Glaslough – Heritage Trail and Castle Leslie Estate

Glaslough combines a village trail with historic buildings and activities around Castle Leslie Estate. When choosing a hotel for your stay, consider whether you are most interested in local history, routes through the village or activities on the estate.

Village Routes and Heritage Trail

The Glaslough Village Heritage Trail runs for two kilometres through the village and into Castle Leslie Estate. It tells the story of the more than 350-year connection between the Leslie family and the village community. The trail is part of Ireland’s Ancient East, a network of landscape stories spanning 5,000 years. This places the history of Glaslough within a broader regional narrative.

The Glaslough Audio Trail App offers a separate visitor experience. It is free and self-guided, starts at the Diamond and takes you past ten sights to Saint Salvator’s Church in Castle Leslie Estate. The estate’s designated walking trails are separate: they are not open to the public, but only to residents and guests of the estate.

Churches and Local History

Saint Salvator’s Church in Glaslough is a detached Church of Ireland church dating from 1670. It was rebuilt in 1763 with Gothic Revival design features. The old Donagh Church houses the Donagh High Cross; its ruins and the adjoining cemetery are also in Glaslough.

At the end of Glaslough’s Main Street stands the entrance gate to Castle Leslie, a distinctive architectural landmark. Castle Leslie Estate in Glaslough remains in the ownership of the founding family. Along with the church sites, the gate and village routes offer different points of entry into the area’s history.

Landscape at Castle Leslie Estate

The estate covers 1,000 acres of Irish rolling countryside, with ancient woodland and lakes. Other notable features include a walled garden dating from around 1850, a pinetum and an integrated wetland project. The estate’s landscape therefore encompasses woodland and lake areas, landscaped gardens and a wetland.

Activities on the Estate

Riders can enjoy 21 miles of riding trails at Castle Leslie Estate. The estate also offers riding lessons, trail rides and cross-country rides for people aged seven and over. If you are planning one of these activities, check the current booking conditions and availability in advance; both can change.

The estate offers boat trips on Glaslough Lake, also known as Green Lake. When fishing on Glaslough at Castle Leslie Estate, use of a boat is included; charges are per rod and person per day. The estate also offers clay pigeon shooting. Check the current booking and seasonal rules for fishing, as well as the participation requirements for clay pigeon shooting, in advance.

Food and Further Activities

At the Glaslough Chocolate Shop, visitors can sample chocolate, socialise and enjoy coffee or hot chocolate. As visitor arrangements can change, it is advisable to check the latest information before visiting. Castle Leslie Estate also prepares picnics using ingredients from local suppliers, at selected spots on the 1,000-acre estate. These include Irish cheese, fresh bread, and seasonal fruit and vegetables.

Busy Bee Ceramics regularly offers classes and workshops in Glaslough; check the latest dates when planning your visit. At The Lodge at Castle Leslie Estate, the hotel’s spa area, the “Victorian Treatments Room”, comprises seven restored treatment rooms.

Connections to Nearby Villages

A Local Link service connects Glaslough with nearby villages. Check the route details before travelling.

Discover more destinations: Monaghan, Clontibret, Mullinacross, Clones, Tedavnet, Corkeeran, Carrickmacross, Lisnalong.

For the broader travel overview: County Monaghan.