Although there is over 1000 years recorded of Leslie family history, the 10th of May 2022 marks the 30th anniversary of Castle Leslie Estate operating as a thriving business.
The last 30 years has seen the estate regenerate from a leaking seasonal Tea Rooms with a handful of part time staff to the current operations with a team of 200 team members.
Castle Leslie Estate is set on 1000 acres of rolling parkland with ancient trees and glittering lakes teeming with wildlife. It is one of the most breath-taking estates in Ireland.
The estate is one of only a handful of Castles and Estates in Ireland still home to its founding family. It is the only one operating on such a scale and it has now become one of the most individual and best loved places to stay in Ireland.
When asked about the last 30 years, Sammy Leslie tells; “Our family’s ethos has always been one of creativity and curiosity, openness and sharing, of innovation and entrepreneurship, of sensitivity and working with, of involvement and teamwork. With 1000 years of Leslie family history recorded, and 30 years in business, it is my great honour to be the one tasked with bringing a unique and important part of Ireland’s living heritage through to the future.”
About the future Sammy said: “Like my father I strongly believe that we neither inherit nor own lands, we are just guardians doing our best for future generations. It is my hope that Castle Leslie Estate will provide more decades of employment for those who live locally and continue to be a sanctuary for all our guests”.
Sammy added: “I would like to say a huge thanks to every member of our incredible team (both past and present), all our loyal customers and our wonderful suppliers. I would also like to acknowledge the extended Leslie family and the work of The Castle Leslie Trust. In 2017 we established The Leslie Foundation. The foundation was founded to ensure that the wide social and economic benefits created by Castle Leslie Estate will continue and expand for generations to come. The Leslie Foundation’s priorities are – people, place, planet, and peace. Here’s to the next 30 years!” The original dream for Castle Leslie Estate was great horses, good food and good old-style hospitality. It is safe to say that this is flourishing with over 50 national and international awards under their belt.
