castle leslie

All year | from €1635pp | ireland

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RIDE in style on estate grounds

‘A quintessential Irish riding experience through a private estate and rolling countryside, combining scenic hacking with luxurious accommodation & hospitality’

Overview

Set within one of Ireland’s most celebrated private estates, the Castle Leslie Estate riding experience offers a rare blend of heritage, horsemanship and refined country living. Still owned by its founding family, the estate has been beautifully restored, with luxurious accommodation that honours its history while offering modern comfort in an exceptional setting.

Riding at Castle Leslie is designed to suit a range of riders while maintaining a relaxed and refined atmosphere. With leisurely rides that wind through the estate’s private trails for those wanting to enjoy the simple pleasure of exploring the countryside on horseback and focused cross country, show jumping and estate riding sessions for experienced riders wanting to improve their skills, there’s an option for everyone within the estate’s beautifully maintained grounds.

Whether you’re looking for a peaceful escape on horseback or a short riding break that combines learning with luxury, Castle Leslie delivers an elegant and immersive Irish riding experience, with exceptional horses, thoughtful hospitality and a setting unlike anywhere else.

Four people riding horses through a shallow river in a lush, green forest area with reflection in the water.

What you need to know

  • Horse riding in Ireland

  • From €1635pp

  • All breakfast & dinner, accommodation and riding included

  • Runs most of the year, subject to availability (bookings available for 2026 & 2027)

  • 3 or 5 night options

  • 3 hours riding everyday

  • Happy Hacker and Horse Sport packages available

  • Friendly hosts

ask for more info
A person riding a brown horse jumping off a grassy area into a body of water, with a landscape of trees and buildings in the background.
Two horseback riders, one on a black horse and the other on a white horse, riding along a dirt trail in a green forested area.
A person riding a white horse jumps over an obstacle on a forest trail, with two other riders on horseback in the background.
Three people riding horses on a gravel path through a wooded area with leafless trees and green grass.
Three people riding horses through shallow water in a park-like setting with a large mansion in the background.
A person riding a horse during an indoor equestrian jumping event, jumping over a hurdle.

OVERVIEW

Dates: Runs most of the year, check in is on Sundays - subject to availability (bookings available for 2026 & 2027)

Price: From €1635pp

Location: Ireland

Operator: Castle Leslie

Riding level: Advanced and experienced. Able to control horse in a group up to a canter within open spaces.

Time in the saddle: 3 hours a day

Horses:

Weight limit:

Currency: Euros

Saddle type: English

Airport: Belfast or Dublin

Adventure level:

Need to know

  • Accommodation during the trip

  • All riding activities

  • Breakfast and dinner

What’s included:

  • Flights into and out of Ireland

  • Transfers to and from the estate

  • Accommodation outside of the trip

  • Lunch and drinks

  • Tips / gratuities

  • Travel & medical insurance

  • Other activities

What’s excluded:

Food: Breakfast will be had at your accommodation and is usually a full Irish breakfast.

Dinner is either a 2 course meal each night in Conor’s bar or a main course in Snaffles restaurant.

Lunch isn’t included.

Dietary requirements can be accommodated.

Accommodation:

Accommodation is in The Lodge, a large restored house that features 50 bedrooms and is the bridge between the estate and the village. It’s the social hub of the estate and always has something going on.

Accommodation and food

The horses at Castle Leslie are the highlight of the holiday and a joy to ride. They have a mix of horses who enjoy different types of riding so there’s something for everyone.

Their horses’ welfare is of paramount importance and they provide an extremely high level of care to their horses by working with a selection of specialists including an equine chiropractor, dentist, farrier and vet.

Find out more about the horses are cared for here.

Horses

  • Riding hat, gloves and comfortable riding boots

  • Body protector

  • Layers of clothing (Ireland doesn’t get very warm)

  • A light rain jacket

  • A water bottle

  • A charging adapter (for EU plugs)

  • Toiletries, towel, jodphurs etc

  • See our what to pack guide here for a full packing list.

What to pack:

Apply to join this ride:

request to book
Group of six horseback riders in colorful riding gear, wading through a river near a grassy shoreline with trees in the background.
A woman riding a horse over a wooden obstacle during a cross-country equestrian event in a grassy field surrounded by trees.
Five people riding horses on a gravel path through a wooded area, all wearing helmets and riding gear, with leafless trees and green grass in the background.
Five people riding horses through a shallow lake in a lush, green, wooded area on a bright day.

Package options

  • The Happy Hacker package is for anyone who enjoys the simple pleasure of exploring the countryside on horseback. This is a 3 day programme including daily estate rides with 3 hours riding per day, 3 nights bed & full Irish breakfast and a choice of a 2 course meal every night in Conor’s bar or a main course in Snaffle’s restaurant. Activity will be part of a group session.

    Accommodation: The Lodge

    Single occupancy room: €2380 2026 / €2450 2027

    Per person sharing: €1635 2026 / €1685 2027

  • The Happy Hacker package is for anyone who enjoys the simple pleasure of exploring the countryside on horseback. This is a 5 day programme including daily estate rides with 3 hours riding per day, 5 nights bed & full Irish breakfast and a choice of a 2 course meal every night in Conor’s bar or a main course in Snaffle’s restaurant. Activity will be part of a group session.

    Accommodation: The Lodge

    Single occupancy room: €3540 2026 / €3650 2027

    Per person sharing: €2655 2026 / €2735 2027

  • The horse sport package is for the more experienced rider looking to improve their riding skills. This package incorporates a mix of show jumping, cross country and estate rides. This is a 3 day programme including 3 hours of riding per day, 3 nights bed & full Irish breakfast and a choice of a 2 course meal each night in Conor’s bar or a main course in Snaffle’s restaurant. Activity will be part of a group session.

    Accommodation: The Lodge

    Single occupancy room: €2380 2026 / €2450 2027

    Per person sharing: €1635 2026 / €1685

  • The horse sport package is for the more experienced rider looking to improve their riding skills. This package incorporates a mix of show jumping, cross country and estate rides. This is a 5 day programme including 3 hours of riding per day, 5 nights bed & full Irish breakfast and a choice of a 2 course meal each night in Conor’s bar or a main course in Snaffle’s restaurant. Activity will be part of a group session.

    Accommodation: The Lodge

    Single occupancy room: €3540 2026 / €3650 2027

    Per person sharing: €2655 2026 / €2735 2027

  • Non riders are welcome to join you at Castle Leslie too as there’s plenty to enjoy outside of the riding activities.

    3 day package:

    Single occupancy room: €1840

    Per person sharing: €1095

    5 day package:

    Single occupancy room: €2635

    Per person sharing: €1755

  • Some extra details on the facilities available at Castle Leslie Estate equestrian centre:

    • 1000 acres of private estate

    • Cross country jumps

    • 21 miles of meandering bridleways

    • Mile long all weather gallop

    • 56 stables

    • Mechanical horse

    • 50 × 30m indoor arena with indoor cross country fences

    • Lounge and showering facilities

    • 20 × 50 dressage arena

    • 30 × 20 outdoor menage

    • Sand gallops

    • SJI approved show jumps

Apply to join this ride:

reserve your saddle

why riders love this ride

  • A choice of 2 distinctive riding experiences, from relaxed hacking to jumping focused sessions.

  • Well mannered horses with lovely temperaments.

  • Conveniently located for easy travel from both Belfast and Dublin.

  • Stylish accommodation in the beautifully restored Lodge at the heart of the estate.

  • Plenty of non-riding activities.

The Lodge

Bathroom with green tiled walls, a shower stall with glass door, a white pedestal sink with toiletries, a large black radiator, and a white bathtub with wood paneling.
A cozy bedroom with blue walls decorated with framed nautical paintings and small windows. There is a plaid bed, a plaid sofa, a small round table with water bottles, and a mirror reflecting part of the room.
A bedroom with an open door leading to a balcony garden, a bed with green bedding, a sitting area with two chairs and a small table, and built-in bookshelves filled with books and decorative items.
A cozy hotel room with a bed, striped armchairs, a small dark wood table with a vase of flowers, framed art on green walls, and an adjoining bathroom visible through an open door.
Bathroom featuring a vintage bathtub, framed botanical prints on the walls, a white tiled shower area, and white towels.
A cozy restaurant interior with a beige upholstered booth, tables set with wine glasses and napkins, small lamps, and decorative items like a metal deer sculpture, glass bottles, and animal figurines on shelves and ledges. The wall has wooden panelin
Interior of a room with two large wooden horse sculptures with intricate painted designs on their bodies, standing above a vintage-style upholstered sofa featuring a tapestry pattern of fox hunts.
Interior of a restaurant with large windows, brown leather chairs, and tables decorated with small flower arrangements.
Interior of a cozy vintage-style pub with yellow walls, leather tufted armchairs, framed artwork, and a display of silverware on a table, with a doorway leading to another seating area.

Snaffles restaurant

Snaffles restaurant is a 2 AA rosette award-winning restaurant where you can enjoy delicious meals in a relaxed setting. Snaffles is a beautiful open-plan restaurant that is light and spacious with a striking wall of contemporary glass. The Happy Hacker and Horse sport packages offer the option for a main course meal here each evening.

Conor’s bar & Lounge

The social hub of the Estate, Conor’s Bar & Lounge brings locals and guests together in an atmosphere of conviviality and comfort. It’s the ideal place to relax with a pint of Guinness. The Happy Hacker and Horse Sport packages offer the option for a 2 course meal here each evening.

these rides are right for you if:

  • You like casual and leisurely riding or want to improve your skills in cross country and show jumping ✔

  • You like travelling in comfort ✔

  • You appreciate history and want to explore one of the last great Irish estates still in the hands of its founding family ✔

  • You’re happy to ride within a group ✔

  • You like staying in charming accommodation ✔

About ireland

Ireland is a country of striking natural beauty, known for its rolling green hills, rugged coastlines, and scattered lakes and rivers. Its landscapes vary from lowland fields and fertile valleys to dramatic cliffs and mountain ranges, offering a sense of openness and diversity across the island. Ireland has a rich cultural heritage, with historic towns, castles, and ancient stone monuments reflecting thousands of years of history. Traditional music, storytelling, and the Irish language remain important parts of daily life in many areas, giving a strong sense of identity and continuity. The combination of scenic landscapes and vibrant culture makes Ireland a country where nature and history are closely intertwined.

Weather: what to expect

Ireland has a temperate maritime climate, which is generally mild, damp, and changeable throughout the year. Summers are cool to mild, with daytime temperatures usually ranging from 15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F), while winters are mild, with daytime temperatures around 5°C to 8°C (41°F to 46°F). Rainfall is frequent but rarely heavy, and clouds or light drizzle can occur in any season.

 

frequently asked questions

  • What is the difference between the Happy Hacker and Horse Sport packages?

    Castle Leslie offers two different riding experiences. The Happy Hacker package is ideal for those who want to enjoy relaxed estate rides through woodland and country parkland, while the Horse Sport package is better suited to riders looking to focus more on improving their jumping, with a mixture of cross-country, showjumping and hacking.

  • What's included in the packages?

    The packages at Castle Leslie include your accommodation, riding sessions, and breakfast and dinner each day. It’s a great option for riders wanting a short break where everything is neatly arranged and easy to enjoy.

  • can non riders come too?

    Yes, the estate itself offers plenty to enjoy beyond the horses, including walks around the grounds, fishing, archery, the spa and the chance to simply relax and enjoy the beautiful countryside.

  • what is the accommodation like?

    Guests stay in The Lodge, which is the heart of the estate and offers a warm, characterful and luxurious place to stay. The rooms have been beautifully restored, making it a very comfortable and memorable base for the trip. See some photos above.

  • how easy is castle leslie to get to?

    Castle Leslie is easily accessible from both Dublin and Belfast, which makes it a very convenient option for a shorter riding break.

  • Is Castle Leslie more of a riding holiday or a country house experience?

    It really offers a bit of both. The riding is a big part of the experience, but what makes Castle Leslie stand out is the combination of horses, hospitality, beautiful accommodation and the atmosphere of the estate itself. It feels more like a complete country escape than just a riding break.

your guides

Close-up of a horse's face and a person standing nearby, both on a bedding of straw or sawdust.

The equestrian team at Castle Leslie Estate are a friendly and very knowledgeable team, who are there to help guide and teach, making your experience one of value and excitement.

The team who teach and keep the stables running day to day are supported by a group of specialists who’s job is to provide an extremely high level of care to the horses as this is of paramount importance to Castle Leslie Estate Equestrian Centre. An equine chiropractor, equine dentist, farrier and vet are among the suppliers they work with on a regular basis to keep the horses happy and healthy.

Find out more about their horse welfare here.

How to book

  1. Choose your ride

  2. Submit the application form under ‘request to book’

  3. Wait for us to confirm space with the operator (we’ll aim to get back to you within 24hrs)

  4. Pay your deposit (usually 30%)

why book with wild mane?

  • Curated, unforgettable & welfare focused riding holidays

  • Personal advice and human support from booking to your return home

  • Clear and transparent booking process with no hidden fees

  • We work directly with established operators, many who are family run

Close-up of a white horse's head peeking out of a barn stall.
A woman riding a white horse through a body of water with a castle or large house, green trees, and a grassy hill in the background.
Horses running across a grassy field at dawn or dusk with rolling hills and trees in the background.
Close-up of a horse saddle placed on a blue saddle pad with 'Castle Leslie Estate' embroidered on it, on a brown horse, with a person's gloved hand adjusting the saddle.
A woman riding a brown horse inside an indoor riding arena, speaking with a trainer who holds the horse's bridle. In the background, another rider on a white horse is practicing.
A cozy hotel room with a large bed, striped armchair, striped sofa, bedside tables with lamps, framed artwork on the walls, and a view into a bathroom with towels and a sink.
Group of six people riding horses on a gravel trail surrounded by leafless trees and greenery
Group of people riding horses near a lake, gathered under a large tree on grassy terrain.

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