WE’RE HEADING INTO the busiest few weeks of the year, with our calendars jam-packed full of family gatherings and festive celebrations. It’s a joyful time but also a drain on our social battery, and what better way to unwind ahead of the madness than to book a last minute getaway to Castle Leslie Estate in Co Monaghan.

If you can’t sneak in a trip this side of Christmas, have no fear, set on 1,000 acres of undulating Irish countryside it’s also the perfect New Years getaway for you and your family to look forward to. 

Located in Glaslough, County Monaghan, Castle Leslie Estate is just 80 minutes from Dublin and 60 minutes from Belfast – it’s one of the last great Irish Castle estates still in the hands of its founding family. Since the 1660′s the distinguished and somewhat individual Leslie family have lived on the Estate and welcomed everyone from politicians to poets, ambassadors to ufologists as well as a host of world renowned celebrities. The estate offers a wide variety of different accommodation at The Castle, at The Lodge and at The Old Stable Mews to fit all tastes and requirements and with its rural backdrop it’s the perfect location for outdoor enthusiasts looking to avail of activities both on and off the Estate. 

Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the woodlands of Castle Leslie Estate and discover the Gothic Lodge, Walled Garden originating from 1850, the Pinetum, St. Salvator’s Church and the Integrated Wetlands project. If you’d prefer to relax indoors, indulge in a spa treatment at The Victorian Treatment Rooms which will leave you feeling refreshed and revitalised.

When visiting Castle Leslie Estate, not only will you be surrounding yourself with beautiful nature and Irish history, it’s fair to say that it’s one of the most decorated hotels in Ireland, as the last twelve months saw the Estate scoop fifteen awards, including three alone at the Virgin Media Gold Medal Awards. 

The stunning Monaghan estate triumphed at the 34th Annual Gold Medal Awards, winning the hotly contested Gold Medal People’s Choice Award for Ireland’s Favourite Place to Stay, together with the Gold Medal Award for Ireland’s Castle & Heritage Wedding Excellence and the Bronze award for Ireland’s Sustainability/Leading Green Hotel. 

With other awards including the Culinary Haven of the Year at The Good Food Ireland Awards and World Travel Award Ireland’s Leading Boutique Hotel, you know you’re not just getting a hotel stay, but an unforgettable experience. 

Speaking about the past year, Brian Baldwin CEO of Castle Leslie Estate, couldn’t hide his pride:

To receive all of these awards in one year is wonderful. I could not be any prouder. My team at Castle Leslie Estate are what makes this all happen. The hard work and commitment that they give to each guest to make their experience a magical one is commendable. Their passion for delivering an incredible experience and the drive they have to offer a superior customer service is palpable. To receive these recognitions as one of the best hotels on the island of Ireland makes it all worth it!”

If you want to book your stay, now is the time to head over to Castle Leslie’s website and start planning. Download the Castle Leslie Estate app on your phone or table to discover all the activities and facilities available to you.