Leap castle in Co Offaly was a totally different experience. The O'Carroll’s build the original stone castle in the 1300s, it was extended with additional wings in the 1600s and was burned down in 1922 during Ireland’s Civil War. It has the reputation of being the most haunted building in Europe but I’m sure there’s dispute about that claim. If you want to know more listen to a Radio 4 Excess Baggage programme made in 2004.
Sean Ryan bought the castle ruins in 1991 and renovated it sufficiently so he and his family now live there. He’s a great story teller as well as being a marvellous whistle player of international repute.