The Haunted Lough Cutra Castle

After a servant ended in an ice cold watery grave, Lough Cutra Castle in Ireland is said to be haunted by his presence and is called Cheeky Murray.

The history of Lough Cutra Castle and Estate dates back to ancient times, possibly as early as 866 AD. The castle’s serene surroundings have witnessed the passage of influential figures like Ireland’s patron saint, Saint Patrick, and Saint Colman MacDuagh, who is commemorated by the nearby Kilmacduagh round tower.

Christianity left its mark on the estate, with remnants of churches, cells, and monasteries scattered across the immediate grounds. These holy sites harken back to the introduction of Christianity to the region.

The hills surrounding Lough Cutra bear the scars of tribal conflicts between the Firbolgs and the Tuatha De Danann, two ancient Irish tribes. These conflicts persisted through the Danish invasion, with the ruined church of Beagh as a solemn reminder of the turmoil that once engulfed the area.

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In 1678, Sir Roger O’Shaughnessy inherited the lands around Lough Cutra but faced upheaval during a revolution that led to the seizure of Gort lands. These lands were later presented to Thomas Prendergast, who planted numerous fruit trees on the islands within the lake. The land dispute continued, eventually culminating in a resolution in 1753.

After a servant ended in an ice cold watery grave, Lough Cutra Castle in Ireland is said to be haunted by his presence and is called Cheeky Murray. — **Lough Cutra Castle:** The 3rd Lord Gort was ruined by the Famine, when he refused to collect any rents and gave large sums of money to charity, with the result that the estate was bankrupted and sold up by the Encumbered Estates Court in 1851. The castle was bought back post World War II, by the 7th Viscount Gort. It was restored by the family. photo from ca. 1860-1883.

In the 1920s, the Gough family moved out of the castle due to the escalating maintenance costs. During World War II, the Irish army occupied the castle and the estate.

Over the years, ownership of Lough Cutra Castle shifted, with various renovations and refurbishments taking place. In 2003, significant roof restoration work was completed on the castle. Further restoration and rebuilding projects occurred in gate lodges and courtyards.

The Mystery of the Haunting

Amidst the historical grandeur of Lough Cutra Castle lies a tale of the supernatural. Whispers of ghostly apparitions and eerie phenomena have haunted the corridors of the castle for a long time. From inexplicable sounds to shadowy figures, some believe that the castle’s long history may have left behind more than memories.

The ghost supposedly haunting the castle is that of a former servant. Murray was working at the castle when he one winter was crossing a frozen lake. The ice was too thin and he fell through and was trapped under it.

He was rescued from the icy waters and brought to the castle, but died in one of the rooms not long after. After his death, strange things started to happen and they decided to seal the room off because of this.

Many years later, they were doing some renovations to the castle and wanted to use the room as a bathroom. When they opened it, it was like the ghost of Murray was set free somehow as they once again started to experience strange things like they had before sealing it off.

He is said to be quite flirtatious and when people have spotted him, it is often ladies that complain about him touching them inappropriately, like pinching their bottom. Because of this he has been known as Cheeky Murray.

The Haunted Legacy of Lough Cutra Castle

As Lough Cutra Castle continues to stand proudly on the shores of its picturesque lake, its legends, both historical and supernatural, endure, inviting us to explore the enigmatic past that lingers within its walls.

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Though the presence of Cheeky Murray, the mischievous ghostly servant, lingers within the castle’s walls, the restoration and renovations have brought new life to the ancient structure. The room where Murray’s spirit was trapped has been reopened, and its enigmatic aura remains, inviting visitors to witness the supernatural wonders that abound.

As the sun sets over the serene lake, casting a mesmerizing reflection upon the castle’s facade, the whispers of the past mingle with the laughter and the footsteps of present-day guests. The enchanting legends of Lough Cutra Castle continue to intrigue and captivate, drawing in those who seek a glimpse into the hidden depths of history.