Clontarf Castle Ghosts & the Irishness of Dracula

Talking Strange is on the road in Ireland, with host Aaron Sagers collecting history, spooky stories, and folklore along the way. This episode, he's staying at the Clontarf Castle Hotel and connects with historian, author, and storyteller Dennis McIntyre. The modernised hotel has a castle structure dating back to 1837, and there has been a castle on the site since 1172. Clontarf Castle is also near the site of the epic 11th Century Battle of Clontarf, and near the site of the assassination of the First High King of Ireland Brian Baru. The area is also where Dracula author Bram Stoker lived for the first several years of his life. McIntyre — who runs guided tours with Dublin North Bay Tourism, and is the author of Bram Stoker and the Irishness of Dracula — tells us of the ghosts of the castle, as well as the "Ghost Room" where he grew up, and then shares his thoughts as to why Dracula deserves more attention for its Irish connections. Then, Aaron shares some of the ghost stories her learned from his own stay at the Clontarf Castle Hotel — but nothing too terrifying that it should prevent you from staying in, considering it's quite lovely luxurious and the only castle you can sleep in near Dublin. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices