Hauntings

Lassara and the Harpist at Narrow Water

Narrow Water Castle, near Warrenpoint

Legend set in 1641

A mile from Warrenpoint on the Newry road stands Narrow Water Castle. The legend is set in 1641, when the old castle was garrisoned under Sir Arthur Tyringham and a clan chief, Conn Magennis, held land to the north. A wandering harpist had stayed with the Magennises through the winter, playing for them each night. He got to know Lassara, a daughter of Magennis, and invited her to run away with him, after Magennis had refused his request to marry her.

Lassara agreed. They met the next day to go by boat to Nuns Island and on to the harpist's home. As they passed Narrow Water Castle a sentry saw them and fired, killing the harpist, who fell into the dark water. Lassara collapsed and was taken from the boat by the garrison. When they learned who she was they imprisoned her in the castle, and her only comfort was hearing the harpist's music at dusk. The warden threatened her with death unless she agreed to marry him. When a guard opened a door she flew past him, ran to the top of the castle and threw herself from the edge.

Many have claimed to see the ghost of Lassara falling from the castle, and harp music has been heard in the air at night.

Private castle; the shore road is public.
Evidence
Long-standing local tradition
Access
Private property
Location
54.115, -6.283 (Sited to the building or field)

Sources: Spooky Isles, "17 Most Haunted Northern Ireland Castles" [other]

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