Legends of Castle Durrow
Nearly every historical building or property has its legends and especially its ghosts; Castle Durrow is certainly no exception.
“The Woman In White”
In a field opposite Castle Durrow on the other side of the river stands a monument known locally as the “Obelisk”. It is said to mark the spot where a young lady, a follower of the hunt was thrown from her horse and killed. Remarkable enough though in true Irish traditional style the young lady clad all in white has continued over the years to make occasional brief nocturnal visits to the scene of her fatal accident.
“The Highway Man”
Durrow’s heavy forestation was ideal for the deviant activities of Captain Jeremiah Grant the highwayman who terrorized the local and surrounding areas of Durrow. After finally being apprehended by a party of soldiers, Grant and his criminal associates were hanged on August 16, 1816. Much of their stolen treasures were never recovered and some believe that they are hidden deep within the local forested areas protected by their evil spirits.
A Legend – Durrow Man was Pope for 2 days
“St. Benedict one of the most famous of the early Irish Saints was born in Durrow, Co. Laois about year 460. While still a young man he left his home to study under St. Fintan at Clonenagh. Benedict became the assistant friend of St. Edna and in 522 went with him to Rome. While in the Eternal City, the then Holy Father, St. Hormisdus died. Being struck by the piety of Benedict, the Laois man, the elders elected him as successor. He took the name of Pupeus. On the following day St. Edna went to say his farewell. The parting was too much for the young Pontiff. He immediately again summoned the Church Elders and ordered that a new election take place. On this occasion Pope John the 1st was elected.
Nearly every historical building or property has its legends and especially its ghosts; Castle Durrow is certainly no exception.
“The Woman In White”
In a field opposite Castle Durrow on the other side of the river stands a monument known locally as the “Obelisk”. It is said to mark the spot where a young lady, a follower of the hunt was thrown from her horse and killed. Remarkable enough though in true Irish traditional style the young lady clad all in white has continued over the years to make occasional brief nocturnal visits to the scene of her fatal accident.
“The Highway Man”
Durrow’s heavy forestation was ideal for the deviant activities of Captain Jeremiah Grant the highwayman who terrorized the local and surrounding areas of Durrow. After finally being apprehended by a party of soldiers, Grant and his criminal associates were hanged on August 16, 1816. Much of their stolen treasures were never recovered and some believe that they are hidden deep within the local forested areas protected by their evil spirits.
A Legend – Durrow Man was Pope for 2 days
“St. Benedict one of the most famous of the early Irish Saints was born in Durrow, Co. Laois about year 460. While still a young man he left his home to study under St. Fintan at Clonenagh. Benedict became the assistant friend of St. Edna and in 522 went with him to Rome. While in the Eternal City, the then Holy Father, St. Hormisdus died. Being struck by the piety of Benedict, the Laois man, the elders elected him as successor. He took the name of Pupeus. On the following day St. Edna went to say his farewell. The parting was too much for the young Pontiff. He immediately again summoned the Church Elders and ordered that a new election take place. On this occasion Pope John the 1st was elected.
