Temple House Estate is located in County Sligo in the stunning North West of Ireland. A county that is a key part of the Wild Atlantic Way. However we are also blessed to have Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands on our doorstep with our neighbouring County Leitrim being less than a 30 min drive away. This prime location gives us the best of both worlds. Here is just a selection of the many activities on offer, all within easy reach of our bed and breakfast and thus accessible to our guests.
Active Enthusiasts
Hiking -Ben Bulben mountain has dominated the Sligo skyline for over 300 million years. It is possible to hike to the summit although there are a myriad of easier trails at its base. The Benbulben Loop is the most popular and is suitable for children too. www.sligowalks.ie
Surfing - Sligo is world renowned for its excellent surf with people travelling from as far away as Australia to experience it. There are options for all levels. For beginners you can try a lesson at Strandhill Surf School, where you can also hire your board and wetsuit for the day or NorthWest Surf School and 7th Wave Surf School at Enniscrone.
More advanced surfers can try the two reef breaks at Easkey which have been attracting surfers since the late 70s, and even hosted Surfing World Championships events. Or you can visit Mullaghmore Head, which is Ireland’s most popular big wave surfing spot and is for experts only. Expect to see huge waves, some as big as 40ft, exposed rocky reefs and surfers being towed in on jet-skis.
Zip It - Spend a few hours enjoying the view from the treetops. Wooden platforms wrap around trees at heights from 1-20 metres. Tackle ladders, rope bridges, swinging logs and zip-lines as you work your way around the circuits. Zip It is suitable for all ages (7+) with different levels of difficulty and heights available.
River Shannon & Lough Key - Co Leitrim is known for being Ireland’s lake district. Hire a boat in Carrick on Shannon and explore the waterways or have a bite size experience and take a cruise on the Moon River boat. Alternatively you try Stand Up Paddle boarding (SUP) on the beautiful Lough Key.
Shannon Blueway -Hire bikes from ElectricBike Trails in Leitrim Village and cycle the scenic Blueway to Drumshanbo. The leisurely 20km round trip is tranquil and traffic-free and takes in the floating Acres Lake Boardwalk across beautiful lakeland.
Culture Vultures
Mullaghmore & Classiebawn Castle - the castle has stood in Mullaghmore since 1874. It received world-wide attention after it was featured in series 4 of the popular TV drama ‘The Crown’ as it was the home of Lord Mountbatten (uncle to British monarch King Charles). The castle is privately owned and cannot be visited however it is a popular tourist destination to admire from afar as you explore Mullaghmore Head and its spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean. Relax in the picturesque village once you are finished exploring and enjoy a fresh seafood lunch at the renowned restaurant Eithnas or just have a traditional ice cream by the harbour.
Drumcliffe Church - is the final resting place of the poet WB Yeats. This picturesque and quiet place is a must-visit for fans of the great man. Pink Clover Tea Room offers a warm welcome too.
Lissadell House - is the childhood home of Countess Markievicz, one of the leaders of the 1916 Rising, it was also a favourite place of thegreat WB Yeats. Spend time touring thehouse and Alpine Garden before having a homebaked treat the tea rooms.
Carrowkeel Tombs & Knocknarea - This collection of Neolithic tombs is one of the most ancient sites in Ireland, with stone structures standing here for over 5,000 years. Queen Maeve’s Cairn is also located at the summit of Knocknarea, overlooking Carromore Megalithic Cemetery, and is a relatively easy hike which affords great views.
The Shed Distillery - located in Drumshanbo, beside Lough Allen this distillery is the home of the world famous Gunpowder Gin. Take a guided tour and enjoy lunch afterwards in their cafe.
Family Friendly
Walk with Alpacas - this popular activity has become a firm favourite of tourists and is loved by both adults and children. There are two farms which offer this experience locally, Glencar Alpacas and Knockvicar Alpacas. A great way to pass the afternoon.
Eagles Flying - watch the skills of falcons, eagles and hawks as handlers put them through their paces. Little ones will also love their petting zoo.
Streedagh Beach - at almost 3km long, listed in Lonely Planet’s Top 10 beaches in Ireland and offering golden sand which gently slopes into the ocean. This is the perfect beach for children and adults alike. Bring a picnic then walk, swim and build sandcastles to your hearts content.
Strandhill Beach - whilst not suitable for swimming at any time of year, this beach offers excellent sand dunes to explore. Watch surfers as they ride the waves and enjoy lunch in Shells Cafe or homemade gelato from Mammy Johnstons after.
Lough Key Forest Park - the park offers a host of activities and amenities to its visitors. From Zip It to SUP, boat tours and kayaking to adventure rooms, not to mention its miles of forest trails to explore (electric bikes are available to hire on site) and lovely cafes with lakeviews, it’s easy to while away a day here.
Glencar Waterfall - Referenced in the The Stolen Child by W.B. Yeats, a walk through the woods near Glencar Lough brings you to Glencar Waterfall. Pack some lunch to enjoy in the pretty picnic area below, this is a place where you’ll happily spend a few hours.
Acres Lake Floating Boardwalk - Acres Lake Floating Boardwalk in the picturesque village of Drumshanbo, is 600m long and is the start of a 6.5km walking and cycling trail along the Shannon Blueway from Acres Lake to Battlebridge Lock, near Leitrim Village. Soak up the scenery and visit Jinny’s bakery and tearooms for delicious treats afterwards.