astle Leslie is a 4-star hotel located in Glaslough, Co. Monaghan. It remains one of the few great Irish castle estates still owned by its founding family, with the Leslie family calling it home since the 1660s.
After extensive restoration over the past two decades, the Leslie family have transformed the estate to its original glory. Luxury, history, and natural beauty combine to create a truly unique experience.
Castle Leslie Estate provides a variety of accommodations, including the Castle, The Lodge, and The Old Stable Mews.
The Castle provides an authentic, old-world experience. Its interiors are rich in character, with every corner reflecting the castle’s storied past. The 21 uniquely decorated rooms each tell their own story, filled with antiques and heirlooms. Bathrooms are also distinctive, featuring historic elements like Ireland’s first plumbed bath.
There are no televisions, radios, or minibars in the Castle rooms. This enhances the estate’s timeless charm, allowing guests to relax and enjoy their surroundings. Complimentary WiFi is available throughout, offering a touch of modern convenience.
The Lodge has 50 beautifully restored bedrooms combining period charm with modern comfort. Each room is spacious and elegantly furnished. They feature luxurious bathrooms with roll-top baths, power showers, and comfortable beds.
The Old Stable Mews offer a relaxed, home-like experience. These 2-bedroom accommodations, located in a tranquil courtyard, are just a 15-minute walk from the Castle.
When we arrived, we were greeted with a warm welcome, and check-in was quick and efficient.
We were invited to a reception of bubbles and canapés in the castle’s drawing room that evening, a special welcome for guests staying in the castle on their day of arrival.
When we were being shown to our room, we were given a brief tour of the hotel. Shortly after arriving in our room, we received a welcome drink – an Irish coffee – which was a lovely touch!
Our room, the ‘Red Room’, is one of the estate’s most famous and atmospheric rooms. Deep red carpets, antique furniture, and a grand four-poster bed create a historic and elegant setting. Three large bay windows offer scenic views of the estate, adding to the room’s charm.
Over the years, the ‘Red Room’ has hosted many notable guests. It is renowned for being the room where Paul McCartney and Heather Mills spent their wedding night. It is also often linked to tales of ghostly encounters, adding to its mystique!
The bathroom maintains the elegant, old-world charm of the castle, with classic fixtures and period details. It features a large bath, a walk-in shower, a throne toilet and double sinks. The bath was the first ever installed in Castle Leslie Estate. The quirky and unique throne toilet was invented and designed by Sammy Leslie.
For guests staying in the Castle, breakfast is served daily from 8AM to 11AM in the Castle’s dining room. This room features high ceilings, antique furnishings, and large windows with beautiful views of the lake.
A selection of freshly prepared dishes, including a classic full Irish breakfast, are available to order. Also on offer is a small buffet with lighter options, including fresh fruit and pastries. The staff are warm and friendly, providing attentive service in a relaxed atmosphere.
Castle Leslie Estate offers two dining options: Snaffles and Conor’s Bar & Lounge, both located in The Lodge.
Snaffles is a 2 AA Rosette award-winning restaurant. This elegant, open-plan dining space offers a unique culinary experience. The restaurant’s signature dishes showcase the finest locally sourced ingredients, prepared and presented with creativity and flair. The varied courses are complemented by an extensive drink’s menu. Dinner sittings are available from 6PM to 9PM.
Conor’s Bar & Lounge offers casual dining in a warm and inviting atmosphere. Light lunch options are available until 4PM. Dinner is available as a two-course meal for €39 or a three-course meal for €44.
The menu offers a mix of traditional Irish dishes as well as lighter, healthier options. We enjoyed a lovely meal here – the beef burger and the sticky toffee pudding were a highlight!
All dining options must be booked in advance. Residents and non-residents are welcome.
Afternoon Tea is served daily in the Castle’s Drawing Room from 1PM to 3PM, offering a selection of elegant savouries and homemade sweet treats. Afternoon Tea is priced at €37 per person, with options for prosecco and champagne also available.
The estate stretches across an impressive 1,000 acres of picturesque landscape. Many outdoor activities are available, including horse riding, falconry, clay target shooting, archery, fishing, tennis and boating.
Walking trails are available within the estate, ranging from short walks to leisurely strolls. These allow guests to explore the estate grounds and the village of Glaslough while enjoying stunning scenery. These trails are exclusively available to residents and guests of the estate.
A ‘Walled Garden Tour’ takes place on Mondays and Wednesdays at 11.30AM and lasts for 40 minutes. Prior booking is essential.
Spa treatments are available at the Victorian Treatment Rooms, which include seven treatment rooms, a relaxation area, a sauna, and two outdoor hot tubs. A range of traditional organic therapies is offered from renowned brands like ‘Eminence Organics’ and ‘Voya’ Signature treatments include the calming Grip Fast Full Body Massage, the indulgent Chocolate Truffle Wrap, and the rejuvenating LA Stone Therapy.
Castle Leslie is a beautiful destination all year round. Summer is perfect for exploring the estate’s gardens and lake, while the winter months offer a cosy, intimate atmosphere with warm fires.
The staff offer warm and attentive service that adds a personal touch to every aspect of your stay. From the moment we arrived, their genuine hospitality made us feel right at home.
The true uniqueness, character, and charm of Castle Leslie Estate are experiences that must be felt, they cannot just be described.
For more information, visit https://www.castleleslie.com/.
