by Síona Carroll
IT’S less than an hour’s drive from most parts of county Limerick, yet there’s something different about Ennis, the charming market town that’s a home from home for generations of Shannonsiders.
And right in the heart of the Clare capital, there’s the Temple Gate – a former convent that was converted into a boutique hotel in the mid-1990s and is now one of the few AA Rosette and four star rated hotels in the region.
Having acquired its additional star in December, the Temple Gate is nonetheless determined to hold on to its three star prices.
This family run hotel was opened by eight years ago by Birdhill native John Madden who poured some €3.5million on refurbishment. His son and managing director Paul Madden now makes the point to Limerick Post that “we are hoteliers, not developers who bought a hotel”. He’s proud of the appeal to guests who want a quietly luxurious weekend away, being central but secluded.
Presenting a mix of culture (Glór venue and Clare Museum are on the doorstep) and fabulous food options, Temple Gate has to be the ultimate location for town-and-coastline agendas, airport, concerts, Willie Clancy Week and so much more.
Cobblestones and free carpark bring us to at the main entrance; a rear exit opens into a quiet courtyard off main thoroughfare O’Connell Street. Guests are welcomed by the warmly decorated lobby of cream walls, embossed wallpaper and a high, church-inspired ceiling. Five exquisite chandeliers enhance the luxe, period feel, as do large grandfather armchairs and couches lining lobby and Library.
Temple Gate’s Great Hall is perfect for any occasion, from a civil patnership ceremony to an 80th birthday bash and is host to a private bar, dance floor and runway/ stage. The Great Hall opens up into the foyer with private smoking area and intriguing short corridors, relic of the convent build. It exudes character and history with its faux Norman tapestries and stained glass windows the resemble the originals – that the nuns took on leaving.
The consistently AA ribonned Legends Restaurant has caters for all; seafood is strong, artisan suppliers represented. Relax here for starters of woodland mushroom on brioche, or Guinea fowl, followed by haddock with pea purée; a courgette, spinach and cherry tomato risotto sits easily alongside standards of steak, chicken and fish. Blessed with a pastry chef, Temple Gate’s flavoursome breads and desserts delight.
Preacher’s Pub, hot food daily, keeps in line the intimate theme of the whole with its stained glass and antique upper floor. Soothing colours of soft orange and sea-foam couch the ambience.
Last year at least €250,000 was spent on the hotel, upgrading rooms to secure the fourth star. The bedrooms, each floor being security card-coded, have flat screen TV, free WiFi and full bathroom.
Price point? Modest. Try the overnight bed and breakfast and dinner in Legends award-winning dining room from €65 per person – because you’re worth it.
