Ballyfin is a 5-Star grand country house hotel in County Laois, the heart of Ireland, just one hour drive from Dublin. This lake Georgian House is majestically set at the foot of the Slieve Bloom Mountains, the historic Ballyfin is a place of tranquillity and natural beauty. The house has long been admired as the most lavish Regency mansion in Ireland, and after eight years of painstaking restoration, Ballyfin re-opened in May 2011 as a 5-star country house hotel offering the best of Irish hospitality in beautiful surroundings.
This opulent property houses an outstanding collection of paintings tracing the development of Irish art from the mid-seventeenth century to today, antiques from around the world, fine Irish mahogany, French chandeliers and mirrors by Thomas Chippendale. Guests are free to enjoy urbane leisure and refined relaxation in any of the house six reception rooms including an 80-foot library with roaring log fires and collections of rare books.
Wine and whiskey tastings, music recitals and art and architectural tours of the house are among the activities offered. With only twenty bedrooms for the 614-acre estate, this elegant hotel provides discretion and privacy and the ideal private setting for a very special celebration.
Ballyfin. It was like stepping back in the past without the inconvenience of no electricity. The personal attention...the welcome of the people, the setting, the food, I should be their PR manager.
Denise Barkley, Oxfordshire
2019
"My only regret was that we had just one perfect night at this wonderful place - it was not enough!"
William Yeoward
2019
"The finest hotel I've ever had the good fortune to stay at"
Michael & Deirdre, Dublin
2019
"When you pull up the driveway the staff is awaiting your arrival outside with big smiley faces, ready to welcome you to Ballyfin... that is just the beginning of the ultimate royal service you will experience during your stay. The staff is incredible... so knowledgeable and absolutely passionate about this hotel. And they should be! The house itself is out of this world. The art collections, the antique furniture and embellishments are mind blowing. I stayed in the Lady Caroline Coote Room- the canopy bed was heavenly, the bathtub was HUGE, the complimentary laundry service was outstanding. And the FOOD. Ah the food! Chef Fred's cuisine is a culinary masterpiece... his tasting menu was 3.5 hours of pure heaven (and have to acknowledge Maitre d/ food manager Frederic for his wonderful wine-pairing.) The house sits on 600 acres and there is so much to see. Be sure to take out a golf buggy and explore the tower and gardens. As for activities, try the clay pigeon shooting and archery. Such a blast, and Patrick and Lionel are so patient!"
Kait, USA
2019
"Ballyfin has quite possibly ruined every future hotel experience for me-- I don't think any hotel can compare. I had high hopes about this property and it exceeded every expectation I had. Better than 5 star! I would visit Ireland again just to stay at Ballyfin"
Luke
August 2021
Beautiful property and gardens. Homegrown vegetables used in kitchens. Excellent service. Impossible to fault the property and staff.
N Hoyle
July 2021
Had a really fantastic time at Ballyfin - it had just reopened this week. The food was great and I had an amazing time with the shooting, riding and falconry activities. One of my best holidays so far!
Gerry
March 2021
Amazing place. So Quiet and peaceful
Nick
January 2021
Absolutely wonderful experience! The place is stunning and luxurious looking, it's great to take photos. Lovely staff, always ready to help.
Over 5.2 million overseas tourists visited Ireland from January to September 2024 ...
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