Learn The Haunted History Behind North Carolina's Beloved Rí Rá Irish Pub
By Nikki Rhoades|Published May 19, 2020
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Nikki Rhoades
Author
Nikki is a lifelong Ohioan with a love for literature. She holds a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Akron and has enjoyed publishing her written work since 2007. She has a love of travel and does so frequently, though she believes that home is where the heart is — she continues to work in and around Cleveland as a digital content specialist to this day, working on everything from commercial scripts and social media posts to grassroots marketing initiatives.
(Editor’s Note: On August 28, 2020, Rí Rá Irish Pub in Charlotte announced on its Facebook page that it would be closing temporarily until sometime later in the year.)
Welcome to North Carolina, a state full of history and charm. If you have a healthy appetite for exploring places of historical significance, you’ll fit right in. If you’re looking to hunt down spirits of yesteryear… well, you will also fit right in. Our state, you see, is full of haunted places. One of the most unexpected haunted bars in North Carolina can be found in Uptown Charlotte, and though it is welcoming and friendly, its resident spirits are just a tad bit mischievous. Prepare to wine and dine with spirits, because you just might find the opportunity to do so at Rí Rá Charlotte.
Craving a taste of Ireland? Locals will gladly point you in the direction of Rí Rá in Charlotte.
Using salvaged pieces and parts from actual Irish pubs, this eatery has an atmosphere that is not quite comparable to anywhere else in The Old North State. From the pub in the Shop Bar to the Victorian Bar, you'll appreciate the artifacts and details that make this experience an authentic one.
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Rí Rá opened in 1997, but the building's history dates back even further.
Rí Rá is situated in the second oldest building in Uptown Charlotte, and many of the artifacts that decorate it date back to the 1700s. There is a lot of history to be told here, and it truly comes to life during each and every visit.
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However, while you're cozying up by the fire, you just might encounter something... unexpected.
Beer taps are seemingly turned on by their own accord, bread baskets jump off the counters, and mysterious sounds of sewing machines often emanate from the basement.
A ghost of a young Victorian child purportedly continues to scrawl her ABCs into the alcove above the the host stand, and legend asserts that the letters will reappear if scrubbed away.
And, in recent years, a brick with a bad reputation set off the pub's alarm system after hours.
In this particular instance, management had locked and closed the building for the night. When the alarm went off and police officers arrived, nothing unusual showed up on camera... but a lone brick appeared in the middle of the floor.
Despite a haunted history, the identity of these spirits is still unknown... but their presence doesn't impair the atmosphere one bit.
Despite hauntings surrounding Rí Rá, the milieu continues to feel charming and welcoming. Visit their website or Facebook page for hours and menu information.
Haunted or not, the pub grub at Rí Rá is incredible. Bring your appetite and plan to share, because the food here is so good you can't help but pick off your friends' plates.
While there are arguably several haunted bars in North Carolina, few quite compare to the eclectic atmosphere of Rí Rá Charlotte. Have you ever visited this historic local landmark? Have you had paranormal experiences elsewhere in the state? We’d love to hear your thoughts!
