CROSS COUNTRY TRAINING AT A 4 STAR ESTATE HOTEL
Castle Leslie Estate and its world class Equestrian Centre is located in County Monaghan and is only 80 minutes from Dublin airport and 60 minutes from Belfast airport. Nestled on 1,000 acres of undulating Irish countryside, dotted with ancient woodlands and glittering lakes, the Estate offers an idyllic setting for outdoor activity and adventure.
The Castle, at the heart of the Estate, offers authentic original interiors and old-style hospitality and is a complete respite from the world. The Lodge is the social hub of the Estate and brings locals and guests together in an atmosphere of conviviality and comfort. The Old Stable Mews are the perfect spot for groups that want the convenience of hotel living combined with private self catering.
It is the perfect place to discover the thrill of exploring the beautiful Irish countryside on horseback. Castle Leslie offers expert tuition, gentle hacks and exhilarating cross-country rides
Let’s Ride!
OVERVIEW
RIDE GUIDE
From 3 Nights
Cost: Three nights from €1,200 (2024), €1,455 (2025) pp sharing
Operator: Castle Leslie
Where: County Monaghan, Ireland
When: All year. A large indoor arena allows for riding whatever the weather
Riding level: All levels though guests of every level and ability are required to do a brief practical assessment due to health and safety regulations.
Weight limit: Maximum of 102kg/224lbs
Time in the saddle: 3 hours a day included with the option to purchase further lessons subject to availability
How to get there: Options by private transfer, bus or airport taxi. More details are provided under Transfers below.
HORSES
There are around 26 horses including Irish sport horses, draught horses, thoroughbreds and ponies.
FACILITIES
• 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 metre indoor arena with indoor cross-country fences
• 20 × 50 Dressage Arena
• 30 × 20 Outdoor Ménage
• Sand Gallops
• SJI approved show jumps
• Horse walker
• BHS, SJI & AIRE Approved
ACCOMMODATION
Equestrian guests usually stay in the lodge though sometimes guests may be allocated a room in the castle.
THE LODGE
The social hub of the Estate, with its 50 bedrooms, the lodge is adjacent to the Equestrian Centre. It also houses the organic Victorian Treatment Rooms – the perfect place to luxuriate in!
Each bedroom has been decorated in keeping with the building’s period features and designed with comfort in mind. They are each beautifully furnished and generously proportioned rooms. The superior bedrooms are particularly spacious and some offer balconies overlooking the Equestrian Centre or their own private courtyard.
THE CASTLE
The castle itself is used for weddings exclusively now.
GET IN TOUCH
Fill in an obligation free rider form by clicking “book now” and we will be in touch!
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Full Irish breakfast, either two courses for dinner at Conor’s Bar or a main meal in Snaffles Restaurant, 3 hours of horse riding per day, accommodation in the Lodge.
WHAT’S EXCLUDED
The price does not include international flights, transfers, lunch, drinks, travel insurance, spa treatments, clay bird shooting and other additional estate activities.
TRANSFERS
Transfer and self-drive times are approximately 60 minutes from Belfast airport, 80 minutes from Dublin airport and about 2.5 hours from Shannon.
PRIVATE TRANSFER
Transfers are payable onsite and approximate rates of: 1 person €150 pp each way, 2-5 people €60 pp each way, 6+ people €50 pp each way from Dublin and Belfast, airport or hotel.
With fluctuating fuel prices we will confirm rates when you make your booking.
BUS
Bus Route from Dublin to Monaghan return. Click HERE
Bus Route from Monaghan to Belfast return. Click HERE
If taking the bus let us know and we will arrange a transfer from the station to the Estate. The journey takes about 15 mins and is approx. €25 euro.
WHAT TO PACK
Refer to our FAQ for what to pack on a horse riding holiday.
Castle Leslie Equestrian Centre require every guest to wear a back protector for all jumping activities. In addition, Skull hats are mandatory for all cross-country activities.
Please note that you are bringing your own skull or peaked hat, it is mandatory at Castle Leslie Equestrian Centre that it is to the Snell E2001, SEI ASTM 95, ASTMF1163 2004 and PAS 2015 standard.
If you are doing cross country jumping then you will also need to wear a body protector that meets BETA 2009 Level 3 standards.
The Estate provides the below riding attire on a complimentary basis to all guests:
Jodhpur boots
Long rubber riding boots
Riding Crops
Back Protectors to the correct standard (Beta Level 3)
MEALS
Breakfast is a full Irish consisting of bacon, sausages, baked beans, eggs, mushrooms, grilled tomatoes, and perhaps some cooked leftover potatoes made into a hash or a bubble and squeak. There will also be toast, butter, marmalade, and lots of tea to drink.
Lunch is not included though you are very welcome at either onsite restaurants or to explore the area and take lunch off the Estate.
Conor’s Bar & Lounge
The social hub of the Estate, Conor’s Bar & Lounge is the ideal place to relax with a pint of Guinness. Enjoy casual dining with traditional country home cooking. Two courses are included in your package.
Snaffles Restaurant
Situated on the first floor in the Lodge. Snaffles is a beautiful open-plan, 2 AA Rosette award-winning restaurant. A main meal is included in your package.
INTERNET
All accommodation spaces have complimentary wifi throughout the entire estate and there is good cellphone reception on the entire estate.
AVAILABILITY & PRICES
Riding takes place all year round at Castle Leslie Equestrian Centre.
2024
The Estate is fully booked this summer. There is some space from October.
The Sport Horse package jumps start from 70cm up to 1m and every rider needs to be confident galloping. If you’re not confident it’s best to start with Happy Hackers programme and add some cross-country rides at the end your stay. The Sport Horse programme is also closed over the winter months from mid November to mid February.
Check in is usually on Sundays
3 Night Package: Single €1,750; pp sharing €1,200
4 Night Package: Single €2,080 pp sharing €1,560
5 Night Package: Single €2,600; pp sharing €1,950
6 Night Package: Single €3,120; pp sharing €2,340
7 Night Package: Single €3,640 pp sharing €2,730
2025
3 Night Package: Single €2,115; pp sharing €1,455
4 Night Package: Single €2,516 pp sharing €1,888
5 Night Package: Single €3,145; pp sharing €2,360
6 Night Package: Single €3,774; pp sharing €2,832
7 Night Package: Single €4,403, pp sharing €3,304
Fill in an obligation free Rider Form to book and we will get back to you with more information.
Bookings are confirmed with full payment of your stay.
CASTLE LESLIE ESTATE
The currency in Ireland is the Euro. Cards are readily taken in all restaurants.
Time Zone: GMT
Climate: Please pack for all weather including warm over trousers and a waterproof lined jacket or bring a warm fleece. Wet weather is not a problem as the estate has a 50×30 metre indoor arena with indoor cross-country fences.
ITINERARIES & PRICES
Choose your itinerary based on your focus and how many nights you are looking to stay. Accommodation in the equestrian packages is usually in the Lodge. If you would specifically like to stay in the Castle please let us know when booking. There may be an additional cost.
SPORTS HORSE
For the more experienced rider looking to improve their riding skills. This package incorporates a mix of show jumping, cross country, dressage & estate rides.
The Sport Horse package jumps start from 70cm up to 1m and every rider needs to be confident galloping. If you’re not confident it’s best to start with Happy Hackers programme and add some cross-country rides at the end your stay
Lunch is on your own account.
Activity will be part of a group session.
The Sport Horse package is not offered during the winter (mid-November to mid-February).
HAPPY HACKERS
Happy Hackers is for anyone who enjoys the simple pleasure exploring the countryside on horseback. This package involves daily estate rides. You must be able to canter.
The minimum 3 day programme includes 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.
Lunch is on your own account.
Activity will be part of a group session.
LEARN TO RIDE
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 5 day programme. 3 hours riding per day, 5 nights Bed & Full Irish Breakfast and a choice of a 2-course meal in Conor’s Bar each night or a main course in Snaffles Restaurant.
Lunch is on your own account.
Activity will be part of a group session.
PRICES
Equestrian packages can be booked for 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7+ nights. You are able to bring your own horse for an additional overnight livery fee of €35 per night.
Occupancy at Lodge.
Prices are as follows:
2024
Check in is usually on Sundays
3 Night Package: Single €1,750; pp sharing €1,200
4 Night Package: Single €2,080 pp sharing €1,560
5 Night Package: Single €2,600; pp sharing €1,950
6 Night Package: Single €3,120; pp sharing €2,340
7 Night Package: Single €3,640 pp sharing €2,730
2025
3 Night Package: Single €2,115; pp sharing €1,455
4 Night Package: Single €2,516 pp sharing €1,888
5 Night Package: Single €3,145; pp sharing €2,360
6 Night Package: Single €3,774; pp sharing €2,832
7 Night Package: Single €4,403, pp sharing €3,304
ADDITIONAL RIDING (subject to availability)
One Hour Hack: €55; Two Hour Hack: €75; One Hour Cross Country: €65; Two Hour Cross Country: €95; One Hour Private Lesson: €65.
NON-RIDER PACKAGES
Non-riders are also very welcome! While you are hacking the grounds your friend or partner can enjoy country walks on the estate, a carriage ride, archery, book into the spa or simply enjoy a lie in!
2024
3 Night Package: Single €1,355; Per person sharing €804
5 Night Package: Single €1,940; Per person sharing €1,290
2025
3 Night Package: Single €1,635; Per person sharing €975
5 Night Package: Single €2,345; Per person sharing €1,560
ACCOMMODATION
THE LODGE
The Lodge, with its 50 bedrooms has been lovingly restored and imaginatively decorated retaining its period features and original character.
Buzzing with activity, there’s always something going on at the Lodge. It is adjacent to the Equestrian Centre – ideal for those who wish to explore the grounds on horseback. It also houses the organic Victorian Treatment Rooms – the perfect place to luxuriate in! Superior bedrooms are particularly spacious and some offer balconies overlooking the Equestrian Centre or their own private courtyard.
All guestrooms in the Lodge have spacious bathrooms include roll top baths and separate power showers, and the magnificent comfortable beds are guaranteed to induce a wonderful night’s sleep!
ONSITE DINING
SNAFFLES RESTAURANT
Situated on the first floor in the Lodge. Snaffles is a beautiful open-plan, 2 AA Rosette award-winning restaurant. Signature dishes are cooked with superb locally sourced food which is prepared and presented with imagination and flair. Full of flavour, the diverse courses and extensive gin menu, with over 100 gins from around the world make Snaffles Restaurant one of Monaghan’s top restaurants.
A main meal is included in your package.
CONOR’S BAR & LOUNGE
The social hub of the Estate, Conor’s Bar & Lounge is the ideal place to relax with a pint of Guinness. Enjoy casual dining with traditional country home cooking. Guests can unwind here after an activity-filled day coming together together in an atmosphere of conviviality and comfort or retreat to a cosy corner with the newspaper or a good book.
Two courses are included in your package.
ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES
VICTORIAN SPA EXPERIENCE
A visit to The Victorian Treatment Rooms will leave you feeling refreshed and revitalised. With seven treatment rooms, an outdoor Hot Tub, Sauna and Relaxation Room, it’s the perfect place to ease your weary muscles after taking part in one of the many activities available on the Estate.
Signature treatments include the Grip Fast Full Body Massage, Chocolate Truffle Wrap and LA Stone Therapy.
The Victorian Treatment Rooms at Castle Leslie Estate has gained a reputation for being one of the leading spa locations in Ireland. View the spa menu here.
ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES
Experience the thrill of Clay Target Shooting at Castle Leslie Estate. Glenn Ross has represented Ireland 11 times at Home International level and once at the World Cup in Rome 2005.
Afternoon Tea is available in the Lodge from 1 – 3:00pm each day. View the menu here.
Journey back in time on an enchanting carriage ride through the tree-lined avenues and bridleways, sit back and be charmed by what awaits you on your personal tour of the most beautiful areas of the Estate.
There are more activities on offer. Please ask when booking at onsite at reception.
WHEN TO GO
Castle Leslie is open all year and will ride in almost any weather so don’t forget your waterproofs! They have an indoor arena for lessons too.
The warmest month in Monaghan County is July with an average maximum temperature of 19°C.
May is the sunniest month in Monaghan County.
August is the wettest month in Monaghan County.
March is the driest month.
The coldest month is February with an average maximum daytime temperature of 8°C.
