Castle Leslie Equestrian Extravaganza Monaghan Ireland A secluded and private estate in Co. Monaghan nestled on 1,000 acres of undulating Irish countryside, dotted with ancient woodland and glittering lakes, Castle Leslie Estate is one of the last great Irish Castle estates still in the hands of its founding family. Since the 1660s, the distinguished and somewhat individual Leslie family have lived on the Castle Estate, welcoming everyone from politicians to poets, ambassadors to ufologists; all the time making their home into one of the finest luxury Castle hotels Ireland has to offer.. The Castle, at the heart of the Estate, offers authentic original interiors and old-style hospitality and is a complete respite from the world.  It is rich in unspoiled rural splendor and breath-taking artifacts.  A haven of tranquility, you won’t find televisions, radios or minibars within the bedrooms. The Castle features twenty unique bedrooms and bathrooms - whether your idea of heaven is a romantic boudoir designed with relaxation and privacy in mind or flamboyant room decorated with rich deep colours, there’s a room to suit your tastes. The Lodge is the social hub of the Estate and brings locals and guests together in an atmosphere of conviviality and comfort. It offers a completely different experience to that of the castle. Complete with 29 rooms - each of which remain true to the building’s original structure - and buzzing with activity, there is plenty to keep yourself occupied at the boutique, country house style Lodge. The Old Stable Mews and Village Houses are the perfect spot for groups that want the convenience of hotel living combined with private self catering. The Castle Leslie Equestrian Center is the perfect location for a horse-riding holiday in Ireland. It is the perfect place for adventure and offers an idyllic setting for horse enthusiasts visiting Ireland. Imagine over a thousand acres of rolling hills, parkland and lakes to explore on horseback. Combine fun and thrilling cross-country riding with relaxing trail rides in the countryside and come home to luxury accommodations each day to unwind! As one of Europe’s finest equestrian playgrounds, Castle Leslie Estate offers memorable horse riding holiday experiences for riding enthusiasts of all levels.  So whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rider, Castle Leslie Estate is the place for you. Riding Clinic Short Getaway Family Vacation Center-based ride Meeting: Glaslough Airport: Dublin /Belfast Transfer: Dublin/Belfast Riders: Min 1 riders Max 8 riders (per riding group) Max Capacity 50 Trip Brochure (PDF) Trip Rating Video

Packages and Options

Click here for updated current rates.

 

Transfer and Other Charges:

Pick-up/ drop-off for this trip is from Dublin International Airport (DUB) or Belfast International Airport (BFS). Check-in to your room: After 3:00pm. Check-out: 11:00am

You can choose between 3 packages:
- Horse Sport Package: this package is for experienced English riders (Good intermediate and above) and includes daily riding of approx. 3 hours. This is a daily lesson package and includes flat work/dressage, cross-country jumping and show-jumping.
- Happy Hackers Package: like the name implies, this is a hacking (trail riding) package for low intermediate riders and above.
- Learn to Ride in 5 days Package: this package is designed for beginner to intermediate riders who wish to improve their riding skills. Each rider will receive a series of daily lessons culminating in a 2 hour hack (trail ride) around the estate.

On your first day, arrive early in the afternoon for an orientation ride and in time for dinner at 7.30p.m. (rooms are generally available from 6 p.m., although we will accommodate people arriving earlier if possible).
On the first morning, you will chat over breakfast with the instructor about your riding ability, aims etc. An initial assessment of riders takes place in the indoor or outdoor schooling area on the first riding day. 

Each day, morning rides start at 10:30 am & afternoon rides at 2:30 pm.

On your last day, you can enjoy a last ride in the morning before your departure.

The Equestrian Center is located around five new courtyards and tucked behind the Hunting Lodge.
It offers the following amenities:
- 1,000 acres of private estate
- 300 cross-country jumps 
- 21 miles of meandering bridleways 
- Mile-long all-weather gallop
- 56 stables
- Mechanical Horse
- 50×30 meter indoor arena with indoor cross-country fences
- Tiered seating for 200 plus private dining/viewing room
- Lounge and showering facilities
- 20 × 50 Dressage Arena
- 30 × 20 Outdoor Arena
- Sand Gallops
- SJI approved show jumps
- Horse walker
- Lorry & trailer parking
- BHS, SJI & AIRE Approved

Non-Riders
The center provides a wide variety of programs to non-riders who can enjoy golf nearby or cycling in the surrounding countryside. Other activities that can be booked are the Spa, fishing, clay target shooting, hot air balloon ride, horse drawn carriage ride, boating, walking trails, games room, falconry, and archery. Please inquire for prices. There are numerous places of interest to visit within easy driving distance.

                                                Glaslough area

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Average High Temperature (°F)	45	46	50	54	60	64	67	67	62	56	49	46
Average Low Temperature (°F)	35	35	37	39	44	49	53	52	49	44	39	36
Average High Temperature (°C)	7	8	10	12	15	18	20	19	17	13	10	8
Average Low Temperature (°C)	2	2	3	4	7	9	12	11	9	7	4	2
Average Precipitation (days of rain)	14	10	12	10	10	10	10	12	12	13	12	12

Source: NOAA


Seasons
The climate is temperate and maritime. Consequently, we di not suffer from the extremes of temperature experienced by many other countries at similar latitude. Daily conditions generally are highly changeable, but there are no extremes of heat and cold. The region is exposed to the ameliorating effects of the North Atlantic Current, a northeastward extension of the Gulf Stream.
Most of the weather comes from the southwest in a series of low-pressure systems bringing the rain and clouds that often lend character to the landscape. High winds are also frequent.
Mean annual wind-speed varies between about 4 m/sec in the east midlands and 7 m/sec in the northwest. Strong winds tend to be more frequent in winter than in summer.
Average rainfall varies between about 800 and 2,800mm. Rainfall accumulation tends to be highest in winter and lowest in summer.

Full service laundry is available at the Hunting Lodge for cost. Cell phone rental is available and can be pre-booked through www.rentaphone-ireland.com If you are traveling from the USA you may wish to check into unlocking your cell phone to use with an Irish SIM card. Check out www.bilemo.com/unlock   

Please note, that from the 1st January 2016, there has been new regulations passed with regards to riding hat standards and from this date, all hats with just BSEN 1384 are no longer legal to ride in.  You are more than welcome to borrow one of ours if needed.  If you are taking part in one of our Cross country jump rides, it is compulsory to wear both back protectors and skull caps, again you are more than welcome to borrow ours.  It is vital that you wear proper attire for any Cross country jump rides, ie long sleeves, correct back protector ie Beta 2009  Level 3 purple badge.

A client's helmet will need to meet one of these standards:

• EN 1384:1996
• PAS 015:1998
• SNELL E2001
• ASTM F1163   

We do however, have some hats that we can lend to guests.
If you bring your own helmet there is a form to be signed upon arrival stating that you were informed of and understand the standards they require.
 

This list is only a guideline for you

Travel documents and Voucher

Flight tickets

Personal Travel Insurance

Passport

Visa (check with your consulate)

RIDING GEAR

Jodhpurs or comfortable jeans (used if possible!)

Long riding boots: leather or rubber or boots and mini chaps.

Riding helmet  (mandatory- able to borrow)

Riding gloves

Hat (with chin strap) for sun protection

Lightweight Waterproof pants and jacket or long riding coast. No capes

Eventing vest for cross country (able to borrow)

PERSONAL CLOTHING

Jacket or sweater for cool evenings

Comfortable T-Shirts/Shirts

Jeans

Shorts

Underwear and socks

Pyjamas

Bag for dirty clothes

Light summer jacket

Warm jacket

Trekking boots/ comfortable shoes

ADDITIONAL THINGS TO BRING

Personal Toiletries

Insect protection

Personal medications

Sore cream (for an emergency)

Sewing kit

Handkerchiefs

Adapter for electric appliances

Camera and extra batteries

Sun glasses with strap

Sun tan lotion and lip balm

Average ratings from 7 tour feedbacks (see details below) Horses: (5) Excellent (4) Very Good (3) Good (2) Satisfactory (1) Not Satisfactory Saddle/Tack: Accommodations: Meals: Host/Guide: other Riders: Name Date gianna miceli 4/21/2017 nadine schumacher 1/12/2016 lori alexander 7/31/2013 lori alexander 7/11/2013 geraldine emberger 9/3/2007 tiina pitkanen 8/30/2007 teresa glidewell 11/7/2003

Accommodations
This is a stationary ride so all nights are spent at the lodge or the castle.

Hunting Lodge 
Located at the entrance of the Estate, the Hunting Lodge is the social hub of the Estate, the ideal spot to relax with family, friends or new acquaintances. The Lodge at Castle Leslie Estate, with its 29 rooms and cut-stone stable courtyard, has been lovingly restored and imaginatively decorated retaining its period features and original character. It provides cozy and charming accommodation. Each bedroom has been decorated in keeping with the building's period features and designed with comfort in mind. Our superior bedrooms are particularly spacious and offer balconies overlooking the Equestrian Centre's courtyards or a comfortable sitting area where you can relax with your favorite book. Our classic bedrooms in the original building and stables are decorated in a cozy, traditional style while the ones in the newer wings are more contemporary in style. All bedrooms contain a king-sized bed or two twins, private bath with Victorian roll top bath and separate shower, and a TV.
All of our packages are confirmed in Superior rooms unless you prefer to stay in one of the classic bedrooms (very charming).

Buzzing with activity, there’s always something going on at the Lodge. It is adjacent to the Equestrian Centre and perfectly located for those who wish to explore the countryside and parkland on horseback. It also houses the organic Victorian Treatment Rooms – the perfect place to luxuriate in a relaxing massage following an activity-filled day. Wireless internet access is available in all public areas in the Lodge. And if you just want to escape with your newspaper or book or enjoy a game of scrabble with your partner, there is an abundance of nooks and crannies and common areas in which to do so.

 

Castle Leslie - when available we are happy to reserve a room at the castle at no extra charge.
With its authentic interiors and old-style hospitality, the Castle at Castle Leslie Estate exudes old world grandeur and offers complete respite from the world. The Castle is not a typical hotel experience – you won’t find televisions, radios, or minibars in the Castle bedrooms. However, we do offer all of our guests complimentary WiFi in all public areas and bedrooms in The Castle.
The unique and dramatically different bedrooms are tranquil and calm – havens for sleeping and dreaming. The Castle is filled with beautiful furniture, antiques and heirlooms. It has twenty original and uniquely decorated bedrooms and bathrooms. From romantic boudoirs designed with relaxation and privacy in mind to more flamboyant bedrooms decorated with rich deep colours, there’s a room and a view to suit every taste. Each bathroom is unique and features include the first plumbed bath in Ireland, a throne toilet and a complete bathroom hidden away in a doll’s house. Some baths are fabulously large, ideal for a romantic soak for two. There is no pressure  to do anything except relax and indulge yourself.

Log fires crackle in the hearths and there are several elegant rooms in which you can relax in privacy or in the company of friends. You can sneak off to a special screening in the private cinema or test your skills at the full-sized Snooker table. You may prefer to relax in the magnificent Drawing Room with its grand piano and famous De La Robbia fireplace, all these features combine making Castle Leslie Estate one of the most sought after luxury escapes in Ireland.

Room Occupancy
Triple occupancy is available in some rooms.
Single supplement is mandatory for solo travelers.

 


Meals 
Included in your package are breakfast and a 2-course dinner at the O'Connors Bar. Lunches and meals at the Brasserie or at the Castle are not included.
No matter where you eat on the Estate, you will enjoy the best of classic Irish cooking.  We source regional and artisan foods locally and prepare and present them with imagination and flair.  Freshness is our by-word.  Our daily-baked breads and scones and homemade preserves are enough to tempt any guest.

Lunch is available at 1:00 p.m.
Dinner is served at 7:30 p.m.

Andrew Bradley, the Executive Chef at Castle Leslie Estate, combines years of Michelin experience and personal passion with some tried and tested delicious recipes of the past.  Cleverly re-inventing the Castle Leslie Estate Cook Book – a compilation of dog-eared family recipes dating back for centuries – Andrew has cleverly stamped a whole new meaning on the expression ‘old meets new’.  He and his team cater for all guests’ needs with style and a smile! We cater for those looking for casual dining as well as those seeking a more formal, elegant and romantic experience.  Guests can look forward to lazy breakfasts, light lunches or picnic lunches in the woodlands, Irish country cooking in the bar or brasserie and candlelit dinners and formal afternoon tea in the Castle.  So there’s little chance of anyone going hungry.

Conor's Bar at the Hunting Lodge
The social hub of the Estate, Conor’s Bar is the ideal place to relax with a pint of Guinness or enjoy traditional country home cooking in a casual setting. It brings locals and guests together in an atmosphere of conviviality and comfort. Guests can unwind here after an activity filled day while enjoying relaxed conversation with friends. Or retreat to a cosy corner with the newspaper or a good book. 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 at the Victorian Treatment Rooms. Seasonal dining times may vary. Please check with reception.

Snaffels Brasserie at the Hunting Lodge
At our 2 AA Rosette award-winning restaurant, you can enjoy delicious meals in a relaxed setting. Set on the mezzanine floor in the Lodge, Snaffles welcomes both residents and local guests. Snaffles is a beautiful open-plan restaurant and is light and spacious with a dramatic hand-carved ceiling and robust oak beams that blend effortlessly with a striking wall of contemporary glass. Signature dishes are cooked with superb locally sourced food which is prepared and presented with imagination and flair. Full of flavour, the diverse courses available make Snaffles Restaurant one of Monaghan’s top restaurants. Seasonal dining times may vary. Please check with reception.

  

This trip includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Tack:		English
Horses:		Connemara and Irish Hunters
Pace:		The pace is varies depending on the package chosen. | Walk | Trot | Canter | Jumps |
Level:		(1 to 4 out of 5)    Al riding levels
Age:		Min 7
Weight:		Max 210 lbs
Riders:		Min 1 riders	Max 8 riders (per riding group)	Max Capacity 50

We welcome riders of all ability and age groups, as long as you are over 7 years old!

Horses
We have 27 horses including Irish sport horses, draught horses, thoroughbreds and ponies.
The horses range from the 'Baby-sitters' & 'Flying Armchairs' for the more novice or nervous rider, to typical spirited Irish hunters who provide more of a challenge for the experienced rider.
Our horses’ welfare is of paramount importance to us. Our aim is to provide an extremely high level of care to our horses and we work with a number of key suppliers including an equine chiropractor, equine dentist, farrier and vet.

Staff
Qualified instructors up to B.H.S.I.I. lead the cross-country rides and teach all levels, making sure that everyone can make the most of their holiday with sympathetic instruction or just the right amount of encouragement for the rider who does not want 'formal tuition'.

Facilities
The Estate is nestled on 1,000 acres of undulating Irish countryside, dotted with ancient woodlands and glittering lakes. There are 21 miles of meandering bridleways on the Estate with natural and man-made obstacles spread over a wide area. In addition, riding on adjacent farmland and a competition course is available with a large number of fences to suit all levels.
The riding center is BHS, SJI & AIRE approved and has a mechanical horse for beginners.
Facilities include an indoor arena (50×30 meter) with indoor cross-country fences, a dressage ring (20 × 50 meter), an outdoor arena (30 x 20 meter) and a horse walker.

Passports

Passport valid for at least three months beyond length of stay required by all except:

(a) 1. persons born in the UK travelling direct from the UK (applicable to British passport holders only).

Note: Whilst UK citizens do not require a passport or visa to enter Ireland, most carriers by air or sea now require some form of identification with photograph, usually a passport or driving licence with photo. Visitors should check what form of ID is required with the individual airline, ferry company or travel agent before travelling.

(b) 2. EU nationals holding a valid national ID card.

Note: EU nationals are only required to produce evidence of their EU nationality and identity in order to be admitted to any EU Member State. This evidence can take the form of a valid national passport or national identity card. Either is acceptable. Possession of a return ticket, any length of validity on their document, sufficient funds for the length of their proposed visit should not be imposed.

Passport Note

3. Imposition of a return ticket as a condition of entry is at the discretion of the Immigration Officer at point of entry.



Visas

Not required by all nationals referred to in the chart above for the following durations:

(a) nationals of EU countries for an unlimited period (nationals of EU countries wishing to stay for longer than three months must register with the Garda National Immigration Bureau).

(b) nationals of Australia, Canada and the USA for stays of up to 90 days.

Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements 

Passport Required?
British	1
Australian	Yes
Canadian	Yes
USA	Yes
Other EU	2
Visa Required?
British	No
Australian	No
Canadian	No
USA	No
Other EU	No
Return Ticket Required?
British	No
Australian	3
Canadian	3
USA	3
Other EU	No

This information is not being updated on a regular basis. Hidden Trails does not take any responsibility for the accuracy of the above information. Please, consult the embassy or consulate for updated info.