galloping in the lake outside Castle Leslie, Ireland
Practising water jumps Castle Leslie
Conor's Kitchen Castle Leslie
Riding in the woods, Ireland, Castle Leslie
Conservatory Castle Leslie
jumping in the indoor school Castle Leslie, Ireland
Conors Pantry Castle Leslie
Castle Leslie grounds
gallop in the lake at Castle Leslie
Old stable mews Castle Leslie, Ireland
A few members of the equine team, Castle Leslie, Ireland
Classic room in Castle Leslie Lodge
Snaffles buffet breakfast Castle Leslie
Cycling and riding at Castle Leslie, Ireland
Treatment rooms Castle Leslie spa
Snaffles Restaurant Castle Leslie

Castle Leslie in County Monaghan, is an idyllic setting for horseback riding in Ireland. Imagine over a thousand acres of rolling hills, parkland and lakes to explore on horseback. In addition, tuition with frequent clinics by top competition riders and 300 cross country jumps are part of a top quality range of equestrian facilities. Accommodation is in the four star Lodge right next to the riding centre with it’s own bar and restaurant, and an organic Victorian Spa with Treatment rooms. This is truly the perfect setting for a luxury riding vacation in Ireland.

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

Ride Summary
Just a perfect holiday . Thank you so much for making some perfect memories.
What was your overall impression of the holiday
Overall impression
Unicorn Trails sales staff

Riding tour leader

Additional Comments
Horses and Tack

Additional Comments
Meals

Accommodation

Miscellaneous

Was this trip accurately described to you beforehand?
YES
Please give more details to explain your response:
Just the best place . You don’t go to Ireland for a suntan so we just accepted the rain
Was there anything you should have known and were not told? NO
Please give more details to explain your response:
What could we do to improve this ride?
How would you rate the difficulty of this ride out of 10 where 1 is very easy and 10 is very advanced?
8
Please explain why you scored it as you did:
Didn’t feel out of my depth
Would you recommend Unicorn Trails to your friends?
YES
Please give more details to explain your response:
May we use you as a reference for other people wishing to go on this ride?
YES
Any other comments:
Unicorn comments: Thank you for your feedback. Glad you had a great time! :)

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.

Non-riders and other activities:
 - 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.
 - Kayaking (fees apply)
 - Clay Pigeon Shooting (fees apply)
 - Falconry (fees apply)
 - Golf. There are an abundance of golf courses situated close to Castle Leslie Estate.

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.

Horses & Riding

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.


Rider requirements

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 riding age for this programme is 7 years.

Weight Limit

The weight limit for this ride is 220 lb/100 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.

Documents - Visa and Consulate Info

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


Climate Summary

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

Climate Chart

Health

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.

Health (ride specific)

There are no particular health issues for this holiday.

Electricity

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).

Mobile, WiFi and charging

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.

Packing List

- Riding Helmet - we strongly recommend that you wear a properly fitted riding helmet of the current standard which is PAS015 or BSEN1384
- Gloves
- Jodhpurs - jodhpurs, breeches or other comfortable trousers (jeans may rub and can also be quite hot)
- Hat or beret and a buff bandana (sometimes, especially when it is very dry, horses can kick up a lot of dust during the rides)
- Riding Boots - it is important to have correct shoes or boots for horse riding. Jodhpur or ankle boots with a rubber sole are recommended but sturdy shoes with a definite heel are acceptable (such as walking boots)
- Half Chaps - these are great when worn with ankle boots and help prevent the stirrup leathers rubbing against your legs
- Light summer clothing for departure dates
- Waterproof clothing
- A body protector is also required if you're participating in any jumping.
- Jersey
- Warm jacket (Spring and Autumn)
- Shorts
- Long sleeve shirts
- T-shirts
- Sunscreen
- Personal Items - toiletries, any medicines you require and please be sure to take insect repellent
- Refillable Water Bottle - it's very important to drink a lot of water when it's hot, especially when doing physical activities
- Binoculars
- Camera, spare Batteries/Chargers - an absolute must! It is also a good idea to take a camera case you can strap around your waist or onto a belt for whilst you are riding

Provided by hosts
- Riding hats
- Body protectors
- Boots

Programmes

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

Departure Dates

2024: Sunday's on request all year around. Fully booked through to November 2024

Pricing
Single supplement must be paid if booking alone.

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

No of   
days/nights
Riding days Product item description £
2024 Horse Sport 5n6d/5n5double pp Lodge1,655
2024 Horse Sport 5n6d/5n5single supplement Lodge555
2024 Starter Pack 5n6d/5n5double pp Lodge Room 1,655
2024 Starter Pack 5n6d/5n5single supplement Lodge555
2024 Horse Sport 3n4d/3n3double pp Lodge1,019
2024 Horse Sport 3n4d/3n3single supplement Lodge469
2024 Happy Hacker 5n6d/5n5double pp Lodge1,655
2024 Happy Hacker 5n6d/5n5single supplement Lodge555
2024 Happy Hacker 3n4d/3n3double pp Lodge1,019
2024 Happy Hacker 3n4d/3n3single supplement Lodge469
2025 Starter Pack 5n6d/5n5double pp Lodge Room 2,005
2025 Starter Pack 5n6d/5n5single supplement Lodge669
2025 Horse Sport 3n4d/3n3double pp Lodge1,235
2025 Horse Sport 3n4d/3n3single supplement Lodge559
2025 Happy Hacker 5n6d/5n5double pp Lodge2,005
2025 Happy Hacker 5n6d/5n5single supplement Lodge669
2025 Horse Sport 5n6d/5n5double pp Lodge2,005
2025 Horse Sport 5n6d/5n5single supplement Lodge669
2025 Happy Hacker 3n4d/3n3double pp Lodge1,235
2025 Happy Hacker 3n4d/3n3single supplement Lodge559
2025 Happy Hacker 3n4d/3n3Child under 12 sharing Lodge1,149
No of   
days/nights
Riding days Product item description
2024 Happy Hacker 5n6d/5n5double pp Lodge1,949
2024 Happy Hacker 5n6d/5n5single supplement Lodge649
2024 Horse Sport 5n6d/5n5double pp Lodge1,949
2024 Horse Sport 5n6d/5n5single supplement Lodge649
2024 Happy Hacker 3n4d/3n3double pp Lodge1,199
2024 Happy Hacker 3n4d/3n3single supplement Lodge549
2024 Horse Sport 3n4d/3n3double pp Lodge1,215
2024 Horse Sport 3n4d/3n3single supplement Lodge559
2024 Starter Pack 5n6d/5n5double pp Lodge Room 1,949
2024 Starter Pack 5n6d/5n5single supplement Lodge649
2025 Horse Sport 3n4d/3n3double pp Lodge1,455
2025 Horse Sport 3n4d/3n3single supplement Lodge659
2025 Horse Sport 5n6d/5n5double pp Lodge2,359
2025 Horse Sport 5n6d/5n5single supplement Lodge785
2025 Happy Hacker 5n6d/5n5double pp Lodge2,359
2025 Happy Hacker 5n6d/5n5single supplement Lodge785
2025 Starter Pack 5n6d/5n5double pp Lodge Room 2,359
2025 Starter Pack 5n6d/5n5single supplement Lodge785
2025 Happy Hacker 3n4d/3n3double pp Lodge1,455
2025 Happy Hacker 3n4d/3n3single supplement Lodge659
2025 Happy Hacker 3n4d/3n3Child under 12 sharing Lodge1,355
No of   
days/nights
Riding days Product item description US $
2024 Happy Hacker 3n4d/3n3double pp Lodge1,375
2024 Happy Hacker 3n4d/3n3single supplement Lodge629
2024 Happy Hacker 5n6d/5n5double pp Lodge2,235
2024 Happy Hacker 5n6d/5n5single supplement Lodge745
2024 Starter Pack 5n6d/5n5double pp Lodge Room 2,235
2024 Starter Pack 5n6d/5n5single supplement Lodge745
2024 Horse Sport 5n6d/5n5double pp Lodge2,235
2024 Horse Sport 5n6d/5n5single supplement Lodge745
2024 Horse Sport 3n4d/3n3double pp Lodge1,375
2024 Horse Sport 3n4d/3n3single supplement Lodge629
2025 Horse Sport 5n6d/5n5double pp Lodge2,705
2025 Horse Sport 5n6d/5n5single supplement Lodge899
2025 Starter Pack 5n6d/5n5double pp Lodge Room 2,705
2025 Starter Pack 5n6d/5n5single supplement Lodge899
2025 Horse Sport 3n4d/3n3double pp Lodge1,665
2025 Horse Sport 3n4d/3n3single supplement Lodge755
2025 Happy Hacker 5n6d/5n5double pp Lodge2,705
2025 Happy Hacker 5n6d/5n5single supplement Lodge899
2025 Happy Hacker 3n4d/3n3double pp Lodge1,665
2025 Happy Hacker 3n4d/3n3single supplement Lodge755
2025 Happy Hacker 3n4d/3n3Child under 12 sharing Lodge1,555
No of   
days/nights
Riding days Product item description SEK
2024 Horse Sport 5n6d/5n5double pp Lodge23,515
2024 Horse Sport 5n6d/5n5single supplement Lodge7,839
2024 Happy Hacker 5n6d/5n5double pp Lodge23,515
2024 Happy Hacker 5n6d/5n5single supplement Lodge7,839
2024 Horse Sport 3n4d/3n3double pp Lodge14,469
2024 Horse Sport 3n4d/3n3single supplement Lodge6,635
2024 Happy Hacker 3n4d/3n3double pp Lodge14,469
2024 Happy Hacker 3n4d/3n3single supplement Lodge6,635
2024 Starter Pack 5n6d/5n5double pp Lodge Room 23,515
2024 Starter Pack 5n6d/5n5single supplement Lodge7,839
2025 Happy Hacker 5n6d/5n5double pp Lodge28,455
2025 Happy Hacker 5n6d/5n5single supplement Lodge9,465
2025 Horse Sport 3n4d/3n3double pp Lodge17,545
2025 Horse Sport 3n4d/3n3single supplement Lodge7,959
2025 Horse Sport 5n6d/5n5double pp Lodge28,455
2025 Horse Sport 5n6d/5n5single supplement Lodge9,465
2025 Starter Pack 5n6d/5n5double pp Lodge Room 28,455
2025 Starter Pack 5n6d/5n5single supplement Lodge9,465
2025 Happy Hacker 3n4d/3n3double pp Lodge17,545
2025 Happy Hacker 3n4d/3n3single supplement Lodge7,960
2025 Happy Hacker 3n4d/3n3Child under 12 sharing Lodge16,340
Additional Night Pricing
  No of days/nights Product item description £
2024 Extra night for ridersper nightdouble pp335
2024 Extra night for ridersper nightsingle supplement115
2024 Extra night for ridersper nightChild under 12275
  No of days/nights Product item description
2024 Extra night for ridersper nightdouble pp395
2024 Extra night for ridersper nightsingle supplement135
2024 Extra night for ridersper nightChild under 12325
  No of days/nights Product item description US $
2024 Extra night for ridersper nightdouble pp449
2024 Extra night for ridersper nightsingle supplement149
2024 Extra night for ridersper nightChild under 12365
  No of days/nights Product item description SEK
2024 Extra night for ridersper nightdouble pp4,705
2024 Extra night for ridersper nightsingle supplement1,569
2024 Extra night for ridersper nightChild under 123,849
Recommended Reading

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.


Wildlife

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.

Other Country Information

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.


Travel Summary

Meeting-point (getting there):
Castle Leslie
Transfer:
2024:Transfer rates quoted are from Dublin or Belfast airports and payable on site. 1 pax €170 pp each way. 2-5 pax €80 pp each way, 6+ pax €70 pp each way. You can also book a taxi privately. Transfer times are approximately 1 hour from Belfast, 1.5 hours from Dublin (subject to change)
Flight Guide:
London - Dublin/Belfast/Shannon from £50pp return
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