The Enigmatic Charleville Castle and the Haunting Legacy of Harriet
A chilling castle in Ireland has become a central location for the second season of Wednesday, a popular Netflix series that continues to captivate fans with its gothic aesthetic and mysterious storyline. Among the many filming locations, Charleville Castle stands out as one of the most iconic, offering a rich blend of history, architecture, and eerie tales that add depth to the show’s atmosphere.
Charleville Castle, located in County Offaly, is a Grade I listed fortress known for its dark, atmospheric corridors and towering structures. It was chosen as a key filming site for the second season, which saw the production move from Romania to Ireland. This shift brought with it a new set of challenges and opportunities, as the team aimed to recreate the same eerie vibe that made the first season so compelling.
One of the most notable spots within the castle is Harriet’s staircase, where an eight-year-old girl named Harriet tragically fell to her death over 160 years ago. According to local legend, Harriet was the daughter of the third Earl of Charleville. She was asked by her governess to wash her hands before a meal. On her way back down the three-story staircase, she climbed onto the bannister to slide down. Unfortunately, she slipped and fell, landing on the flagstone tiles below. A brass guard was later installed to prevent similar accidents. Since then, the staircase has become a hotspot for paranormal activity, with reports of ghostly figures and strange sounds.
Bonnie Vance, a 75-year-old woman who helped restore the castle after it fell into disrepair, shared her experiences with the haunting. She mentioned hearing children giggling, voices talking, and the sound of furniture being moved in empty rooms. While she doesn’t believe in ghosts, she acknowledges the presence of something unusual. Her son, Jonathan, who helps manage the castle, humorously noted that he wouldn’t say he believes in ghosts loud enough for them to hear.
The castle is also home to a black cat named Mirka, who became a favorite among the Wednesday cast. Mirka was often found resting on their hot water bottles, a testament to the castle’s unique charm and character.
Beyond Charleville Castle, Ireland boasts several other haunted locations that have captured the imagination of visitors. Leap Castle, known for its dark history and rumored demonic presence, is another notable site. The Hell Fire Club, once a hunting lodge associated with black magic, and Loftus Hall, built during the Black Death and believed to be visited by Satan, are also considered some of the most haunted places in the country.
The decision to film in Ireland was influenced by the country’s abundance of gothic castles and the vision of director Tim Burton. Maria O’Connor, the locations manager, highlighted that the choice was straightforward due to the availability of suitable sites and the creative team’s preference for the region.
The production team faced the challenge of replicating the exact tree layout from the previous season, ensuring continuity while maintaining the unique essence of each location. The attention to detail extended to the exterior of Nevermore Academy, which was digitally enhanced with an ornate canopy in post-production.
As the second season of Wednesday launches, fans can expect a visually stunning continuation of the story, set against the backdrop of Ireland’s rich historical and cultural landscape. The castle, with its tales of mystery and supernatural occurrences, continues to draw curious viewers eager to explore the real-life inspiration behind the show.
Filming for the third season is set to begin in November, and the legacy of Wednesday in Ireland shows no signs of fading. Whether through the haunting stories of the past or the vibrant present, the castle remains a symbol of both history and creativity.