This estate is home to 300 cross country jumps (including PLENTY of water obstacles) to leap, ping or pop over on a brave Irish horse. Miles upon miles of bridle paths (yep, that’s what they call trails in Ireland!) are sprawled across the 1000-acre grounds, flanked by ancient forests and open grazing pastures. The castle and surrounding estate is awash in history, and is one of the LAST great Irish estates still in the hands of its founding family.
Back to the equestrian wonderland, the indoor arena (let’s face it, this is a MUST in Ireland) has show jumping courses that will make your eyes water with excitement. We also love the flexibility of this holiday: non-riders will be welcomed with open arms (they can kayak, fish, walk the numerous trails, try clay target shooting or falconry, enjoy a hot air balloon ride or a carriage ride, and relax at the on-site spa) and riders of all abilities are welcome, too, from beginner through to advanced. The three unique equestrian programmes offer everything from mechanical horse and arena lessons to endless trail rides to cross country, show jumping and dressage.
Out of the saddle, you’ll feel like part of the royal family, accommodated at The Lodge, overlooking the equestrian centre. It’s known as one of the finest castle hotels in Ireland – so much so that former Beatle, Paul McCartney, and model Heather Mills got married at the Castle back in 2002.
For any globetrotter who has a desire to visit the Emerald Isle and ride the revered Irish horses, THIS ride is the perfect fit.
**If you are considering a UK or a European sojourn, have you seen some of the other UK rides we now offer? You could extend your trip to 10 days or a fortnight and sample a second or even a third ride to deepen or enhance the flavour of your trip to a full ‘Best of British Isles’ menu. We have designed the UK summer season to help you do exactly this, with one or two days between ‘complementary’ departures.
Fast Facts
- Horse Breed:A herd of 27 riding horses to choose from including Irish Sport Horses, Irish Draughts, Thoroughbreds, Connemaras, cobs and ponies. *Please note, you can expect to ride a variety of horses throughout your stay.
- Pace:Variable - depending on the program you choose. There are 3 riding programmes, designed to suit all riding levels and interests with dressage, show jumping, cross country and estate rides on offer. There will be walking, trotting and cantering each day.
- Type of tack:English all-purpose saddles and bridles.
- Time in Saddle:3 hours per day.
- Ride Length:5 day, 5 night and 3 day, 3 night itineraries are available. *Please note: 4, 6 & 7 day custom itineraries are available upon request.
- Seasons:Available year-round.
- Group size:Variable, but you can expect to ride in a group of no more than 6 people each day, often less.
- Riding Ability:Beginner to advanced. There are 3 riding programmes available, designed to suit all riding levels and interests.
*Please note that for health and safety reasons, all guests must complete a brief practical riding assessment regardless of level and ability. Guests MUST be deemed safe and capable before they will be allowed to jump. Not sure what your riding ability is? Watch THIS video to find out. - Weight Limit:A maximum of 100kg / 220lbs. It is VERY important that you provide your current weight accurately when booking. If your weight is not accurate, we cannot guarantee that your hosts will have a horse for you to ride.
- Accommodation:One of the highlights of this entire itinerary is the ancient castle and the surrounding 1,000 acre estate. As a globetrotter, you will be staying in The Lodge, which overlooks the stables (both are subject to availability). The guest rooms in The Lodge are chic, country-house boutique, each offering blissful king size bed or twin-bed accommodation, a free-standing Victorian roll top bath, and separate walk-in shower. The lodgings are said to be some of Ireland’s finest. *Insert squeal of excitement*
- Inclusions:
The price includes all accommodation, 3 hours riding per day, breakfast and dinner.
- Exclusions:
The price does not include international or regional flights, travel insurance (compulsory), drinks (alcoholic & non-alcoholic) or transfers to and from the estate.
Lunch is also NOT included in the riding package, but after eating an Irish breakfast, you normally don’t need to eat anything until evening. However, if you do become peckish, Conor’s Bar (on-site) is open for lunch.
DEPARTURE DATES & RATES
Custom departure dates are available year-round, subject to availability.
NEW! Secure your saddle seat NOW with a 10% deposit - as part of our 10x 10% interest-free payment plan!Please note: solo travellers are required to pay the single rider price, unless we can find another guest willing to twin share.
Child rate applies to children aged between 7 to 11 years only.
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE PRICE?
The price includes all accommodation, 3 hours riding per day, breakfast and dinner.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE?
The price does NOT include international or regional flights, travel insurance (compulsory), drinks (alcoholic & non-alcoholic) or transfers to and from the ride.
Lunch is also NOT included in the riding package, but after eating an Irish breakfast, you normally don’t need to eat anything until evening. However, if you do become peckish, Conor’s Bar (on-site) is open for lunch.
Accepted payment is by credit or debit card only. Depending on the ride you choose to book and your country of residence, there will be a 1.2% to 2.9% surcharge.
With our riding destinations, the currency is dictated by our ride partner in that country. Therefore due to fluctuating exchange rates we have to quote in the same currency.
Itinerary
Expand AllCollapse All*Please note, this is a suggested itinerary only and subject to change at the discretion of your guides due to weather and other influencing factors.

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Important Itinerary Notes
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Day 1
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Day 2
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Day 3
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Day 4
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Day 5
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Day 6
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Winter Cross Country Special
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Transfer Information
What our valued Globetrotters say about The Castle & Estate Ride
Sophie L.
‘I truly learned so much and experienced so much growth on this trip! The accommodations were gorgeous and luxurious, and the food was so incredible. The horses were so perfect I didn’t want to leave them, and the instructors were so knowledgeable and amazing to work with. The memories I made and the experiences I had on this trip will stay with me forever.’
Alexandra F.
‘My husband and I used this holiday as our honeymoon! While I was learning how to ride cross-country, he got to enjoy the estate’s amenities and activities, as well as tour nearby towns. With the beautiful accommodations, amenities, and food at Castle Leslie, it’s the perfect vacation for rider and non-rider pairs! The riding was incredible. Cantering through the Irish countryside and growing my confidence throughout the week was magical. I was truly living my childhood dreams! Going into this trip, I had very limited jumping experience and no cross-country experience. By the third day, I was jumping in the arena and on the trails. By the final day, I was managing all of the obstacles on the trails with confidence. It was truly thrilling, and I didn’t want it to end! The horses and guides on this trip make you feel safe while teaching you new skills and encouraging fun the whole time.’
Catarina D.
‘My Castle & Estate Ride was everything I hoped for; Ireland is now forever in my heart. The room was absolutely dreamy, and I felt so relaxed after my rides, being able to soak in the gorgeous bathtub. The king-size bed was perfect, and the food, of course, was exquisite! The horses were reliable and quick, knowing their job well. The cross-country ride is something I will remember for the rest of my riding days. My dream came true, and now I can’t get enough of this kind of vacation! I simply want to do it again and again. I felt as happy as I could be.’
Emily R.
‘The Castle and Estate Ride reignited my love for horses and riding. Every day, I was excited to take in the beautiful nature and wildlife surrounding the estate, and what better way to do it than on horseback! Being a beginner, I was nervous about my skills and ability to ride for five days. Nonetheless, the supportive instructors succeeded in bolstering my confidence, propelling me to canter up hills confidently and gain new skills within the arena. While not on horseback, I enjoyed the beautiful estate, lovely food (who can pass up Sticky Toffee Pudding?), and the friendly people of Ireland. This trip was a dream, and I will remember it for years to come!’
Nora R.
‘The Castle & Estate ride was my first ever horse riding holiday, and I absolutely loved it! As a lifelong nomad, I was super impressed by the level of organisation. Everything was super easy; the people were amazing, and the horses were adorable. I had a 20-year riding break and returned to riding just a few months before the ride. During the four days I spent there, I advanced my riding skills really fast and gained the confidence to try out different horses back home as well! I will always cherish my favourite horses: Bee, TJ, and big boy Russell! I also really loved the Falconry experience. All in all, it was a 10/10 experience, and I cannot wait for the next one!’
Nicole W.
‘The Castle & Estate Ride beat my expectations in every way. I couldn’t believe that the estate was even more beautiful than in the pictures and videos I had seen. Each horse was capable and safe. The rider instructors gave me some of the best guidance I have ever received. I learned a lot during the week and found my confidence. The other riders in our group were all at the same riding level which was great. The accommodations were lovely and comfortable.’
Christina B.
‘I absolutely loved my time at Castle Leslie. This was my first visit to Ireland, and the countryside is gorgeous. The staff were very friendly and accommodating, and the instructors were knowledgeable, making me feel comfortable in situations I had not encountered in my riding journey so far. The spa was a must-visit during our stay; the hot tub and sauna were very nicely set up, allowing me to enjoy them solo. The village located right outside the gate is beautiful, and the grounds are absolutely magical.The last day was my all-time favourite! We rode XC across the entire estate, and I loved the atmosphere. This trip gave me a much-needed break from everyday life, and I came home with such a sense of peace after this ride. I am so appreciative of it.’
Carolina M.
‘This week was perfect! It was my first horse riding adventure, and I could not have asked for a better beginning. I rode Dragão, and he was the best – a very gentle and speedy horse. The guides were awesome; Miguel and Anwar did their best to ensure we enjoyed this trip without worrying about anything. The last day was memorable; we galloped on the beach at full speed, which made Dragão and me incredibly happy. I would recommend this ride to anyone, and I’m already thinking about which ride I should do next!’
Anne G.
‘This was the experience of my lifetime! I had to keep pinching myself to realise I wasn’t dreaming. By far, this was the best trip that I’ve ever gone on. Castle Leslie exceeded our expectations. I loved every horse I rode, as they let me experience working with so many personalities, and it gave me so much confidence to know I could ride and manage them all. Our guides were all excellent; they each had their own unique way of teaching, guiding, and instructing. I think it was very good to learn from several different people; I love variety! My goal is to do at least one Globetrotting trip per year while I still can!’
STORIES FROM THE SADDLE
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Globetrotting Guest Horse: Blueberry
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