Huntington Castle is today one of Ireland's historical treasures. The first Lord Esmonde was granted land by King Charles II, and built this magnificent granite castle in 1625 on the site of an earlier one, which dates back to 1400. The last owner was known as Prior O' Neill who had built his castle on the site of an ancient Priory. The granite stones and oak beams from this castle were used in the erection of the 1625 building. The Castle is one of the finest examples of Jacobean architecture. Huntington is associated with numerous historical events, myth and legend and today is home to the Durdin - Robertson family, direct descendants of Lord Esmonde. The castle reputedly is home to two ghosts. Bishop Leslie, Bishop of Limerick, stayed at the Castle in the 18th century and it is said that he appears either standing at the end of the bed, or as a portrait of himself over the fireplace in the "Four Poster Room" when guests are staying in the room. The spirit of Ailish O' Flaherty, the first wife of Lord Esmonde, and grand-daughter of Grace O' Malley, the Pirate Queen, is seen standing by the "Spy Bush", wailing and combing her long hair accompanied by a white cat. Her husband went off to the wars and this is the spot where she watched and waited for his return.