Ireland - Castle Leslie

Please Note: The opinions expressed in these reviews are the author's and do not necessarily reflect the views of Unicorn Trails Ltd. These reviews are "directly from the horses mouth" and unedited. Unicorn Trails may make additional comments for clarification clearly identified in red.

Review received from EH of Maidenhead on 18/07/2024

RIDING
Castle Leslie boasts superb equestrian facilities. Tucked away behind the Lodge top class amenities include:

1,000 acres of private estate for hacking
Cross-country jumps from knee high to knee tremblers built by Willis Bros. of Badminton Horse Trials fame
21 miles of bridleways for meandering along
Mile-long all-weather gallop
56 stables
Virtual horse for beginners
50m x 30m indoor arena with indoor cross-country fences
Tiered seating for 200 plus private dining/viewing room
Catering for all levels from 4 yrs upwards
20 × 50 Dressage Arena
30 × 20 Outdoor MénageSand Gallops

Riding Programmes

Starter Pack/Learn to Ride in 5 Days 
For beginners or riders who wish to improve their riding skills whilst enjoying some gentle hacks around the Estate. Each rider will receive a series of lessons culminating in a 2 hour ride around the estate. This is a 6 day programme. 3 hours riding per day, 5 nights Bed & Full Irish Breakfast and a 2 course meal in Conor’s Bar each night 

Horse Sport
For the more experienced rider looking to improve their riding skills. This package incorporates a mix of show jumping, cross country, dressage & estate rides. This can be taken for 4 to 8 days. For example, on a 4 day programme: 3 hours riding per day, 3 nights Bed & Full Breakfast and a 2 course meal each night in Conor’s Bar.

Happy Hackers
Happy Hackers is for anyone who enjoys the simple pleasure exploring the countryside on horseback. This package involves daily estate rides. This can be taken for 4 to 8 days. For example, on a 4 day programme: 3 hours riding per day, 3 nights Bed & Full Breakfast and a choice of a 2 course meal each night in Conor’s Bar or a main course in Snaffles Restaurant.

Non-riders
The non-rider price advertised is for non-riders sharing a room with a rider.

Children
Child rates apply to child from 7 – 11 years only.

Other activities:
Horse Drawn Carriage Rides (fees apply)
Fishing on the picturesque lake – some of the best pike fishing in Europe (fees apply) 
Relaxing in the Victorian Treatment Rooms complete with an outdoor hotub 
Strolling around the many country estate walks. On the Estate, in the village of Glaslough and in the local area, there are a whole host of exceptional walks from short jaunts to long leisurely strolls.
Clay Pigeon Shooting (fees apply)
Archery (fees apply)
Falconry (fees apply)
Golf. There are an abundance of golf courses situated close to Castle Leslie Estate.
Boating (fees apply)

Please note: All itineraries are given for your guidance only and it may be altered on the ground and in accordance with the prevailing conditions by the organising team.

There is a wide range of top quality horses available to choose from. Schoolmasters are available for beginners and some top class cross-country horses with experience are available for improvers and better riders.

Facilities include: 1,000 acres of private estate, cross-country jumps from knee high to knee tremblers built by Willis Bros (of Badminton Horse Trials fame), 21 miles of bridleways for meandering along mile-long all-weather gallop, 56 stables, Virtual horse for beginners, 20m X 50m dressage arena, 50m x 30m indoor arena with indoor cross-country fences, tiered seating for 200 plus private dining/viewing room.

The riding caters for for all levels from 4 yrs upwards and has appropriate horses for all. The tack used is English and riding style English.

Riders of all abilities are catered for here with instruction and riding tailored to the level of ability of the rider. Qualified instructors assess the riders ability before planning the riding programme. The minimum rider age 7 years. The maximum rider weight limit 95kg.

The weight limit for this ride is 209 lb/95 kg, please enquire if you are an experienced rider exceeding this weight.

There are three options for accommodation at Castle Leslie to match different budgets.

Located right at the entrance to the estate, the charming Lodge has been carefully restored to offer guests everything they need for complete comfort and relaxation. The Lodge is known as one of the most charming hotels in Ireland and located 10 minutes from Monaghan. It has a cut-stone stable courtyard that retains its original character. It is a family-friendly venue full of local character. The Lodge boasts 29 bedrooms, Victorian Treatment Rooms, cosy Cellar bar and contemporary restaurant.

The Equestrian Centre is tucked behind the Lodge making it an ideal base for horse-lovers. When it's time to relax, drop by the Victorian Treatment Rooms and let the therapists massage your aching muscles after an exhilarating day's riding or just because you deserve it. Booking in advance is recommended for the Spa.

For a more relaxed experience, guests might wish to stay in the Old Stable Mews or the Village Cottages. These have the convenience of hotel service combined with the comfort of private luxury home rental.

The Old Stable Mews offer a private 2-bedroom accommodation set in a picturesque cut-stone courtyard only 15 minutes’ walk from the castle. Each Mews has living and dining areas, a Geneva guild bathroom, complimentary WiFi, flatscreen television, a fully equipped playroom for children, tea and coffee making facilities and a fully equipped kitchen. Guests can choose to cater for themselves or make use of the restaurants on site. Food supplies can be delivered directly to your kitchen on request. A minimum of 2 adults are required for booking a Mews House.



The Village Cottages are beautifully decorated houses offering 4 and 5 bedroom luxury accommodation in the nearby village of Glaslough, just a couple of minutes’ walk from the estate. Built around the village square and green, each cottage offers comfortable and spacious living with an open fire, TV, DVD player, complimentary WiFi, an open plan kitchen, en suite master bedrooms, additional family bathroom and downstairs toilet. . Guests can choose to cater for themselves or make use of the restaurants on site. Food supplies can be delivered directly to your kitchen on request. A minimum of 4 adults are required to book a Village Cottage

Wireless internet access is now available in all public areas in the Lodge.



Meals can be enjoyed at Snaffles Restaurant for around £80 per person (in 2024) for a five-course meal. Enjoy delicious meals and an extensive wine list with a wonderful view of ancient woodland. Set on a mezzanine floor, the open-plan restaurant is light and spacious with its dramatic hand-carved ceiling and robust oak beams blending effortlessly with a striking wall of contemporary glass. The menu uses the highest quality local ingredients without compromising on taste and choice. Offering a fresh approach to Mediterranean cuisine, food is cooked in the state-of-the-art wood-burning stone oven. This healthy style of cuisine complements the wellness concepts of our Victorian Treatment Rooms.



Alternatively unwind at Conor’s Bar & Lounge - the social hub of the Estate which brings locals and guests together in an atmosphere of conviviality and comfort. It is the ideal place to relax with a pint of Guinness. Guests can enjoy casual dining in Conor’s Bar & Lounge with traditional country home cooking. With a variety of dishes served throughout the day, there’s something to suit all guests from hungry horse-riders and starving walking-enthusiasts to health-conscious guests on a breather between treatments. Guests can unwind here after an activity-filled day while enjoying a 2 or 3 course meal and relaxed conversation with family and friends. Or retreat to a cosy corner with the newspaper or a good book.

Vegetarian or other dietary requirements within reason can be accommodated with advance notice. Please contact Unicorn Trails with requests before booking.

Please note that it is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct documentation in place for your trip. NB: Be sure to check the COVID status of the country you plan to visit including entry procedures and requirements while travelling. Passport and Visa requirements can change regularly depending on diplomatic relations. Please request information from the appropriate Consulate in your home country. Unicorn Trails will assist with any questions you have or supply any necessary supporting documents as required by the consulate should you need a visa. In the UK the British Foreign Office gives advice: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/ireland In the USA: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Ireland.html In Canada: https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/ireland

Another useful resource is Sherpa - this summarises any travel and vaccination requirements based on when you are travelling simply by entering your home country followed by your destination country: https://apply.joinsherpa.com/travel-restrictions

In Monaghan, the summers are cool; the winters are long, very cold, wet, and windy; and it is mostly cloudy year round. Over the course of the year, the temperature typically varies from 1°C to 19°C and is rarely below -3°C or above 23°C. The cool season lasts for 3.9 months, from November 15 to March 12, with an average daily high temperature below 9°C. The coldest month of the year in Monaghan is January, with an average low of 2°C and high of 7°C

COVID: Be sure to check the latest COVID regulations for travelling in any country you visit.

Please refer to your country’s latest health guideline for travel in Ireland and contact your own GP for up to date advice on vaccinations and prophylaxis prior to travel.

There are no particular health issues for this holiday.

In Ireland the standard voltage is 230 V and the frequency is 50 Hz. You can use your electric appliances in Ireland, if the standard voltage in your country is in between 220 - 240 V (as is in the UK, Europe, Australia and most of Asia and Africa).

As mainland UK. Mobile phone signal should not be a problem. Contact your supplier for network coverage. If using a GoPro ensure you have the group's permission to be filmed.

Pack as you usually would for a holiday, for e.g. sunglasses, toiletries and then these are your Horse Riding holiday essentials. If you are unsure, please speak with your Travel Consultant:
ESSENTIALS FOR ALL RIDING HOLIDAYS
Riding helmet – complying with current EU & British standards – (some locations, mostly in the EU, can provide them but if possible bring your own for comfort and correct fit)
Riding boots designed for riding and walking
Chaps
At least 2 pairs of riding trousers – jodhpur’s/breeches are best for anything, except western riding (Jeans)
Long sleeved shirts
Lightweight waterproof jacket
Water bottle
Mobile phone

There are different programmes available to cater for all levels of ability and interest and these are available all year round.

2025: Sunday's on request all year around.
2026: Sunday's on request all year around.

Non-rider and child prices available - please ask your travel consultant for details

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Reading List

We're avid readers here at Unicorn Trails and have selected several books connected to this ride. If you're interested in reading more about the area before you travel, or want to get into the cultural background, here are some suggestions that may inspire you. Click on the links for more information.

Round Ireland With A Fridge - Tony Hawks

Culture Shock! Ireland - Patricia Levy

Bushmills Irish Pub Guide - Sybil Taylor

The Dubliners - J.Joyce

Mother Ireland - Edna O’ Brien

Barrytown Trilogy - R. Doyle

Woodbrook - David Thomson.

Typical fauna of Ireland include: red squirrel, bank vole, wood mouse, European rabbit and Irish hare, European hedgehog, pygmy shrew, a variety of bats, dolphins, porpoises, red fox, mink, stoat, pine marten, badger, otter, seals, red deer, road deer, fallow deer and the bilberry goat.

Ireland is a land of almost mythical beauty, often wild and windswept it is said there are fifty shades of green in the landscape but none of them are jaded. The Irish seem to have been put on the earth to restore faith in humanity, their charm and delight in spinning a good tale will entertain you for hours. The pub culture in Ireland is part of the national identity. The folk music tradition has been unhindered here and live, spontaneous music is actively encouraged- you will often stumble across a raucous singalong fired by Guiness and whiskey. The ban on smoking in public places is now in force in Ireland and, with fines of up to €3,000 for ignoring it, a lively sub-culture can now be found on the pavements outside Irelands plentiful watering holes huddled against the often biting wind. They are famed for their love and skill with horses, in racing Irish trainers and jockeys are among the best in the world, and the wild ponies of the Connemara in Galway crop up in many myths and legends in Irish folklore. In some areas you will often see kids messing around on horses with nothing but a headcollar and a handful of mane. Ireland is on GMT and they use imperial weights and measures, so inches, feet, pounds and stones. The international dialling code is +353.