The month of love at Castle Leslie Estate
Escape to Ireland’s most romantic hotel this February
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. Located in Co Monaghan, the Estate is home to some of the most unique and enchanting accommodation on one of Ireland’s most breath-taking estates. Unlike most hotels, it boasts a variety of accommodation to suit all tastes and is the ultimate romantic destination. Castle Leslie Estate’s charm lies in its intimate atmosphere, its old-world elegance and its ability to make one lose all sense of time and space. It’s no surprise that it was voted by TripAdvisor as one of the top 25 hotels in Ireland for romance. The Castle, rich in unspoilt rural splendour and stunning artefacts, offers complete respite from the rest of the world and is a haven of tranquillity: you won’t find televisions, radios or minibars within the bedrooms. The Castle features 20 unique bedrooms — whether your idea of heaven is a romantic boudoir designed with relaxation and privacy in mind or a flamboyant room decorated with rich, deep colours, there’s a room to suit your tastes. The Lodge offers a completely different experience to that of The Castle. Complete with 29 rooms — each of which remains 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 hotel. Castle Leslie Estate is the ideal destination for a romantic retreat. A break on the Estate can be as action-packed or relaxed as you want it to be. A host of activities are on offer, including pike fishing for the nature enthusiast, a private cinema for movie buffs, exceptional walking trails for those who want to breathe in fresh country air, kayaking and clay-pigeon shooting for the more adventurous, hot-air balloon rides for those looking for exhilaration, falconry so guests can experience nature up close, a fabulous spa for rejuvenation and of course the famous world-class equestrian centre.
DELECTABLE DINING
When it comes to dining at Castle Leslie Estate, it’s all about choice. Those looking for casual dining, as well as those seeking a more elegant and romantic experience, are well catered for. Guests can look forward to lazy breakfasts in Conor’s Bar at The Lodge and delightful afternoon tea at The Castle, as well as gourmet dinners in the 2 AA Rosette award-winning Snaffles Restaurant. Executive Head Chef Philip Brazil and his team are celebrating wintertime in abundance this season and have created some wonderful menus for you to enjoy. Conor’s Bar is the perfect place to enjoy traditional-style home cooking in a relaxed environment. Crackling log fires burning and the heart-warming menus served by the friendly team will ensure a perfect lunch or evening meal. No matter where you eat on the Estate, you will enjoy the best of classic Irish cooking. Castle Leslie Estate sources regional and artisan foods locally, and prepares and presents them with imagination and flair. Freshness is the by-word here. The daily baked breads and scones and homemade preserves are enough to tempt any guest.
SPA INDULGENCE
A visit to the Victorian Treatment Rooms will leave you feeling refreshed and revitalised. Located in the Lodge, the Victorian Treatment Rooms feature seven treatment rooms, a relaxation area and an outdoor hot tub overlooking the stables. Upon entering the Victorian Treatment Rooms, you will be greeted with a cup of herbal tea, a peaceful ambience and impeccable service — all the necessary ingredients to transport you to a realm of serenity. There is a wonderful natural atmosphere at this spa, reflected in their exclusive choice of Eminence and VOYA organic products. All treatments utilise nature’s ingredients, sure to indulge the senses and treat the body, mind and soul. After your stay at Castle Leslie Estate, you will emerge well rested, pampered and have taken in some of the most exquisite sights to be witnessed in Ireland. It is just a mere 80 minutes from Dublin and a million miles from anywhere…