- Castle Leslie: Castle Leslie, located in Glaslough, is a 19th-century castellated mansion built in 1870 for the Leslie family, who have owned the estate since the 1660s. Set on a 1,000-acre estate with woodlands and lakes, it’s one of Ireland’s last great castle estates still in its founding family’s hands. The castle, blending Victorian and Italian Renaissance styles, replaced an earlier house and is now a luxury hotel known for its eclectic interiors and notable guests, from politicians to celebrities. Operates as a 5-star hotel, open to guests and non-guests for accommodation, dining, activities, or occasional tours. Hotel guests can stay in 21 unique bedrooms, ranging from romantic boudoirs to flamboyant suites, with features like Ireland’s first plumbed bath. Non-guests can book afternoon tea (€40) in the Pavilion overlooking Glaslough Lake or dine at Conor’s Bar or Snaffles Restaurant. Activities include horse riding at the world-class Equestrian Centre, fishing, kayaking, or spa treatments in the Victorian Treatment Rooms. Guided tours, when available (€15, check castleleslie.com), highlight the Leslie family’s history and quirky artifacts like the De La Robbia fireplace. The estate offers walking trails and hosts events like weddings and festivals. Allow 2-3 hours for day visits, longer for stays. Reachable by car from Dublin (80-minute drive) or Belfast (60 minutes). The castle’s luxurious ambiance, diverse activities, and stunning countryside setting make it ideal for those seeking a high-end historical escape. Book dining, spa, or tours in advance. The castle is partially wheelchair-accessible.
- Hope Castle (Castleblayney): Hope Castle, in Castleblayney, is an 18th-century Georgian mansion built in 1799 for the Blayney family, replacing an earlier Plantation-era castle on the shores of Lough Muckno. Named after Henry Thomas Hope, linked to the Hope Diamond, it served as a residence for the Duke of Connaught in the early 1900s, later becoming a convent and hotel. Damaged by fire in 2010, it’s now under restoration, with plans to reopen as a heritage site or accommodation. Currently closed due to restoration, with limited public access to grounds. Visitors can view the castle’s exterior and surrounding Lough Muckno Park, a public park with walking trails, water sports, and angling opportunities. The castle’s Georgian facade and lakeside setting are photogenic, but no interior access or formal tours are available until restoration is complete. Allow 30-60 minutes for a park visit, reachable by car from Monaghan Town (15-minute drive). Combine with Castleblayney’s markets or Carrickmacross Lace Gallery. The castle’s scenic location and historical ties to the Hope family make it a worthwhile stop for those exploring Lough Muckno’s recreational offerings. Check monaghantourism.com for restoration updates. Wear comfortable shoes for park trails.
- Rossmore Castle: Rossmore Castle, near Monaghan Town, was a 19th-century Gothic Revival castle built in 1827 for the Westenra family, Barons Rossmore. Expanded in the 1850s with grand turrets and a 150-room layout, it was one of Ireland’s largest castles but was abandoned in the 1940s and demolished in the 1970s due to decay. Its ruins, including gatehouses and estate walls, remain in Rossmore Forest Park, a 691-acre woodland. A ruin within Rossmore Forest Park, open year-round with free access, no formal facilities. Visitors can explore the park’s trails to see scattered castle remnants, such as gatehouses and boundary walls, amidst woodlands and lakes. No intact structures or tours exist, but the park offers walking, cycling, and wildlife spotting (deer, otters). Interpretive signs provide limited historical context. Allow 1-2 hours, reachable by car from Monaghan Town (10-minute drive). Combine with Monaghan County Museum. The park’s natural beauty and faint echoes of Rossmore’s grandeur appeal to nature lovers and those curious about lost estates. Uneven terrain; wear sturdy shoes. Bring water, as amenities are minimal.
Historical records note an “ancient castle” in Monaghan Town’s Diamond Square, but it was demolished, and no trace remains. Sites like Castle Shane (demolished), Maghernacloy (a fortified house, privately occupied), or Clontibret’s ancient fortress are inaccessible.
Castles
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County Monaghan:
Ireland’s county Monaghan offers a serene blend of rolling hills and cultural heritage, with the Monaghan County Museum showcasing local history through artefacts and exhibits. The scenic Rossmore Forest Park provides walking trails amidst lakes and woodlands, while Castle Leslie’s historic estate offers a glimpse into aristocratic life. Other attractions include the county’s traditional lace-making heritage and quiet countryside. Monaghan is Ireland’s sixth smallest county by size (1,291 square km) and fifth smallest by population (65,288). Population peaked at 200,442 in 1841 and reached its lowest point, 45,732 in 1966. In terms of hospitality, Monaghan is Ireland’s 25th most visited tourist county with around 58,000 international visitors per year.
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