Location: 4 km (2.5 mi) South- West of Kington Clonegal Map
Constructed: 1625 for Laurence Esmonde, Baron Esmonde
Open: June, July, August and September
Huntington Castle is a magnificent mansion located 4 km (2.5 mi)
South- West of Kington Clonegal. Huntington Castle was constructed
in 1625 by Laurence Esmonde, later Baron Esmonde as a "plantation
castle" or in other words for the defenses of the plantations in the
region. Although if you take in consideration that the area is
located in the strategic region between Dublin and Wexford the
builders probably should have taken more time on defending their
military citadel. Anyhow during English invasion of Ireland
(1649–53) under leadership of Oliver Cromwell the fortress fell to
the hands of the enemy forces.
One of the most famous hauntings in Huntington Castle date back to
the time period. According to local legends English soldier was
accidentally shot and killed by his own troops then he was returning
back to Huntington Castle. Poor fellow was dressed up as a Royalist
and obviously the Parliamentary forces were too quick with the
trigger. To this day people report seeing a soldier in the uniform
from the 17th century. The house currently is privately owned, but
it is open for tourists in the months of June, July, August and
September. It should be noted that a garden around the house is work
of the art by itself with numerous plant species collected here.
Another curiosity of Huntington Castle is Fellowship of Isis that
considers the house as a base of its religion since 1976. As with
many neo- pagan cults it has little to do with worship of ancient
deity, but more with social misfits getting some action from human
females. Deal with them at your own risk. Other notable ghost
manifestations on the grounds of the castle include former owner of
the castle Barbara St. Lege, as well as her maid and some mysterious
monk that roams Huntington Castle and its surrounding areas.