**Sharon Rectory: One of Ireland’s Most Haunted Houses**
Located in Manorcunningham, Co Donegal, Sharon Rectory is renowned as one of Ireland’s most haunted houses. Its chilling story was explored in the first episode of the BBC’s Ulster-Scots program *Afeared* in 2021. Hosted by historian David Hume and writer Darren Gibson, the series investigates some of Ulster’s most haunted dwellings, delving deep into the mysteries and legends surrounding them.
Using original newspaper archives and witness testimonies from current residents, Hume and Gibson sought to unravel the terrifying history of Sharon Rectory, an 18th-century house steeped in darkness.
### A Dark History
Built in 1775 as a Church of Ireland rectory, Sharon Rectory became the scene of a gruesome double murder in 1797. The Reverend William Hamilton and his wife, Sara Waller, were ruthlessly killed by the United Irishmen on the eve of the 1798 Rebellion. Since then, the ancient mansion has been said to be haunted by lost souls and a malevolent spirit that gives the house a distinctly demonic presence.
### Restoration and Paranormal Activity
Following years of neglect, Sharon Rectory fell into disrepair. However, in the 1990s, Vincent and Lisa Tully purchased and renovated the dilapidated property. The family moved in with their two daughters, Emma Louise and Victoria.
Almost immediately, the family began reporting paranormal activity. They frequently saw a mysterious “blue lady.” Emma Louise, who still resides in the house, has shared that she has been “bitten, scratched, and terrorized by demonic ghosts.”
### Personal Accounts and Publications
Emma Louise has documented her harrowing experiences in her book, *The Haunting of Sharon Rectory*, providing an intimate look at life inside this haunted mansion. She also maintains a Facebook page dedicated to sharing regular updates and stories about the ongoing paranormal phenomena at Sharon Rectory.
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*Originally published in February 2021. Updated in October 2025.*
https://www.irishcentral.com/roots/history/sharon-rectory-ireland-haunted
