Cliffside castle overlooking sea for sale 'with ghost that can be heard at night'

A castle perched on a cliff has hit the property market - and many people believe it is haunted. Offers over £100,000 are being considered for the spectacular site.

Dunskey Castle, a scheduled monument dating from the mid-16th century, stands on the site of what is thought to be the earlier Adair Castle, which was destroyed in around 1500.

The ruins sit on eight acres of land and can be reached via the coastal footpath behind the property, as reported by Luxury Property News. The castle is a popular stop for tourists, who can explore the ruins across the former moat.

• Great British Bake Off star dons wild 'King Charles' outfit at huge fashion show
• Gogglebox cast face axe over strict rule they have to follow on Channel 4 show

On a clear day, views stretch all the way across the sea towards Northern Ireland, over 20 miles away. It has been derelict since around 1700.

Yet enough of the castle remains to show the strength of its original fortifications. The walls are 5ft thick, the tower rises 30 metres, and there are remnants of a vaulted cellar and a watchtower - all perched on the cliff edge.

The castle lies on the coastal path from Portpatrick to Morroch, in a secluded spot that adds to its sense of mystery and historic allure. The listing is being handled by Ian Ely-Corbett of Strutt & Parker, with offers being considered over £100,000.

According to Visit Scotland, "the magnificent ruins of Dunskey Castle are picturesquely perched on a rocky outcrop jutting out into the Irish Sea. The massive towerhouse was built in the mid-16th century for the Adairs of Kinhilt - the same family that owned the Castle of St John in Stranraer - and the long wing to the north was added in the 1620's. By 1700 the whole building was derelict.

"The defensive ditch on the landward side is all that survives of an earlier Adair Castle. First recorded in the 14th century, this castle was destroyed around 1500 by the McCullochs of Myrton and Cardoness."

Many reports online suggest some believe the castle is haunted. One legend says a minstrel was imprisoned in dungeons at the castle and found a secret tunnel. Legend has it, as they say, that on stormy nights, the sound of his pipes can be heard above the waves.

According to the website Storied Collection, after being left to starve, the minstrel "he reached a cave on the shore of the open sea below the castle. He could hear the roaring waves; he could see the moon glistening above, promising a life beyond Dunskey; but he could not scale the slick, steep walls. He died a slow death looking at the freedom he could not reach. Forevermore, it is said that you can hear his pipes playing above the waves on stormy nights as his ghost paces up and down the passageway where he died."

Another legend states a Brownie haunts the site. This is sometimes described by believers in the paranormal as a hairy man-like apparition.

Some reports on Tumblr speak of 'inexplicable sounds' that can be heard at the scene.