Castle Leslie ‐ Learn To Ride
5 Days
Ireland ( Best airport: Dublin or Belfast)
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. This beginners programme offers three hours of riding each day, comprising of a series of lessons which ultimately culminate with a two hour ride around the estate.
Level of Riding and Fitness
You can ride at Castle Leslie year round thanks to their large indoor arena which allows for riding whatever the weather. All levels are welcome (including complete beginners) though guests of every level and ability are required to do a brief practical assessment on arrival day due to health and safety regulations. You need to be happy to be in the saddle for 3 hours a day and under the weight limit of 16 stone /102kg / 224lbs. If you want to ride more there is the option to purchase further lessons subject to availability. Non-riders are also very welcome. While you are riding 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!.
Guides and Group Size
Lessons will take place in small groups (average of 4 to 5 riders) and will be taught by experienced and qualified instructors. All tuition is in English and the minimum age for riders is 7 years old. There is no maximum age but you should be comfortable with riding for between two and 3 hours per day.
Tack and Riding Equipment
All the tack used on these rides in English style. Saddles and bridles are of good quality and well maintained to keep them safe for daily use. They are also professionally fitted to each horse and regularly checked.
One of Ireland’s leading saddle fitters, Annaghmore Saddlery visit the yard three times a year to get the correct fitting saddle for each and every horse at Castle Leslie Estate. Annaghmore Saddlery also repairs all tack that is needed to be repaired.
Accommodation and Dining
While Castle Leslie Estate has 3 accommodation options (The Castle, The Lodge and the Old Stable Mews), accommodation on these packages is in The Lodge, which has been lovingly restored and imaginatively decorated retaining its period features and original character. All guestrooms in the Lodge have spacious bathrooms include roll top baths and separate power showers, and the comfortable beds are guaranteed to induce a wonderful night’s sleep. All accommodation has complimentary wifi.
Buzzing with activity, there’s always something going on at the Lodge. It also houses the organic Victorian Treatment Rooms – the perfect place to relax. Superior bedrooms are particularly spacious and some offer balconies or their own private courtyard.
Breakfast is a full Irish consisting of bacon, sausages, baked beans, eggs, mushrooms, grilled tomatoes, and perhaps some hearty potatoes made into a hash or a bubble and squeak. A suberb vegetarian breakfast is also available. There will also be toast, butter, marmalade, and lots of tea and coffee 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. For dinner you can either enjoy a main meal at Snaffles resturant or a two course meal at Conor’s Bar & Restaurant.
At Snaffles, their 2 AA Rosette award-winning restaurant, you can enjoy delicious meals in a relaxed setting. Situated on the first floor in the Lodge, Snaffles welcomes both residents and non-resident guests. Snaffles is a beautiful open-plan restaurant and is light and spacious 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 and extensive drinks menu, including our very own Fighting Bishop Gin, make Snaffles Restaurant one of Monaghan’s top restaurants. 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.
SPA
The estate also has the luxurious Victorian Treatment Rooms to leave you feeling refreshed and revitalised. With seven treatment rooms, two outdoor hot tubs, 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. 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.
Gallery
Itinerary
Castle Leslie ‐ Learn To Ride
5 days / 5 nights / 5 days riding
Extras
Single occupancy: £650
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.
Flights & Airport transfers
Do not book flights until you have received the Booking confirmation email from saddletravel.com. Transfer times are approximately 60 minutes from Belfast airport, 80 minutes from Dublin airport and about 2.5 hours from Shannon.
Private airport transfers are available and payable onsite and approximate rates of: 1 person €190 pp each way, 2-5 people €95 pp each way, 6+ people €85 pp each way from Dublin and Belfast, airport or hotel.
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.
- 5 days riding (with shorter rides available on arrival and departure days)
- 5 nights accommodation in twin or double rooms
- Full Irish Breakfast
- A choice of a 2-course meal in Conor’s Bar each night or a main course in Snaffles Restaurant
- Airport transfers
- International flights
- Lunch
- Drinks with dinners