in the main hall.
But there is also an insidious spirit that allegedly inhabits the castle. Simply known as "the Elemental," this demonic presence is said to date back to the time of the druids and appears whenever it is provoked. With so many ghostly occupants, it's no wonder why Leap frequently ranks among the most haunted castles in Europe.
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