Georgina Campbell
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Buying a former military barracks (complete with firing range) from the Department of Defence might not seem the most obvious starting point for creating a luxury venue. But that is just what millionaire businessman John D. Molloy (of Yeats Country Foods among other well known brands) did in 2014 when - to the delight of the local community - he purchased Rockhill near Letterkenny for €670,000 and vowed to return it to its former glory. It was way above the guide price and surprised commentators at the time, yet it’s less than many a Dublin family home.
Three years and a huge amount of investment and TLC later, the magnificently restored property opened - initially as an exclusive wedding and special events venue. Since then the vision has broadened, with both the luxurious accommodation and the estate’s main dining venue, The Church Restaurant & Bar, welcoming the general public as well as hosting events.
While breakfast for residents is served in the beautiful Stewart Dining Room, in the main house, main meals are offered at The Church Restaurant in the grounds - which, complete with a lovely terrace, is an atmospheric destination for local diners and gives overnight guests the pleasure of ‘going out for dinner’.
Given the Molloy family’s commitment to quality food production in the region, it will be no surprise that showcasing local producers is part of the plan at Rockhill and bringing in chef Thomas Molloy (of the renowned Lemon Tree family of artisan food supporters in Letterkenny town) was a statement of intent.The transformation that has been achieved at Rockhill is a great credit to all involved and, as the vision unfolds - of creating a great destination property in the area along the lines of the Cassidy family’s stunning Lissadell in Co Sligo - it is still a work in progress with many more treats in store.
