Castle Leslie: Ireland’s Fairytale Estate You Can Actually Stay In

There are castles you can tour, castles you can photograph, and then there’s Castle Leslie Estate — a place where you can actually live out your Irish fairytale. Tucked away in County Monaghan, just over the border from Northern Ireland, this historic estate has been home to the Leslie family since 1665 and is one of the last great Irish castle estates still owned by its founding family.

But this isn’t just a relic of history. Castle Leslie is a stunning destination with luxury rooms, sprawling gardens, its own gin, and even 30 horses waiting in the pastures. Staying here feels less like checking into a hotel and more like stepping into a living storybook.

The estate’s story begins in 1608, when the house itself was built. By 1665, John Leslie, who had become a bishop in Ireland, purchased the estate with £2,000 he was awarded for “good deeds” — at the age of 91. (Let that sink in. At 91, most people are thrilled with a birthday cake, not shopping for castles.)

Over the centuries, the Leslie family left their mark on the property, and the current castle as we know it, was completed in the 1860s. The story goes that one of the later Leslie wives, Constance, wasn’t particularly keen on living with her in-laws (relatable), so the castle was built as her private home. She eventually inherited the estate and spearheaded major renovations in the 1870s, meaning much of the castle’s furniture today dates from that remodel.

The castle is full of fascinating artifacts. One standout is a fireplace mantel from Florence, taken from a Roman Catholic church and dating back to the 1490s. The family has also been prolific writers — if you want to dive deeper into their history and eccentricities, pick up Fortune’s Daughters or one of the many books written by one of the family members.

When it comes to accommodations, Castle Leslie offers several options:

• The Castle itself has 21 rooms, each with its own personality. Some are adjoining, making them perfect for couples or friends traveling together. The décor feels lavish and historic without being stuffy — think four-poster beds, velvet drapes, and quirky antique touches.
• The Lodge, just a short stroll from the castle, has 50 rooms with a more relaxed, country-house vibe. Some of these rooms are interconnected, which makes it a great option if you’re traveling with kids.
• The Old Stable Mews are the go-to for families with two or three children. These self-catering accommodations give you the independence of a private stay with the perks of being on the estate grounds.

No matter where you stay, you’ll feel connected to the estate’s history — but with all the modern comforts you need to enjoy it.

One of the highlights of Castle Leslie is simply wandering the 1,000-acre estate, which is dotted with shimmering lakes, ancient woodlands, and meticulously kept gardens. The private walled gardens are full of vegetables and fruit trees that our grown for Castle Leslie’s restaurant.

And then there are the horses. With 30 horses on the property, Castle Leslie is one of Ireland’s premier equestrian destinations. Whether you’re an experienced rider or someone who’s only ever been on a carousel, the estate offers lessons, guided rides, and trails that let you soak in the beauty of the grounds from the saddle. Every time we mentioned to someone we were headed here, they swore up and down that we must ride the horses!

There are plenty of castles in Ireland, but Castle Leslie stands out because it’s not a museum — it’s alive. The family still owns it, the rooms are designed for real stays, and the estate feels like it has a personality of its own. One of the family members still lives here today. It’s equal parts luxurious escape and quirky family home.

Staying here doesn’t just mean sleeping in a fancy bed, although it was pretty fantastic. It means wandering halls filled with stories, riding through centuries-old woodlands, sipping gin made just a few steps away, and realizing that sometimes, history can feel very much alive.