There’s something magical about stepping into an old Irish pub—the warm glow of candlelight flickering off aged wood, the murmur of voices echoing through stone walls, and the faint scent of whiskey lingering in the air. But in some pubs, that chill running down your spine might not be from the draft... it might be from something watching you from the shadows.
Irish pubs have long been places of community, storytelling, and tradition—but they’re also the perfect breeding ground for ghost stories. With centuries of history, tragic tales, and more than a few barroom brawls, it's no wonder these watering holes have attracted more than just the living. Some say the walls themselves have absorbed the emotions of the past—grief, love, betrayal—and the spirits haven’t quite moved on.
Whether it’s a playful poltergeist rearranging your pint, or a full-bodied apparition still lingering after last call, these haunted pubs draw thrill-seekers and believers from all over the world. And if you’re brave enough to pull up a stool beside the unknown, these chilling—and often charming—haunts should be on your list.
Ready to raise a glass with the dearly departed? Keep reading to discover the most haunted Irish pubs in the world—you might just find your next favorite place to drink with a ghost.
Officially known as John Kavanagh’s, but more famously called *The Gravedigger’s Pub*, this legendary Dublin watering hole isn’t just known for its stout—it’s known for its spirits, both poured and paranormal.
Located beside the historic Glasnevin Cemetery (formerly known as Prospect Cemetery), Kavanagh’s has been a cornerstone of the community since it first opened its doors in 1833. The name comes from its founder, John Kavanagh, a man as legendary as the pub itself—not least because he reportedly fathered twenty-five children. His establishment quickly became the go-to spot for local laborers, especially the cemetery’s gravediggers who gave the pub its eerie nickname.
In the days before standard closing times and last calls, it was common for gravediggers finishing their work to knock on the side wall of the pub—often with their shovels—to signal they wanted a pint passed through. That wall-side service became a tradition, and many believe it left behind a spiritual footprint that lingers to this day.
Paranormal activity at Kavanagh’s is well-documented and widely discussed. Ghost hunters, skeptics, and curious tourists alike have reported everything from inexplicable cold spots and disembodied voices to sightings of full-bodied apparitions. Among the pub’s most frequently seen ghosts are a young man in a tweed suit, who quietly vanishes when approached, and a mysterious woman in white who’s been spotted drifting silently through the bar’s dim corridors.
Locals and visitors have also reported unseen hands brushing past them, pints sliding across tables with no help from the living, and strange tapping noises echoing from the cemetery wall. Staff and patrons alike have long since stopped questioning the eerie happenings—at Kavanagh’s, ghosts are just part of the ambiance.
If you’re brave enough to embrace the full Gravedigger’s experience, take part in the longstanding tradition: throw a symbolic shovel of cemetery soil against the pub’s wall. It’s said to bring you luck—and perhaps the attention of those still lingering nearby.
Whether you come for the Guinness, the ghost stories, or both, Kavanagh’s Pub is a must-visit for anyone interested in Dublin’s haunted history. Just don’t be surprised if you find yourself sharing your table with something—or someone—you can’t quite explain.
Dubbed by many as “The Most Haunted Pub in America,” Kell’s Irish Pub is as famous for its ghost stories as it is for its whiskey pours. If you're looking for a classic pint of Guinness with a side of paranormal activity, this former funeral parlor-turned-Irish bar should be high on your haunted hit list.
Located in Seattle’s historic Pike Place Market district, the building that houses Kell’s once served a far more somber purpose. In the early 1900s, it was home to the E.R. Butterworth and Sons Mortuary—one of Seattle’s first and most prominent funeral homes. For decades, the basement stored the deceased, many of whom had perished in mining accidents, flu epidemics, or tragic misfortunes that befell the city's earliest residents.
When the funeral home eventually closed, the upper floor was transformed into Kell’s Irish Pub—a place known today not only for lively music, great food, and authentic Irish fare, but also for its uninvited guests from the other side.
Paranormal reports at Kell’s are frequent and chilling. Mirrors have been known to crack or shatter with no clear cause. Glasses spontaneously slide, fall, or even explode without being touched. Chunks of plaster sometimes tumble from the walls, as if loosened by unseen hands. Staff and patrons have reported cold spots, strange whispers, and feelings of being watched—especially when they’re alone.
Among the many spirits said to haunt Kell’s, two figures are seen most often: an older gentleman in a derby hat, believed to be a former undertaker or one-time patron, and a young redheaded girl with a playful demeanor. Despite their ghostly origins, both spirits are considered to be relatively friendly—and even endearing, in their own unsettling way.
The little girl in particular has a reputation for mischief. She’s been seen giggling behind curtains, knocking on walls, or peeking around corners, vanishing just as quickly as she appears. Some guests claim she’s tugged on their coats or played pranks like turning lights on and off. The man in the derby hat, meanwhile, is typically spotted sitting quietly at the bar or near the stairwell, as if still overseeing the place he once called home.
Whether you believe in ghosts or not, the atmosphere at Kell’s is undeniably electric. The combination of rich history, otherworldly energy, and Irish hospitality makes this pub a one-of-a-kind stop for those chasing both spirits and stories. Come for the music and the beer—stay for the hauntings. Just don’t be surprised if your empty chair isn’t actually empty.
Tucked away in the quiet village of Elbridge, New York, the Wayside Irish Pub is a historic tavern with a haunted reputation that’s drawn the attention of countless paranormal investigators—and for good reason. This unassuming pub has been the site of eerie phenomena for decades, with ghostly activity reported as far back as the 1960s.
Visitors and staff alike have experienced sudden drops in temperature, unexplained cold spots, flickering lights, and mysterious orbs drifting through the rooms. Full-bodied apparitions are not uncommon here, and they often appear in broad daylight—startling patrons mid-pint or vanishing as quickly as they arrive.
The building itself dates back to the early 1800s, originally known as the *Munro House*. For years, it served as a peaceful roadside inn until tragedy struck—not once, but twice. After surviving an initial blaze, the structure was gutted by a second fire, an event many believe opened the door to lingering spirits. Since then, unexplained occurrences have become part of the pub’s fabric.
The third floor, in particular, seems to harbor the most intense paranormal activity. Passersby frequently report seeing a shadowy figure in the upstairs window—despite no one being inside. That spirit is believed to be *Sara*, a young woman who, according to local lore, took her own life on the third floor. Her presence is often felt through soft crying, cold gusts of air, and an overwhelming sense of sorrow that overtakes even the most skeptical visitors.
But not all of the spirits at Wayside are mournful. One of the pub’s friendliest phantoms is *Harry*, a playful and mischievous ghost known for rearranging silverware, tapping patrons on the shoulder, and occasionally giving the barstools a subtle spin. He’s considered more of a resident prankster than a poltergeist, adding a touch of charm to the pub’s haunted legacy.
There have also been sightings of the original owner of the Munro House, still pacing the floor as if checking on his long-gone guests. Whether he’s protecting the property or simply refusing to move on is anyone’s guess, but his ghostly presence is one of the more grounded and frequent apparitions reported.
With its rich history, cozy atmosphere, and undeniable paranormal energy, Wayside Irish Pub offers more than just great food and drinks—it offers a brush with the unexplained. If you find yourself in central New York and have a taste for both Guinness and ghosts, this haunted pub might just be your next stop. Just keep an eye on the upstairs windows… someone may already be watching you.
You can’t talk about New Orleans nightlife without bringing up *Pat O’Brien’s*—an institution in the French Quarter where cocktails, culture, and the supernatural all collide. Nestled between Bourbon Street and St. Peter Street, this world-famous Irish pub is just as legendary for its ghost stories as it is for its signature Hurricane cocktail.
Pat O’Brien’s has been serving up good times since the 1930s, but the building itself dates back to the early 20th century. With its rich history and location in one of the oldest—and most haunted—parts of New Orleans, it’s no surprise the bar is rumored to be home to more than a few lingering spirits.
Tourists and locals alike flock here for the lively courtyard, the iconic piano bar, and the electric atmosphere, but those with a keen sense for the paranormal often leave with more than just a buzz. From phantom footsteps to disembodied voices, the spirits at Pat O’Brien’s seem to enjoy the party as much as the living do.
One of the most active areas of the pub is the *upstairs Ladies Room*. According to staff and guests, the space is haunted by the ghost of a former restroom attendant. Many women have reported hearing strange whispers, unexplained rustling sounds, or even feeling a gentle touch—only to find no one there. Faucets turn on and off by themselves, and the temperature has been known to drop without warning. Paranormal investigators believe this friendly but ever-present spirit is simply continuing her duties from the afterlife.
The *Piano Bar*—a centerpiece of the Pat O’Brien’s experience—isn’t without its own share of ghostly antics. Patrons have reported being lightly pushed or feeling a cold hand on their shoulder while seated at the bar, only to turn around and find no one there. There are also reports of a phantom piano playing by itself, long after the dueling pianists have packed up for the night. The faint tap-tap-tap of shoes, as if someone were dancing along, has echoed through the bar in the early morning hours, when the building is supposedly empty.
Whether these events are playful hauntings or echoes of the past, one thing’s certain: the spirits at Pat O’Brien’s never really left the party. The bar continues to be one of the French Quarter’s most haunted hotspots—a perfect stop for anyone seeking a drink with a side of the supernatural.
Ready to explore more haunted watering holes in the Crescent City? Join us on our New Orleans Haunted Pub Crawl and raise a glass to the ghosts of New Orleans—who might just be raising one back.
If you're in Dublin and craving more than just a pint of Guinness, make your way to *Darkey Kelly’s Bar*—a legendary establishment where the spirits don’t just come in bottles. Nestled along the cobbled streets near Christ Church Cathedral, this historic bar offers a potent mix of live music, strong drinks, and an even stronger connection to one of the city’s most infamous legends.
Named after Dorcas “Darkey” Kelly, a woman whose story has haunted Dublin for centuries, this former 18th-century brothel turned pub is steeped in scandal, sorrow, and supernatural mystery. The official record claims that Kelly was executed in 1761—burned at the stake for witchcraft and the murder of her child. But as time passed, darker rumors began to emerge, suggesting her crimes may have extended far beyond infanticide.
During renovations in the 20th century, multiple human remains were discovered beneath the floorboards of what had once been Kelly’s brothel. The gruesome find ignited a chilling theory: was Darkey Kelly more than a falsely accused woman? Could she have been Ireland’s first serial killer? Some say she lured unsuspecting clients into the brothel, never to be seen again. Whether it’s history or legend—or a twisted mix of both—the mystery has only deepened her legacy.
Today, Darkey Kelly is said to haunt the bar that bears her name, her ghostly presence as infamous as the stories she left behind. Staff and guests have reported flickering lights, sudden cold drafts, and the eerie sensation of being watched—especially near the lower levels of the building. Apparitions have been spotted drifting through the cellar, and the sound of phantom footsteps often echoes across empty floors.
But the hauntings don’t stop at the bar’s doors. According to local lore, Darkey’s spirit has been seen wandering the surrounding streets of Dublin after dark—her figure cloaked in shadows, her footsteps echoing off the stone walls of nearby alleys. It seems that even centuries after her death, this spirit isn’t content to stay in one place.
Whether she was a misunderstood woman, a falsely accused victim, or a cunning killer lost to history, one thing is certain: the legend of Darkey Kelly still casts a long and chilling shadow over Dublin. If you're brave enough to visit, come for the live Irish music and stay for the thrill of possibly crossing paths with one of Ireland’s most notorious phantoms.
In a city steeped in Prohibition-era crime and storied history, it’s no surprise that one of Chicago’s beloved Irish pubs comes with a side of the supernatural. *Fadó Irish Pub*, located in the heart of downtown, is known for its warm hospitality, authentic Celtic atmosphere—and a ghostly guest in white who refuses to leave.
While Fadó is a popular stop for sports fans and Guinness lovers, it’s also become a hotspot for paranormal investigators and curious patrons hoping to glimpse its resident spirit. The most well-known apparition is that of a woman dressed in a flowing white gown, whose appearances have become something of a holiday tradition. She’s most active during the winter months, when twinkling lights and festive music seem to stir her from the shadows.
Her presence is usually accompanied by telltale signs: flickering lights, sudden drops in temperature, and unexplained electrical disturbances. Staff members have reported cold drafts sweeping through closed rooms, radios turning on by themselves, and even doors slamming shut with enough force to rattle nearby glassware. While she’s not malevolent, this ghost clearly isn’t afraid to make herself known—especially when she’s feeling moody.
The woman’s identity remains a mystery, but legend ties her story to a tragedy that may have unfolded in the early 1900s. According to local lore, a *jealous railroad brakeman*—possibly a former tenant or patron—allegedly flew into a drunken rage after suspecting his lover of infidelity. The result was a gruesome murder-suicide, carried out in a third-floor rear apartment of the building where Fadó now stands.
Since then, that corner of the pub—particularly the area where the apartment once existed—has been a focal point of unexplained phenomena. Staff working after hours have reported hearing muffled sobs, phantom footsteps, and even the faint scent of perfume lingering in empty rooms. Guests occasionally spot a white figure out of the corner of their eye, only to find no one there upon turning.
Whether the woman in white is a heartbroken spirit trapped by violence, or a more complex figure tied to the building’s past, her presence at Fadó Irish Pub is as much a part of the atmosphere as the Irish whiskey behind the bar. So if you find yourself there on a snowy night, raise a glass in her honor—but don’t be too surprised if something slams a door in response.
Set in the heart of Boston’s historic *Faneuil Hall Marketplace*, *Ned Devine’s* is a modern Irish pub with deep colonial roots—and even deeper hauntings. With its cobblestone surroundings, 18th-century architecture, and layered past, this bustling bar is a hotspot not just for live music and cold pints—but for ghostly encounters that feel all too real.
Though it's a favorite gathering place for tourists and locals alike, Ned Devine’s is also home to a number of restless spirits said to linger between the barstools and behind the walls. The most unnerving of them all? A silent, watchful apparition believed to be the spirit of a former slave.
This ghostly woman is frequently spotted wearing colonial-era work clothes, her figure darting through the shadows or peering cautiously around corners. Witnesses often describe her as appearing anxious or frantic, as though she's still trying to evade something—or someone. Her presence brings with it a powerful emotional weight, and many guests report a deep sense of sorrow upon seeing her, even if just for a moment.
Historians and paranormal researchers speculate that she may be one of the many *Malagasy slaves* brought to Boston in the 18th century, part of the city’s little-discussed role in the transatlantic slave trade. Sold into servitude and likely housed in the areas around Faneuil Hall, her ghost may still be seeking refuge in the only place she once found safety. Her story, like so many others, was lost to time—but her presence endures.
And she’s not the only spirit said to haunt Ned Devine’s. Staff and patrons alike have reported hearing blood-curdling screams echoing through the building long after closing hours. Doors slam without warning, shadowy figures appear in mirrors, and some guests have seen full-bodied apparitions vanish before their eyes. The pub’s original foundation lies just beneath layers of commercial development—layers that may have sealed in more than bricks and mortar.
While no one knows exactly how many spirits still roam the halls of Ned Devine’s, most agree they didn’t leave this world peacefully. The hauntings here are as varied as Boston’s own complicated history—layered, tragic, and impossible to ignore.
So if you find yourself at Ned Devine’s this St. Patrick’s Day, raise your glass to the living—and to the dead who still linger. That pint of Guinness in your hand might not be the only one being shared.
From Dublin to New Orleans, Seattle to Elbridge, these haunted Irish pubs prove that a good story—and a good haunting—never goes out of style. Steeped in history, mystery, and more than a few ghostly legends, each one offers a unique experience where the past isn’t just remembered…it’s still very much alive.
Whether you believe in ghosts or just love a good pint in an atmospheric setting, these pubs blend rich storytelling with real-world chills. They remind us that history isn’t always locked in the past—and sometimes, a place is so full of life, even death can’t let it go.
So the next time you step into an old Irish pub, take a moment to listen to the creak of the floorboards or the whisper of the wind through the walls. That cold spot behind you? It might just be a draft—or it might be someone who never left.
Drink responsibly. And maybe keep a seat open… just in case.