Do you like winter time in Ireland? I know it can be a bit damp and cold but it can be lovely to have an excuse to stay indoors in a cosy living room with an open fire or alternatively when it is dry outside, wrap up warm and go for a nice stroll in the countryside... Here are a few photographs of what I am talking about....

 Ready to light the fire and keep cosy in Castle Leslie (Image from Co. Monaghan)

Walk along the by roads and country lanes to see the colourful leaves adorn the place (Image from County Cavan)

Dusk setting in on an evening walk (Image from County Cavan)

Even the cats are keeping warm on the farm 

and ducks are enjoying themselves (Image from County Leitrim)

So I said I would post some of my photographs from my visit to Castle Leslie for Afternoon tea on Sunday. It is really one of Ireland's treasures- such a wonderful setting and so unique! The architecture and interiors are amazing! It tops all of the historic country homes/castles I have visited in Ireland and I have visited a lot! Those of you who read my blog will be aware that I love visiting heritage sites in the Irish Countryside. So to begin my tour of the Castle, below are a few photos....

Firstly the music room- full of lovely paintings and photos with stunning views over the lake..

The enchanting Blue Room where afternoon tea was served! The wallpaper was so detailed and it was the perfect setting for tea with views out over the gardens...

We visited the library but didn't have time to read any books. I did spot a photograph on the shelf of Uncle Jack Leslie though...

Below are some photographs of the cocktail bar area in the long room and the dining room...

Another image of the library and to the right is a fire place in the toilets! Yes that is the ladies toilets..

 And finally a view of the main entrance...

If you haven't visited yet, make sure to put it on your "To Do List". Glaslough village is really quaint as well so make a day of it! Also if you want to visit the castle for tea or food, make sure you book in advance! To see some more images of the village visit my previous post Glaslough Village, Monaghan, Ireland... Pretty as a Picture or for more information on Castle Leslie visit their website
P.S for anyone that wants a wonderful setting for a wedding, you should visit Castle Leslie, and no I am not getting commission!

Here are a few interior photographs of the Lodge at Castle Leslie Estate, I love the blue and cream wallpaper in the entrance area. The boot room is lovely too, however it wouldn't suit a real country home as the wellies are generally either mucky or wet from being washed so placing them on a lovely shelving area wouldn't be great. Have a look at the other images too.

 

Last Sunday we went for a drive as the weather was nice (i.e. It wasn't raining, but no proper sunshine though). We went to Glaslough Village in County Monaghan. It is a very picturesque village on the edge of the Castle Leslie Estate. We intended on having afternoon tea in the Castle however it was booked out so instead we explored the wee village and I took lots of photographs. The ones below are just a few of the pretty stone buildings in and around the centre. I also posted one of the antique shops on my previous post here. Next time I visit I will have some photographs of the Castle itself.

I still have to go and have afternoon tea at Castlie Leslie Estate. I was given afternoon tea for two as a gift for my 30th Birthday at the end of the Summer. I haven't used it yet as I am waiting until the weather is good and we can go for a nice long walk in the grounds of the Castle. For those of you that are not familiar with Castle Leslie, it is located in County Monaghan, Ireland near to the border wiht Northern Ireland. In 2002, Castle Leslie hit headlines all over the world when ex-Beatle Paul McCartney celebrated his second wedding to Heather Mills.

 

 

 

Hope everyone is well. Last week was my 30th birthday and my husband had a party for me. We had 25 people over for food and drinks. It was really nice to celebrate it with close family and friends. I received some lovely gifts, here are just a few below, I couldnt get photos of them all

 

Mono boat face cloth to match my blue and white bathroom

{Cath Kidston}

 

Mono Boat bath towels to match my blue and white bathroom

{Cath Kidston}

Forget me not Tumbler Glass Candle- my home will smell beautiful

{Rachel Allen}

I'll be smelling beautiful too :)

{Ralph Lauren}

Afternoon Tea at one of Ireland's Great Castles

{Castle Leslie}