IN LOVE WITH ‘LESLIE’
Nestled in the picturesque village of Glaslough, Co
Monaghan, the Castle Leslie estate rose to fame back in 2002 when it hosted the
marriage of Sir Paul McCartney to Heather Mills - but those links are instantly
forgettable as the venue has a lot more to shout about. We found out what is
making more and more people fall in love with Castle Leslie when we took our
children on a self-catering family break to a place that is becoming increasingly
popular with day trippers, holiday makers and bridal parties from all over the
country…
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Castle Leslie’s estate is set on 1,000 acres of woodland and
countryside which is dotted with lakes and wildlife – our children loved
spotting all sorts of creatures but were mostly taken by the roaming ponies
which filled the fields on the way to our accommodation. It is an estate
steeped in the rich history, still in the hands of the founding family who came
to Ireland in the 16th Century.
There are several options for accommodation on the estate.
The Lodge, which is home to a luxury Victorian Treatment Rooms, Conor’s Bar and
exquisite bedrooms; The Castle itself, which is a real step back in time treat
of sheer escapism – prepare to be dazzled by the lake and views on the other
side of the castle which are not visible from the front; the Village Cottages
which are modern day houses located in Glaslough itself, or the Stable Mews
where we stayed – a courtyard of truly splendid self-contained two story
cottages which I cannot recommend highly enough for a perfect family break.
We arrived on Friday evening and explored the grounds
immediately. An equestrian centre, tennis courts, a delicious evening meal in
Conor’s Bar, a stroll around the Castle which was breath-taking and
exhilarating to little minds who were so eager to learn on the history with
eyes peeled for a glimpse of Sir Jack himself, who at the grand age of 98,
still lives in the Castle! (forget David Beckham or Harry Styles – this is the
celebrity we wanted to see!)
Our cottage was so impressive - a large open plan dining and living area with
high ceilings, an open fire and a small but totally contained kitchen, a
flatscreen TV which allowed for some World Cup viewing at night, two bedrooms
(one en-suite) and a family bathroom meant that we were truly at home from the
very beginning. We even had a games room right next door with table tennis,
pool, giant Jenga, Connect 4 and loads more. There is a 15minute walk from the
Stable Mews to the main Castle and Lodge but with so much to see and do along
the way, this was all part of the adventure!
On Saturday the children thoroughly enjoyed an hour’s lesson
at the Equestrian Centre while Jim and I enjoyed some afternoon sunshine on the
patio at Conor’s Bar – a great spot for people watching I have to say! Our
tired bunch were thrilled with their new found pony friends and as they had
worked up quite a hunger, we set off next door to Ambledown Cottages for some
tasty pizza!
Located just beside Castle Leslie’s gates (down the hill –
it is well signed), Ambledown Cottages is a true gem. Jeremy Herron and his
staff have created quite a treat in their home from home atmosphere, rustic
surroundings and a ‘pizzeria’ dining experience which was one of the highlights
of our weekend. Dualta, who had just turned 13, was serenaded by Jeremy himself
on harmonica and treated with some cake and Jim was persuaded to get out his
guitar and treat the other diners to some traditional tunes! Jeremy even took
the three children to see his very own pony which was the icing on the birthday
cake without a doubt!
On Sunday morning after a sumptuous breakfast in Snaffles
restaurant (which boasts 2 AA star rosettes), Jim and I set off for some
pampering in the Victorian Treatment rooms while the children played tennis in
the sunshine. We thoroughly enjoyed a full body massage in the Cocoon Duo Room
followed by a fruit platter and ‘mocktail’ and a dip in the outdoor Hot Tub.
Following a truly delicious Sunday lunch al fresco, it was
time for us to leave Castle Leslie – but only for now. With the school holidays
upon us, I have a feeling we may be back to visit more than once.
When you discover Castle Leslie, part of you will want to
keep it a secret, while part of you will want to tell the world. It really is a
whole new world and best of all, it is right on your doorstep.
For Ambledown Cottages Pizzeria enquiries call 00 353 47 88393
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