Ballyfin

To stay at Ballyfin is to experience a bygone era (all be it complete with fully functioning plumbing and high-speed Wi-Fi). Maintaining the feel of a country house, rather than a hotel, this 21-room neo-classical masterpiece has experienced its ups and downs over the years. Dating back to the 17th century, it was abandoned by its British owners, during a period of unrest following WWII, after which it became an all-boys Catholic school, until in 1998, when in a state of almost disrepair it was bought by American billionaire Fred Krehbiel. Years and millions of pounds later it reopened as Ireland's most luxurious country house hotel, the likes of which Kim and Kanye have honeymooned. Surrounded by over 600 acres of parkland, woodland, paddocks, and walled gardens, once you've entered its wrought-iron gates, there's little reason to leave. Horse riding, archery, clay-pigeon shooting, boating, fancy dress evenings, or treatments in the award-winning spa, are just some of the on-site activities. Dining is smart, with eight-course tasting menus, expertly paired by their in-house sommelier, on the menu each evening - plus more relaxed dining in the saloon. Breakfast is similarly sumptuous with homemade jams, honey, Irish soda bread, and locally sourced sausages. Each of the rooms is uniquely decorated, with ornate fabrics and period furnishings, many complete with four-poster beds and capacious baths. Each with views out across a cascading waterfall or the 21-acre man-made lake: Ballyfin doesn't have a bad angle. The perfect weekend getaway, it gets particularly busy during the summer and Christmas season.