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 the house was redesigned and refurbished in 1864 - some of the furnishings date back to that major revamp. Sandy and Deb Perceval first opened the doors of their home to guests in 1981 and it is now owned by their son Roderick and his wife Helena, who have brought their own brand of energy and enthusiasm to running this amazing house.
The whole of the house has retained its old atmosphere and, in addition to central heating, has log fires to cheer the enormous rooms. Spacious bedrooms are furnished with old family furniture and bathrooms are gradually being upgraded.
Guests have the use of an elegant sitting room with open fires, and evening meals are served in a very beautiful dining room - based on seasonal produce from the estate and other local suppliers, they are a treat to look forward to.
You may expect homely treats like spinach soufflé, Temple House lamb, and desserts based on garden produce like rhubarb fool; there’s always an Irish cheeseboard too - and home-made fudge with coffee in the Morning Room.
Traditional Irish music and dancing sessions are often held nearby.
Quirky Cooks - Held in the 'big kitchen' of Temple House, the Quirky Cooks provide evening cookery demonstrations and entertainment.
Rooms 6 (5 en-suite, 2 shower only, 1 with private bathroom, 2 family, all no smoking); B&B from €80 pps, ss €25. Free broadband wi/fi; children welcome (under 12s 60% discount, babies free in parents' room; cots available at no charge, baby sitting arranged). Residents 4-course D €45, 7.30pm (book by 1pm, not available Sun); house wine €18. Children's tea 6.30pm; SC discretionary. Dogs permitted by arrangement. Fishing (fly & coarse), hunting/shooting, walking, snooker. Garden visits nearby. *Golf nearby, at Rosses Point, Strandhill and Enniscrone - short breaks available. Closed Dec-Mar. MasterCard, Visa, Laser. Heli-pad.
