Morgan & Tom
Things To Do: Dublin and Monaghan
Dublin: Watch the world's fastest, fiercest field sport
The Gaelic game of hurling has been played for more than 3,000 years, yet it still inspires the same fanatical following as a World Cup final. Go to a match at the impressive national stadium, Croke Park (which also houses a museum about the sport), to experience "the clash of the ash"—the sound of players' wooden hurleys colliding fiercely as they hit the leather ball.
Dublin: Go somewhere haunted for a few spirits
With its pencil-like watchtowers and Celtic crosses, Glasnevin Cemetery gives a great insight into Ireland through the centuries. Enthusiastic tour guides tell grisly tales and take visitors to the graves of key Irish figures such as Daniel O'Connell, Michael Collins, Eamon De Valera, and Brendan Behan. Afterward, stop into the wonderfully old-school pub, the John Kavanagh—locals call it “The Gravediggers” due to the profession of many of the regulars. It's said that, in the past, coffins were left outside the door for days during particularly lively wakes.
Dublin: Tour a whiskey distillery inside a church
The sight of gleaming copper pot stills backed by ethereal light emanating through colorful stained glass windows makes a trip to the Pearse Lyons Distillery a wholly unique whiskey experience. Built in 1859, St James’s Church is easy to spot with its glass spire soaring above the stone nave, making for a bizarre architectural contrast. There are four separate tours to choose from (including a VIP tour led by the head distiller) and plenty of opportunities to hear the stories behind this quirky spot—and, of course, to sample their quality Irish whiskey.
Dublin: Where to eat & drink
Breakfast: Brother Hubbard https://brotherhubbard.ie/ Daddy’s Café https://www.daddys.ie/ Bread 41 https://bread41.ie/ Lunch: Fish Shop https://fish-shop.ie/ Locks https://www.locksrestaurant.ie/ Drinks: The Palace Bar https://www.thepalacebardublin.com/ Café en Seine https://www.cafeenseine.ie/ O'Donoghues https://www.odonoghues.ie/ Dinner: The Park Café https://www.parkcafe.ie/ Mamó https://www.mamorestaurant.ie/ Spitalfields Pub and Restaurant https://www.spitalfields.ie/
Castle Leslie Estate: Activities
During your stay at Castle Leslie, there are a number of activities available to all guests including: Spa Treatments Horse Riding Falconry Clay Target Shooting Archery Fishing Boating Horse Drawn Carriage Rides all activities must be booked in advance, please see the link below for more information and to make reservations accordingly.
Monaghan: Whiskey Tour at Old Carrick Mill
On the way to Castle Leslie from Dublin, you can make your own whiskey here, schedule a tour, or just get steaming drunk, as the locals would say.
Monaghan: Hit The Links
There are an abundance of golf courses situated close to Castle Leslie Estate. These include Concra Wood Golf and Country Club (20 minutes from Castle Leslie) and Rossmore Golf Club (15 minutes). Castle Leslie offers special green fees for guests.
Monaghan: Cycle Through Beautiful Scenery
Drumlin Trails offer a variety of interesting trails in the north of Monaghan and surrounding counties. Visitors can rent bikes which also include 10 top of the range e-bikes. Located at McQuaid’s Fuel Station between the villages of Glaslough & Emyvale.
Monaghan: "O stony grey soil of Monaghan, The laugh from my love you thieved"
The newly refurbished Kavanagh Centre (Opened at the end of 2019) tells the story of Inniskeen’s most famous son – the poet, Patrick Kavanagh using immersive and interactive techniques to inspire visitors.
Monaghan: Download the Glaslough Audio Trail App
This app offers a free self-guided visitor experience, starting in the heart of Glaslough village at The Diamond, following a 2 kilometre trail around ten fascinating points of interest before ending the tour at Saint Salvator’s church in Castle Leslie Estate.
Monaghan: A Comprehensive Guide
Discover County Monaghan!