Arriving at Temple House is an experience in itself. A half-mile avenue winds through sweeping parkland, ancient trees standing tall as if in quiet salute, before revealing a magnificent historic mansion overlooking a serene lakeshore and the evocative ruins of a Knights Templar castle.
Family-owned since 1665, Temple House is far more than a venue, it is a living home filled with warmth, heritage and understated grandeur. Perhaps that is why weddings here feel so deeply personal. There is scale and splendour in abundance, yet a rare intimacy that makes every celebration feel wonderfully private and meaningful.
Temple House is not a hotel wedding. It is not formulaic. It is not ordinary. It is a refined country-house gathering; a beautiful, relaxed and unforgettable house party set against one of Ireland’s most romantic backdrops.
The Vibe at Temple House
The atmosphere at Temple House is one of effortless elegance. Think candlelight glowing against heritage walls, champagne on the terrace as the lake shimmers beyond, and laughter drifting across manicured lawns.
The philosophy is simple: your wedding reception should feel like the most extraordinary house party you have ever hosted, refined yet relaxed, luxurious yet entirely welcoming. There is no conveyor belt of celebrations here. Each wedding unfolds in its own way, shaped around your personalities and vision.
Ceremonies can take place in the stunning Gallery, where a magnificent skylight floods the room with natural light, or outdoors in the terraced gardens with panoramic lake views providing a cinematic backdrop. Whether you are planning an intimate gathering or a larger celebration, the setting feels both grand and deeply personal, an elegant alternative to the traditional hotel reception.
The Space at Temple House
Temple House boasts rooms of extraordinary proportion and classical beauty yet never feels overwhelming. The house invites connection; spaces flow naturally, encouraging guests to mingle, relax and celebrate freely.
Up to 120 guests can be seated in one magnificent room, or 160 across two beautifully appointed spaces. This is not the standard ballroom format and that is entirely intentional. Flexibility is part of the charm. Speeches are often delivered before the meal, perhaps from the sweeping staircase or outdoors in the garden, allowing you to truly savour your dining experience without interruption.
The result is a wedding that feels fluid and joyful rather than structured and staged. Grand yet intimate. Opulent yet warmly welcoming.
The Food and Drink at Temple House
Dining at Temple House is a culinary experience to remember. Their talented in-house chef works closely with each couple to design a bespoke menu that reflects personal tastes and seasonal inspiration.
The philosophy is beautifully straightforward: it should look exquisite and taste exceptional. The kitchen champions the finest local and artisan ingredients, creating dishes that celebrate freshness, flavour and artistry. Every course is thoughtfully crafted, beautifully presented and designed to delight your guests.
With speeches traditionally delivered before dinner, couples have the rare pleasure of fully relaxing into their meal tasting, savouring and enjoying every moment. It is dining as it should be: unhurried, indulgent and deeply memorable.
The Accommodation at Temple House
Exclusivity at Temple House is effortless. The main house accommodates up to twenty guests in refined comfort, allowing your closest family and friends to stay under the same historic roof. A charming cottage on the estate sleeps a further eight guests, while a range of carefully selected local hotels and boutique B&Bs nearby provide additional flexibility for your wider guest list.
Weddings here begin the day before. Temple House invites couples to take exclusive residence from the eve of their celebration, allowing anticipation and excitement to build naturally. There is time to settle in, rehearse, reconnect and truly inhabit the house before the festivities begin.
It transforms your wedding from a single-day event into an immersive experience, a cherished gathering that unfolds slowly and beautifully.
The Highlight at Temple House
Perhaps the true highlight of Temple House is its rare ability to feel both magnificent and deeply personal at once. The lakeside setting, the ancient castle ruins and the centuries of family history all combine to create a sense of romance that cannot be replicated.
Yet it is the freedom that truly sets Temple House apart. There is no fixed formula, no rigid structure. No two weddings are ever the same. Your day is shaped around your vision, your traditions and your style.
Temple House offers something increasingly rare: privacy, personality and poetic beauty in equal measure. For couples seeking an elegant, luxurious and quietly extraordinary country-house celebration, it is not simply a venue it is an experience to be treasured forever.
For more information about Temple House you can visit their website here.
