Castle Leslie, 11km northeast of Monaghan town along the R185, is a magnificent Victorian pile, acquired by the Leslie family (who trace their ancestors back to Attila the Hun) in 1665. Facilities include a Victorian spa and an equestrian centre (per hour from €35); dining options span sophisticated Snaffles Brasserie (four-course menu €65) to snug Conor's Bar. Public areas have wi-fi.
Each of the 20 guest rooms in the main house has a story: the Red Room, used by WB Yeats, contains the first bath plumbed in Ireland, while in Uncle Norman's Room, guests claim to have been levitated in the Gothic four-poster bed. The Hunting Lodge has a further 51 rooms, with decor ranging from rich traditional drapery to more minimalist contemporary style.
