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For a relaxing country retreat with an equestrian edge the horse-loving nation of Ireland is really the only place to go. And just an hour-long flight from London, the beautiful rolling hills of the Republic of Ireland await.

We flew into Dublin - despite a fire at the airport disrupting flights - and were out of the building and off in our hire car in no time at all (the wonders of carry-on luggage!)

And just an 80-minute drive inland - across the emerald green fields and hills of Ireland - we reached our home for the next few days: Castle Leslie Estate. And what a home it would be!

After driving through the quaint and picturesque village of Glaslough, County Monaghan, the road comes to an abrupt end and the grand stone entrance to Castle Leslie stands proud, just as it has for the last 400 years.

But it's only in recent years - since 2006 - that holiday-makers and guests have been welcomed inside the gates to explore the beautiful estate.

Following a huge restoration and regeneration project, the castle opened as a holiday destination some nine years ago, going on to win a number of awards and accolades. And the castle's glowing reputation did not leave us disappointed - it certainly is the jewel in Ireland's crown.

The beautiful ivy-covered Lodge was to be our home for the trip. We checked in and enjoyed a tasty lunch in Conor’s Bar – of delicious, juicy smoked salmon blini and roast chicken club sandwich – before being shown to our comfortable and spacious room, overlooking the stableyard.

A bottle of Rioja welcomed us (as did a glimmer of sunshine!) so we seized the opportunity to get out on the lush estate.

A winding drive takes you from the estate entrance and The Lodge, past the picturesque church, and up to the castle which stands perched on the edge of the magical Glaslough Lake.

Amy and her guest stayed in the stunning Lodge

The stunning scene that lay before me, with the sun breaking through the dark rain clouds and the rays bouncing off the glittering lake, is like something straight out of a fairytale. And the castle could easily be home to a princess awaiting her Prince Charming.

It isn't, however. But the castle, which has been in the Leslie family since 1664, is in fact home to 98-year-old Sir Jack - the current head of the Leslie family, and an eccentric aristocrat who enjoys breakfast with the guests and chatting to visitors about the estate's history - and managing director, Sammy, as well as a number of cosy and luxurious rooms, all traditionally decorated and furnished.

The castle is bursting full of character, boasting period features and interesting artifacts (such as Winston Churchill's christening gown) and oozing authentic charm.

It provides the ultimate rural retreat or can host the perfect event, from romantic weddings to professional business functions.

But, if the charm of the castle isn't quite to your taste, then the estate has accommodation for all desires.

The Lodge has been converted into a high-end, boutique-style hotel, with all the mod cons you could need during your visit. The practicalities of the room, however, do not outweigh the opulence. Each room is tastefully decorated - and guests are regularly reminded of the history of the building and rural location of the estate with paintings of horses, hounds and wildlife, and a menagerie of equine equipment hanging from the walls.

The Lodge is also the hub of the estate: home to the Victorian Treatment Rooms, Snaffles Restaurant and Conor's Bar, with direct access down to the stableyard via a useful boot room (with wellies and riding equipment available to borrow).

The Village Cottages are finished to an extremely high standard

And if it's something for the whole family that you're after, then the Old Stable Mews (located a little further into the estate) or the Village Cottages (in Glaslough) are beautifully finished and can comfortably accommodate large families or groups of friends.

Whether you're visiting for a relaxing break with your partner, for a fun-filled weekend with the family, or an adventure-packed trip away with your mates, you certainly won't get bored at Castle Leslie.

There are all sorts of activities to keep you busy: afternoon tea in the castle, kayaking or boating on the lake, fishing, clay pigeon shooting, hot air ballooning, or horseriding at the equestrian centre. And that's the reason we are here.

It was soon time for our first estate ride with guide Elizabeth. We saddled up, on the handsome Paddy and lovely Blue, and were off to explore the 1,000-acre estate in the best way possible - peering through the ears of a horse!

The equestrian centre boasts 56 stables and a huge indoor and outdoor arena. On the estate, there are 25 miles of bridleways to explore and more than 200 cross country jumps - plenty to keep riders of all abilities and levels occupied.

We were off for a gentle plod - and occasional spirited canter - through the woods and around the lake. As the sun shone down on us striding through the water and watching a gleeful couple posing for their wedding photos on the edge of the lake, it dawned on me just how special this place really is. And what a relief it is that the family have found a way to keep the estate running and, even, prospering in today's society.

Amy and her mum, Elayne, pose for a photo in the lake on Paddy and Blue

At the end of an active day there are many ways to unwind at Castle Leslie. You could relax with a massage in the Victorian Treatment Rooms, or while away the hours with a good book in front of a raging fire, or even enjoy an evening of delicious delicacies in Snaffles Restaurant.

We opted for an evening of over-indulging and decadence at the restaurant - and we were not disappointed.

Our six-course meal, paired with wine, was packed full of flavour and each plate was presented so beautifully it was almost too good to eat! My main course of pork cheek and honey-glazed pork belly with apple and lentil salad and black pudding was delicious and the chocolate souffle was the perfect fix for a sweet-toothed pair.

After all that eating - and a few glasses of the aforementioned Rioja - it was time for bed!

But, we still had another day of fun ahead of us on the estate. After a hearty and tasty Irish breakfast (yes, more food!) it was time for a brisk walk around the estate and village. Glaslough is a pretty little place, unspoiled by modern times and quintessential of rural Irish life.

Following a quick shopping trip to Glaslough Chocolate Company (what girl can resist hand-made Irish truffles?!), we headed back to The Lodge for our second ride.

This time, we headed out with a group of other riders and weren't quite so lucky with the weather. Nevertheless, our guide Elizabeth once again ensured we had a great hack around the estate and the sun even started shining for us as the downpour finally eased.

Elizabeth, the equestrian centre workers and all of the Castle Leslie staff (from receptionists to waitresses) were professional, welcoming and very friendly. If there's one thing we took home from our trip, it's that the Irish are very hospitable.

Lake Glaslough - or 'The Green Lake'

We spent the afternoon exploring nearby Monaghan before a quiet evening enjoying a long soak in the beautiful roll-top tub, and curling up in our white fluffy robes to watch TV.

It was an early start the next morning as we made our way back to Dublin for a day in the city. It was an easy drive back to the airport where we caught the City Link bus right into the centre - for just € 10 return.

Dublin is a beautiful city and is easy to navigate on foot. We had just a few hours but managed to complete a whistle-stop tour of the main highlights: Trinity College, Dublin Castle, Christ Church Cathedral, Saint Patrick's Cathedral and St Stephen's Park.

We even managed to squeeze in a delicious lunch at The Bank on College Green and a spot of shopping before heading back to the airport.

It was perfect girlie short break for my mum and I, filled with all the things we love the most: a beautiful setting, friendly people, lovely horses, good food and good wine.

For anyone looking for a relaxing retreat, which isn't too far away, I'd recommend Castle Leslie Estate - just 80 minutes from Dublin, but "a million miles from anywhere".

Factbox:

  • Amy's trip was provided by Castle Leslie Estate, Glaslough, Co. Monaghan, Ireland (email: info@castleleslie.com).
  • To make a reservation please contact +353 (0) 47 88100 or email reservations@castleleslie.com.
  • Packages include: Get away on horseback (Explore the 1,000-acre estate on horseback with a two-hour guided hack/trek through rolling parklands. Avail of two night's accommodation with full Irish breakfast each morning. From € 185 pps); Hotel for horses (As a BHS approved Hotel for Horses, Castle Leslie has a special overnight package for both you and your horse! Overnight bed and full Irish breakfast with overnight livery for your horse, plus a complimentary ride on the estate as part of any organised group ride - all riding must be booked prior to arrival. From € 140pps); Country Getaway (Immerse yourself in the rural estate for two nights and delight in a wonderful five-course dinner in 2 AA Rosette multi award-winning Snaffles restaurant. Relax by the blazing log fires, meander down ancient walkways and bridleways, idle by the glittering lakes and explore the estate at your own pace. From € 185pps).
  • Amy's car hire was provided by carrentals.co.uk. The website is one of the UK's top car hire comparison sites searching up to 50 car hire websites including Alamo, Auto Europe, Budget, Hertz, Holiday Autos, Sixt and Thrifty.
  • Two days car hire from Dublin Airport starts at £10 per day.