Castle Leslie Estate, Monaghan

Flanked by 1000 acres of ancient woodlands and glossy lakes in the Irish countryside, Castle Leslie Estate in Monaghan resembles something out of a romantic novel. Beautiful gardens slope down to the lake where the sun breaks through a brooding mist.

Inhabited by the Leslie family since 1665, this grand Victorian building has been an aristocratic home for centuries and teems with incredible history. There’s a real sense of opulence here and dramatic interiors with original features make this one of the best luxury hotels in Monaghan. Huge oil paintings and portraits hang from the walls, and antique furniture, open fireplaces and family heirlooms are strewn throughout.

Castle Leslie Estate is just an hour’s drive from Belfast and 80 minutes from Dublin and is perfect for families who enjoy outdoor activities and something out of the ordinary. The vast grounds lend themselves to archery, cycling, clay target shooting and fishing. There is also a romantic boathouse where you can row out onto the lake and explore the estate from a different perspective.

The Equestrian Centre is fabulous for beginners or seasoned riders over the age of seven. There are several cross-country trails as well as 56 stables, indoor arena with fences, dressage arena and outdoor ménage.

Dining here is an experience in itself with its 2 AA Rosette Snaffles restaurant that showcases imaginative menus made from locally sourced and seasonal ingredients. The open-plan restaurant sits beneath a hand-carved, beamed ceiling on a mezzanine floor. Afternoon tea at Castle Leslie is a delicious treat that can’t be missed, with traditional hospitality and tiers of homemade treats.

Don’t expect to find TVs or minibars in the bedrooms at the Castle, this is a place where you can escape the outside world and focus on enjoying a totally unique experience. You’ll find canopies draped over ornate beds, original fireplaces, rolltop baths and magnificent wall murals in many of the rooms.

Nestled among the 1000 acre estate, Castle Leslie blends modern facilities with Victorian grandeur.

Food and Drink

The 2 AA Rosette Snaffles Restaurant is located within the Castle itself on a mezzanine floor. The open-plan space is beautifully designed with an imposing, hand-carved ceiling where you can dine on creative dishes. Afternoon tea at Castle Leslie is served in The Blue Room and serves up indulgent homemade sweet treats and finger sandwiches.

The laid-back Conor’s Bar is a lively hub where you can sample the local Guinness, daily dishes and a wide selection of drinks.

Inside The Lodge at Castle Leslie Estate, located next to the Equestrian Centre, you’ll find the Victorian Treatment Rooms, where you can relax with a wide range of treatments.

Weddings at Castle Leslie Estate

With its unbelievably beautiful backdrop, historic charm and grand rooms, this is the perfect venue for weddings at any time of year. The Castle can accommodate up to 70 guests while The Pavilion and other areas of the estate are licensed for civil ceremonies.

Activities

Owing to its huge grounds, there is a wealth of outdoor activities available here, including archery, cycling, fishing, clay target shooting, falconry, boating and walking. You also have the opportunity to experience a hot air balloon ride or horse-drawn carriage ride. For those rainy days when you’d rather stay indoors, there is a private cinema and full-size snooker table.

The Equestrian Centre at Castle Leslie Estate has its own indoor arena with fences, 56 stables, dressage arena and outdoor ménage. There are countless hacks and cross-country trails available for riders above the age of seven and beginners can book tuition and improve their skills on the mechanical horse.