Loftus Hall

Loftus Hall, New Ross Municipal District, County Wexford, Ireland

2 documented sources0 experiences

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The haunting

Loftus Hall has long been associated with one of Ireland’s most chilling supernatural legends. The story tells of a mysterious stranger who arrived at the mansion during a storm, charmed a young woman named Anne Tottenham and joined her family in a game of cards. When Anne bent down to retrieve a dropped card, she discovered that their visitor had cloven hooves instead of human feet. The stranger was said to have revealed himself as the Devil before disappearing through the ceiling in a burst of flames. Anne reportedly never recovered from the experience, and her spirit is said to haunt the house to this day. Over the years, reports of strange presences and unexplained disturbances have added to Loftus Hall’s reputation as one of Ireland’s most notorious haunted locations.

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Reported / claimed activity

◆ The Devil’s presence: The central legend describes a supernatural visitor whose presence transformed an ordinary evening into a terrifying encounter. His cloven feet are said to have exposed his true identity. ◆ The ghost of Anne Tottenham: Anne is believed to have been deeply traumatised by what she witnessed. Stories say she was confined to the Tapestry Room and never recovered before her death. ◆ Apparitions in the mansion: Reports associated with the hall include sightings of a female figure believed to be Anne, particularly in connection with the Tapestry Room. ◆ Unexplained disturbances: Accounts of the property’s haunted reputation include strange noises, unsettling sensations and experiences attributed to unseen presences. ◆ The exorcism legend: According to the story, a local priest, Father Thomas Broaders, was called upon to drive the evil presence from the house. This became another enduring part of the hall’s supernatural reputation.
◆ The story of Anne Tottenham and the Devil The most famous version of the legend begins on a dark, stormy night on the remote Hook Peninsula. ◆ A stranger arrived at Loftus Hall seeking shelter. The family welcomed him inside, and he soon joined them for conversation and a game of cards. ◆ Anne Tottenham became fascinated by their mysterious guest. As the evening continued, the game carried on until Anne dropped a card onto the floor. ◆ She bent down to retrieve it — and saw the stranger’s feet. Instead of ordinary shoes, he had cloven hooves, revealing what the story says was his true, demonic identity. ◆ Anne screamed. The stranger reportedly burst into flames and disappeared upwards through the ceiling, leaving the household horrified. ◆ In the aftermath, Anne was said to have suffered a terrible decline. Some versions of the story claim she was kept in the Tapestry Room, where she eventually died. ◆ From then on, stories of a female apparition and a sinister presence became attached to the hall. The legend of the Devil’s visit and Anne’s haunting would eventually turn Loftus Hall into one of Ireland’s most famous supernatural destinations.
A photograph was taken in 2014 by a tourist. It subsequently went viral. I have added it to the photos. Could this be Anne Tottenham??

Background and folklore, separate from member eyewitness experiences.

Historical background

◆ 1350 — The original hall: The estate’s history is traced back to the Redmond family, who established a residence on the site during the medieval period. It was originally known as Redmond Hall. ◆ 1650s — The Loftus family: Following the Cromwellian conquest of Ireland, the property passed into the hands of the Loftus family, an English planter family. The name Loftus Hall became associated with the estate. ◆ The 18th century — The legend begins: The famous Devil story is traditionally set around 1766, when the Tottenham family were living at the hall. Anne Tottenham is the young woman at the centre of the tale. ◆ 1870s — A grand rebuilding: The mansion underwent extensive rebuilding during the 1870s, giving it much of the imposing appearance remembered today. The works were reportedly undertaken in anticipation of a visit from Queen Victoria, although the visit never took place. ◆ 1917 — A religious institution: The property was acquired by the Sisters of Providence and used as a convent and school. ◆ 1980s — A hotel: The building later became Loftus Hall Hotel, bringing new visitors and another chapter to its long history. ◆ 2011 onwards — A paranormal attraction: After a change of ownership, the hall became a popular destination for guided tours and ghost-themed experiences, attracting paranormal enthusiasts from Ireland and further afield.

References & research

Sources & background

These sources document the location, story or claimed activity. They do not prove paranormal activity.

Loftus Estate — Official websiteOther · Loftus Estate — Official website
Estate history and redevelopment information
House of Waterford Factory and Retail StoreOther · House of Waterford Factory and Retail Store
The Haunting History of Loftus Hall

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