One of Ireland’s most unspoilt old houses, this is a unique place - a Georgian mansion situated in 1,000 acres of farm and woodland, overlooking the original lakeside castle which was built by the Knights Templar in 1200 A.D. The Percevals have lived here since 1665 and some of the furnishings date back to the last major revamp, when the house was redesigned and refurbished in 1864.
But the current owners, Roderick and Helena Perceval, are a thoroughly modern couple and they have brought a refreshing brand of energy and enthusiasm to running this amazing house.
While it has retained its old atmosphere, it's a place for fun and the enormous rooms with their cheering log fires are perfect for parties - and the whole house, including the exceptionally spacious en-suite bedrooms furnished with fascinating old family furniture, is continuously renovated and upgraded to meet the demands of today's discerning guests.
The ever-growing range of activties on the estate (walking, boating, kayaking, stand up paddling, archery..) and nearby (hiking, surfing, horse riding, cycling, birds of prey sanctuary among them) have never been more popular, and the brilliant places to visit include the wonderful Lissadell House and the Voya Seaweed Baths as well as the many places associated with W.B.Yeats.
And then there is the food. Temple House is a member of the Sligo Food Trail, with all that that entails in terms of celebrating local food producers. As well as doing a particularly good breakfast, evening meals are served in the very beautiful dining room overlooking the lakeside castle - based on seasonal produce from the estate and other local suppliers, a meal here has always been a treat to look forward, and especially since Chef Dave Mullan joined the team in 2018.
While you may still expect homely treats based on farm and garden produce, such as spinach soufflé, Temple House lamb, and rhubarb fool - Dave has really upped the ante for the food offering at Temple House, notably when he flexes his culinary muscles with a 7-Course Tasting Menu.
Offered on Saturday nights, this is a real treat outing and non-residents are very welcome by reservation. A late spring / early summer menu might include such delights as ... “Cookie & Soup“ Asparagus Velouté; Mullaghmore Crab Salad, Goatsbridge Trout Caviar; Sheep’s Milk Panna Cotta, Pickled Beetroot, Granola; Tempura Wild Atlantic Oyster, Nori, Roe Aioli; Slow Cooked Temple House Lamb, Aubergine, Broccoli, Red Currant Jus; Wild Turbot, Salsify, Long Stemmed Broccoli, Brown Shrimp Butter; Lemon, Raspberry, Meringue - and this feast is followed by coffee and petits fours, served beside an open fire in the elegant and relaxing Morning Room.
Guests also love the traditional Irish music and dancing sessions that are often held nearby - and any couple thinking of tying the knot should consider a ceremony here: held in the atmospheric restored billiard room, it's sure to be a day to remember for everyone attending.
