I discovered Temple House in "Hidden Ireland" so I knew it must be good. I had not reckoned on just what a wonderful gem of a place it is. It has been in the Perceval family for 350 years so there is an amazing feeling of continuity. This is no ordinary country house hotel, it is a family home brilliantly run by Roderick and Helena Perceval. The guests are all made to feel a part of the family and the evenings are wonderfully convivial with excellent food and wine. The setting is beautiful, with a large park and lake. The area is famous for woodcock shooting and the sea is in easy reach. Stay for at least two nights, preferably longer, but go there. You will not be disappointed and will remember it is a great experience which no ordinary hotel can match.

We stayed 3 nights in Temple House at the end of September. Spotless and friendly service provided by Roderick, unique historical surroundings and long dinner discussions with other guests made our stay unforgettable and were really a highlight of our Ireland trip.

We found Temple House from Hidden Ireland website. Hidden Ireland is a group of independent historical B&Bs spread across Ireland. We stayed at two other properties - Rossnaree and The Quey House - and both of them delivered great high-end B&B quality as we expected but Temple House is still one of a kind experience.

Just proceeding along the very long drive before the impressive building comes into view gives one a taste of things to come. This stunning 300+ year old family home is extraordinary, a massive stately home of 90 rooms, all of which are enormous by modern standards, with about 1,000 acres of grounds (also a working sheep farm), currently run by Roderick & Helena Perceval who took over from Roderick's father some 7 years ago. Just climbing the main grand staircase is an experience in itself, with paintings of the many past Perceval family members glowering down on all who pass beneath (they never seemed to smile in the old days, did they..?!)

A very warm welcome was extended to us by Roderick (who is more than happy to relate the history of the estate) - the guests lounge had an honesty bar, and free wifi was available, There were comfortable antique chairs, and a large log fire contributed to the relaxing atmosphere. We had dinner on both nights we were there, and I have to say the French Chef produced wonderful dinners on both evenings - he really is a gem..!

The bedrooms are large by any standards, again furnished with antiques, but the en-suite bathroom facilities were modern and right up to the mark, with lots of space and plenty of hot water. The bedrooms (only 9 are available for guests) didn't have TV, radio, or telephone, but we didn't notice the lack of these, and indeed they would have been rather out of place under the circumstances.

The dining room contained just one enormous table, so all guests eat together - some folk may not look on this favourably, but we had a great fun evening with the other four guests at the time (an American couple, and a young Irish couple from Dublin), so much so that we eventually managed to retire at 11.00pm..!

For comfort, elegance, good food, there is little to beat it at the price - if there's anything at all to fault, it's the lack of teamaking facilities in the bedrooms (we're senior citizens, and we value our early morning cuppa..!)

So, for peace and relaxation with a good book, superb food, and a wonderful atmosphere, it would take a lot to beat Temple House.

I had originally found Temple House in the Rick Steve's travel guide, which definitely did not prepare us for the wonderful surprises that lay ahead. Looking over all the comments, every detail is exactly as it really is. Additionally, with all the hotels and other B&Bs my daughter and I stayed in during our two weeks in Ireland, Temple House was the most restful and peaceful. I feel everyone connects to this house and its owners at some level - a simpler life, 5 Star food, family atmosphere, and service. I might add that Roderick and Helena are also wonderful in accommodating dietary needs too. When we asked where we could buy the goat cheese they served (which was the best we had ever had), Roderick gave us a package to take on our journey. Two nights was not nearly enough.....