Whispers of Ireland

A Woman's Journey into the Heart of Sligo

May 9th-16th, 2025

Temple House Estate, County Sligo

Have you always dreamed of discovering the real Ireland? Not the Ireland of crowded tour buses and souvenir shops, but the Ireland of misty mornings, ancient stones, and stories told by crackling fires?

This is your invitation to answer that call.

A HAVEN FOR THE SOLO FEMALE TRAVELER

As a woman journeying alone, you deserve an experience that offers both adventure and security, connection and solitude, luxury and authenticity. At Temple House Estate—a magnificent Georgian mansion watching over the ruins of a Knights Templar castle—you'll find yourself welcomed into a sisterhood of like-minded explorers.

Join me, Caroline Holmes, along with Sligo native Anne Brett, for an intimate 8-day retreat where no detail is left to chance and every moment offers the opportunity for wonder.

BEYOND THE TOURIST TRAIL

While others follow guidebook recommendations, we'll slip through hidden doorways into the true heart of Ireland:

Stand in reverent silence at Carrowmore's 5,000-year-old megalithic tombs, structures older than the pyramids
Feel the spray of Glencar Waterfall on your face—the very place Yeats imagined faeries dancing
Gaze across the waters to the Lake Isle of Innisfree, understanding instantly why it captured a poet's heart
Climb the legendary Queen Maeve's cairn atop Knocknarea with views that will steal your breath
Experience the healing tradition of seaweed baths in Enniscrone as locals have for generations.

Each evening, return to the embrace of Temple House, where fires warm marble fireplaces and crystal decanters catch the last light of day. Here, in drawing rooms worthy of a period drama, share stories with new friends over craft cocktails before dining on locally-sourced delicacies prepared by our private chef.

A JOURNEY OF CONNECTION

For the woman who has waited too long to experience Ireland's magic, this retreat offers more than just sightseeing. Anne Brett brings 25 years of healing wisdom interwoven with her deep connection to art and poetry. Through her guidance, every stone, every view becomes a gateway to something deeper—the Ireland that lives in soul memory and poetic dreams.

Each morning begins with optional yoga in Victorian gardens, where heritage roses climb ancient walls. As morning dew catches the first light, meditation unfolds naturally in spaces where monks once walked.

EVERYTHING ARRANGED, EVERY COMFORT ASSURED

From the moment you meet us at Dublin Airport, every detail is handled with care:

Luxury accommodations in a historic estate
All gourmet meals prepared by our private chef
Exclusive guided tours to sites both famous and secret
All local transportation in comfortable vehicles
24/7 host support throughout your journey
Dublin Airport transfers included

YOUR PLACE AWAITS

Shared Room: $3,795 | Private Room: $4,475

Will you join us where the veil between ordinary and extraordinary thins, where poetry comes alive in the landscape, and where ancient magic still dances in the Irish air?

Reserve your place with a $700 deposit.

For the woman who has always promised herself Ireland, this is the moment to say yes to that promise.

A Georgian Manor Steeped in History and Grace

From the moment you journey down the half-mile private avenue, winding through pristine parkland where sheep and lambs gracefully roam beneath centuries-old trees, you'll know you've arrived somewhere extraordinary. Temple House isn't just accommodation—it's a destination unto itself.

Living History

Step through the doors of this magnificent Georgian manor, the cherished Perceval family home since 1665, masterfully redesigned in 1864 to create the perfect blend of aristocratic elegance and warm Irish hospitality. Within these historic walls, you'll find yourself transported to an era of refined living while enjoying every modern comfort.

Your Private Sanctuary

During our exclusive retreat, you'll enjoy:

Elegantly Appointed Bedrooms: Each room uniquely decorated with period furnishings, plush bedding, and views of the estate's magnificent grounds
Gracious Common Spaces: Gather in drawing rooms with marble fireplaces, library corners perfect for quiet contemplation, and sun-drenched morning rooms
Exclusive Access: The entire 1,000-acre private estate becomes your playground, with paths that wind through ancient woodlands, alongside the tranquil lake, and to the ruins of the 13th-century Knights Templar castle.
A Setting Like No Other

Wake to misty mornings with unparalleled views across Temple House Lake, where the ruins of the Knights Templar castle create a tableau straight from legend. As evening falls, witness spectacular sunsets painting the sky above the estate's vast parkland.

A short video of Temple House Estate !

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A Culinary Journey Through Ireland's Finest

Exquisite Dining at Temple House Estate

At Temple House, your dining experience transcends mere sustenance—it's a celebration of Ireland's rich culinary heritage, elevated by the expertise of our private chef and the estate's prestigious position on the distinguished Sligo Food Trail.

From Land and Sea to Table

Each meal during your stay is thoughtfully crafted using the finest ingredients sourced from County Sligo's abundant natural larder:

Morning harvests from Temple House's own Victorian walled garden
Fresh-caught seafood from the pristine Atlantic waters just minutes away
Ethically raised meats from local farms where traditional practices prevail
Artisanal cheeses crafted by award-winning Sligo cheesemakers
Foraged delicacies, including wild mushrooms, herbs, and berries from the farmers

Your Private Chef Experience

Our resident chef transforms these exceptional ingredients into memorable meals that tell the story of Irish cuisine—both traditional and reimagined. With training in Ireland's finest kitchens and a deep respect for local food traditions, our chef creates dining experiences that are sophisticated yet deeply connected to the land.

A Week of Culinary Delights

Your culinary journey includes:

Elegant breakfasts featuring house-made breads, local preserves, farm-fresh eggs, and traditional Irish morning specialties.
Formal Dinners in the grand dining room, where candlelight dances on silver and crystal
Casual Suppers highlighting rustic Irish comfort foods elevated with modern techniques
Farewell Feast celebrating the culmination of our week together with a multi-course showcase of Ireland's finest offerings

The Prestigious Sligo Food Trail

Temple House's inclusion on the distinguished Sligo Food Trail is a testament to its commitment to authentic Irish cuisine. This honor, bestowed only upon venues offering the very best of Ireland's food from land and sea, ensures that your dining experience represents the pinnacle of Irish culinary excellence.

Dietary Considerations

Our chef delights in accommodating dietary preferences and requirements, ensuring that every guest experiences the best of Irish cuisine tailored to their needs. Please share any dietary considerations upon booking, and our chef will create equally magnificent alternatives.

Every meal at Temple House is more than nourishment—it's a sensory journey through the flavors, traditions, and innovations that make Irish cuisine extraordinary.

Journey Beyond the Tourist Trail

Extraordinary Excursions from Temple House Estate

During your stay at Temple House, you'll discover the hidden treasures of County Sligo that most travelers never experience. Each excursion has been carefully selected to reveal the authentic magic of Ireland's northwest—from ancient sacred sites to breathtaking natural wonders.

The Devil's Chimney (Sruth in Aghaidh An Aird)

Standing at the foot of Ireland's highest waterfall, watch in awe as water cascades dramatically down the cliffside—and on windy days, defies gravity by blowing upward into the sky. This rare phenomenon, occurring only after heavy rainfall, creates a spectacle that has inspired local legends for centuries.

The Gaelic name "Sruth in Aghaidh An Aird" translates to "stream against the height," but locals know it as the Devil's Chimney from ancient folklore. Your guide will share the mystical tales of this natural wonder as you stand mesmerized by its power and beauty.

What you'll experience: A moderate walk through lush woodland opens to reveal this spectacular waterfall. Capture breathtaking photos and feel the mist on your face as you connect with one of Ireland's most unique natural phenomena.

Glencar Waterfall

Step into the lyrical landscape that inspired W.B. Yeats' poem "The Stolen Child" as you visit the enchanting Glencar Waterfall. Nestled in a verdant glen, this 50-foot cascade tumbles gracefully over moss-covered rocks, creating a scene of perfect tranquility.

"Where the wandering water gushes from the hills above Glen-Car, in pools among the rushes that scarce could bathe a star..." — W.B. Yeats

What you'll experience: A gentle, accessible path leads you through ancient woodland to multiple viewing platforms. The peaceful setting invites contemplation and connection with the natural world that so moved Ireland's beloved poet.

Knocknarea Mountain & Queen Maeve's Cairn

Ascend the legendary Knocknarea Mountain to stand beside the 5,000-year-old cairn of Queen Maeve, the warrior queen of Connacht. Rising 1,073 feet above sea level, this iconic flat-topped mountain offers 360-degree views across County Sligo, the Atlantic Ocean, and six surrounding counties.

The massive stone cairn at the summit, measuring 180 feet in diameter and 40 feet high, is said to be the burial place of the legendary queen. Standing beside this ancient monument, you'll feel a profound connection to Ireland's mythic past.

What you'll experience: A moderately challenging 1.2-mile hike rewards you with panoramic views and ancient history. Our guide will share tales of Queen Maeve and the significance of this sacred site while you take in some of the most spectacular vistas in Ireland.

Enniscrone Seaweed Baths

Indulge in a centuries-old Irish tradition at the historic Enniscrone Seaweed Baths. This authentic wellness experience offers a glimpse into Ireland's unique bathing culture, combining hand-harvested Atlantic seaweed with piping hot seawater in traditional roll-top cast iron baths.

Dating back to the Edwardian era, these therapeutic baths have long been treasured for their restorative properties. The combination of mineral-rich seaweed and warm water releases iodine and essential oils that nourish the skin and soothe the soul.

What you'll experience: Private bath chambers with original Edwardian fixtures, steam cabinets, and a deeply relaxing treatment that will leave you refreshed and renewed. The perfect blend of historical interest and personal pampering.

Each excursion is led by expert local guides who bring these extraordinary places to life through stories, historical context, and insider knowledge unavailable to ordinary tourists.