Located at the gates of the Castle Leslie Estate, the Hunting Lodge and Equestrian Centre underwent extensive refurbishment and renovation before re-opening in May 2007. Both had been in the Leslie family for many years until 1984 when Desmond Leslie sold them. It was in the midst of the Irish troubles and his daughter Sammy had just qualified as an intermediate instructor. Undeterred, Sammy set up a yard in the old estate farm buildings. Here she bought, sold and broke horses until 1987, vowing to re-purchase the Hunting Lodge when she could. She achieved her goal in 2004.
On 9th January 2006, work started on the €10million refurbishment to expand and improve the existing facilities. The project was supported by grant aid from the Irish Government and part-financed by the European Union under the National Development Plan 2000-2006, administered by Failte Ireland.
The 35-bedroom Hunting Lodge includes a cellar bar, brasserie and the Organic Spa. It offers charming accommodation for all our equestrian guests.
The new state-of-the-art Equestrian Centre is emerging as Europe's Ultimate Equestrian Playground. It boasts a fantastic range of facilities that ensure its international recognition whilst maintaining the charm and craic that everyone has come to love.