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.
- Minimum age:7
- 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), alcohol 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), alcohol 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

Nancy M.
‘My sister and I planned this trip together. We are a little older and have never even been across the ocean. We could not have picked a better vacation. We very much enjoyed the horses and the staff. The staff was very accommodating, taking into account our age and physical limitations, matching us up with horses that suited us, and being patient with us. I had the pleasure of riding Willow and Russell; they were both great horses, very willing to go out on rides and do whatever was asked of them. Our room overlooked the stables, and it was just down the hall and a set of stairs to get to the stables. We went down every night to feed the horses carrots. It was fantastic. On our last day, we went cross-country and I got to jump some jumps — it was a highlight of my trip. If I can save enough money, I hope to do this all again.’

Brittany B.
‘From start to finish, my Globetrotting experience was nothing short of magical. Every aspect – from the welcoming staff and immaculate stables to the breathtaking grounds and thoughtfully matched horses – was handled with care, professionalism, and heart. One of the most unexpected and cherished parts of the trip was the connection formed with the incredible group of fellow riders. We arrived as strangers and left as lifelong friends—bonded by laughter, shared experiences, and a love of horses. We’re already dreaming up plans for our next Globetrotting adventure together!
As a lifelong horse lover, I can honestly say I wouldn’t change a single thing. The itinerary, the people, the horses – it was a dream come true. Thank you, Globetrotting, for crafting such a soul-filling adventure. I’ll treasure it forever.’

Caitlin S.
‘All I can say is WOW! I booked this trip almost a year ago and have been hyping it up in my mind for months, and let me tell you—it lives up to the hype! I haven’t ridden frequently in over 10 years and really didn’t know how much I would be able to do. Turns out, a lot! This ride is perfect for anyone who wants to get back in the saddle. I went from hesitantly cantering on arrival day to confidently jumping mini courses in the arena in just 2 days! Then, I finished the week doing pretty large 4-5 jump cross-country combos! The instructors are all amazing, encouraging, and fun to be around, as are the other riders! And don’t get me started on the horses. They’re all so well-trained and confident, but trust me, you’ll still end up with favourites (I’m looking at you, Robin). As a solo traveller, I was nervous about doing something like this alone. Well, I had absolutely nothing to worry about. The alone time is peaceful, but you spend enough time in the saddle with other people to make friends. It’s the perfect mixture of “vacation relaxation” and “outdoorsy fun.” Decidedly, the best vacation I’ve ever given myself! If you’ve been considering this ride, DO IT!’

Alison B.
‘BOOK. THIS. RIDE. NOW! This trip was the perfect combination of luxury, relaxation, leisurely hacks, and lesson time to grow as a rider. After almost 30 years of riding, I got to have my first experience with true cross country jumping and test my ability to learn and adapt to 8 different mounts in one week. All of the horses and instructors are amazing, each with something to teach you. It was truly an amazing experience!’

Isabelle C.
‘The Castle & Estate Ride was a life-changing experience. Everything was so beautiful, the accommodation, landscape, and horses. Every horse I rode was well-trained and fun. Each instructor was very knowledgeable and kind. I learnt so much in each lesson, and the views on the estate rides were breathtaking. And the FOOD! I will definitely be doing this trip again!’

Susanne K.
‘A great confidence builder. I had forgotten how much I loved to jump as it has been probably 15 years! The weather for our morning hacks was beautiful and the leaves were the perfect autumn gold. One morning was so misty it felt like we were riding in a dream, which it was for me, a dream come true. Almost every day I had a different horse but they all knew the trails and exactly where to canter and when to slow down. We would go back via the lake, which was a stunning photo op in front of the castle and on one track we were on the border with Northern Ireland. For my jumping lessons, I rode Blueberry who had the most even canter the jumps seemed like just another stride. The rooms at the Lodge were spacious and comfortable and the food was amazingly good.’

Stephanie S.
‘As a new intermediate rider, this experience was absolutely perfect for me—like a luxurious version of the horse summer camp I send my kids to! I enjoyed two trail rides each day along with one flat work lesson, and my confidence truly soared. The pacing on the trail rides was just right, featuring plenty of trots and enough canters to leave me feeling exhilarated. The food and facilities were incredibly luxurious, and the spa became my favourite downtime activity. I can’t wait to return when I can jump, as that looked like so much fun! The horses and instructors were outstanding; I felt completely safe and supported throughout my journey. Five stars from me!’

Genevieve W.
‘The Castle & Estate Ride was truly one of my favourite experiences in life, and at 63 years old, I’ve had quite a few! Every day at Castle Leslie, the staff were simply impeccable, making me feel right at home. The stables were exceptional, and I was amazed by how well-trained the horses were. Each horse was kind and easy to ride, clearly knowing their job and doing it with such grace! Every single horse could jump; not one of them shied away from it. They soared over the jumps effortlessly and were steady throughout the ride. The Cross Country Rides through the beautiful forests and estate were absolutely intoxicating for me. I can’t recommend this experience enough!’

KIRRALEE D.
‘As a beginner rider still learning to canter, I was initially concerned about wasting my time and money on this experience, especially with the focus on Cross Country Riding. However, I am delighted to say that this ride was truly transformative for me. I felt I grew exponentially as a rider. The instructions and guidance I received were exceptional, and I felt very safe with both the horses and my instructors, both in and out of the arena. I left the experience excited about continuing my journey in horse riding as an adult and was already browsing the ride calendar to plan my next Globetrotting adventure.’
STORIES FROM THE SADDLE
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Globetrotting Guest Horse: Blueberry
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