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Ballyfin

from CA$1770
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1 / 9
Indoor Swimming Pool
“Immaculately restored, opulently furnished, Regency country mansion situated at the foot of the Slieve Bloom mountains. Five-star luxury throughout. Sumptuous rooms filled with original Irish art. The price tag is steep but it's an iconic stay.”

Hotel review

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.

Megan Lambert
Megan Lambert Review published: 2018-10-31

Recommended for

  • Outstanding location

    • Set in 610 acres of parkland and manicured grounds

  • Artworks

    • Collection of Irish art and china

  • 5* Luxury

  • Romantic Break

  • Other Activities

    • Clay pigeon shooting and falconry on site. Let the butler take you out boating on the lake.

  • Riding

    • Stables on site with experienced staff to guide you round the 600 acre estate

  • Great walks

    • There is a qualified guide on hand to point you in the right direction

  • Wine tasting

    • Wine and whisky tasting with the sommelier

  • Fishing

    • On Ballyfin's own lake

  • Country Escape

  • Archery

  • Croquet

  • Hideaway

  • Tennis

  • Art Classes

  • Sights nearby

  • Spa

  • Wedding license

  • Good wine list

  • Gym

  • Restaurant

  • Literary

  • Full of character

  • House party feel

  • Opulent

  • Secluded setting

  • Views

  • Romantic

  • Luxury

  • Exclusive use

  • Traditional

  • Antiques

  • Historic

  • Lakeside

Facilities

  • Library

    A choice of over 5000 titles to browse

  • Swimming Pool

    Large Indoor Pool

  • Wedding license

  • Good wine list

  • Spa

  • Bicycles available

  • Car not required

  • Wifi

  • Fireplace

  • Restaurant

  • Private chef / butler

  • 24 Hour room service

  • Internet

  • Airport transfer

  • Gym

  • Views

Activities

  • Other Activities

    • Clay pigeon shooting and falconry on site. Let the butler take you out boating on the lake.

  • Riding

    • Stables on site with experienced staff to guide you round the 600 acre estate

  • Great walks

    • There is a qualified guide on hand to point you in the right direction

  • Wine tasting

    • Wine and whisky tasting with the sommelier

  • Fishing

    • On Ballyfin's own lake

  • Croquet

  • Archery

  • Art Classes

  • Sights nearby

  • Tennis

Map & Location

Check availability on Booking.com

Other reviews

Ultimate 100 Hotels 2014

Originally published by Sunday Times

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