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Ballyfin

Ballyfin

Built in the 1820’s, Ballyfin has long been admired as the most lavish Regency mansion in Ireland. Here classical grandeur meets with a landscape of rolling hills, follies  and ancient grottoes in the magnificent property, set at the foot of the Slieve Bloom Mountains. Ballyfin has been designed as a home-away-from-home making the experience entirely intimate. Enjoy estate-grown food prepared by award-winning chefs, take part in wine & whiskey tastings in the cellar, enjoy treatments in the spa, swim, or simply spend an afternoon in the large library, finishing with a fireside cocktail in the Ballyfin Bar.

Rooms : 20 Luxury Bedrooms and Suites  Type: Couples, Active, Historic

OVERVIEW

Originally built in the 1820s, the house reopened in 2011, after eight years of restoration.  Today, it offers the very best of Irish hospitality in the most beautiful surroundings imaginable.

From the enormous Saloon at the heart of the house, to the eighty-foot Library which runs the length of its south façade, the State Rooms make a glorious backdrop to a stay in the house.

The Library is perfect for whiling away a few hours with plenty of quiet corners for conversation. The estate’s stone walls enclose 614 acres of parkland, a lake and ancient woods, delightful garden buildings, follies and grottoes.

 

 

HIGHLIGHTS

Highlights include the walled garden with its formal borders and kitchen gardens, the abundant wildlife to be seen on early morning walks and the restored Edwardian rock garden.

Garden Walks

Exploring the Demesne is a delight – from the walled gardens; the fernery and the restored Edwardian rock garden; a stroll around the lake; discovering quiet bluebell glades and special areas of conservation; foraging for mushrooms and Autumn berries, or simply marveling at century-old trees and climbing the path to the tower, which is located at the highest point of the estate to enjoy stunning views.

 

Horse & Carriage

Step back in time and take a guided tour on a horse & carriage from the front
door. Explore the pathways of the Demesne with your guide highlighting it’s
fascinating history.

 

Ballyfin Picnic Experience

Enjoy a wonderful picnic basket to take with you choosing from magical locations including the grotto, temple, by the water cascade, top of the tower or by the lake.
Reserve the picnic house with stunning views, seclusion and privacy and enjoy a  picnic lunch set up for you and ready on your arrival.

 

History Tour

Take a guided tour of the house and learn of the history of the families that lived at Ballyfin, the restoration period and enjoy hearing about the history of each room and the antiques and art.

 

Costume Department

Visit the unique specially designed costume room to try on and choose costumes for a special evening of banquets and entertainment. With a stunning collection of period costumes from the Lyric Opera Company in Chicago and trained dressers o help, you will definitely look and feel the part.

ACCOMMODATION

Classic Room

These include The Lady Sarah Pole room which has beautiful views over the Pleasure Ground and Cascade. The room retains its corner fireplace with an attractively carved rosette and the original grate. Over this is hung a touching late-Georgian portrait of a lady by the eighteenth-century Irish artist Thomas Hickey.

Deluxe Rooms

Deluxe rooms are sumptuously decorated with unique features. You might fine a room adorned with 17th Century tapestries, artwork and antiques or specially commissioned wall paintings. With views over the lake and lawns, your stay will be unforgettable.

Staterooms

The Westmeath, one of Ballyfin’s beautiful Staterooms evokes the character of the early 18th Century. It is exquisitely decorated in richly patterned wallpaper with a wonderfully carved French bed positioned prominently in the centre of room.

Suites

The Suites at Ballyfin, the suite enjoys a handsome sitting room, its curved windows looking out to beautiful views over the fountain and the Pleasure Grounds. The decorative theme of the suite is determined by a series of eighteenth-century Chinese wallpaper panels, formerly in the collection of the Prince of Hanover at Schloss Marienburg. Many of the furnishings are complementary in the style of Chinese Chippendale.

DINING

At Ballyfin the architectural splendour of the rooms and their historical resonances combine with the food to make for truly memorable dining experiences.

Enjoy the grandeur of the State Dining Room and the Van Der Hagen Room.Downstairs the Cellar Bar offers a relaxed atmosphere and informal setting and provides the opportunity to enjoy a more casual dinner experience.

Private dining can be arranged in the Porcelain Room lined with the famous ‘Flora Danica’ set of china or in the atmospheric Wine Cellar.  At Ballyfin the architectural splendour of the rooms and their historical resonances combine with the food to make for truly memorable dining experiences.

ACTIVITIES

Enjoy an array of activities at Ballyfin. Open to residents only, it is very easy to get away from everything as you explore and in just a short distance from the house you can truly feel “lost in nature”.

Coarse Fishing
Enjoy a few hours of fishing on the lake which has a large stock of roach and pike.

Boating on the lake
Enjoy a leisurely boat trip on the 28 acre lake or relax and enjoy the scenery while the Butler takes you out!

Falconry
An exhilarating experience with amazing birds of prey. Enjoy private and personal Falconry demonstration and hands-on experience using trained Harris Hawks, Peregrines, Eagle Owls and other birds of prey.

Gaelic Games and tennis
The Ballyfin Butlers will be delighted to give an introduction to two Gaelic Games – Football and Hurling. They will teach you some of the basic skills and rules of these very exciting and uniquely Irish sports. Alternatively enjoy a game of tennis on the beautifully appointed courts.

Clay Pigeon Shooting
Perfect your aim, time your shots and let the competitive streak in you shine.

Air Rifle Target Shooting
Using the most advanced pre-charged air rifles on the 50m range, your instructor will guide you in the skill of precision shooting.

Archery
Despite its medieval origins, archery has now been developed into a high-tech and highly competitive sport. Using the very latest equipment guests are taught the skills required to strike gold on the competition shoot.

Horse Riding & Riding Lessons
With 614 acres to explore, horse riding around the Demesne is a wonderful experience. Experienced riders will guide you around the Demesne, trekking by the tower and lake, deep into the grounds. Horse riding lessons in the paddock can also be arranged.

Swimming Pool, Vitality Pool and Sauna, Gym and Spa

Swim laps, enjoying water exercises or simply relax, in the 14m heated indoor pool, overlooking the courtyard, invigorating vitality pool and sauna. Enjoy the fitness suite and professional Spa treatments.

LOCATION

HOLIDAY IDEAS / SAMPLE ITINERARIES

See below some itinerary ideas that can include Ballyfin.

Incredible Ireland

  • "Once in a lifetime, elegant beyond description"

    Joanna Heathcote Educational Trip

  • "This gem feels like a different world, definitely for people who crave authentic Ireland."

    Joanna Heathcote Educational Trip

  • "Perfect spot for golfers and the hotel is beautiful"

    Joanna Heathcote Educational Trip

GET IN TOUCH
 

ACCOMMODATION COLLECTION

The Merrion Hotel

The Merrion is undoubtedly one of the best hotels in Dublin. The facade represents the elegant Georgian architecture for which Dublin is so famous making this hotel a true piece of Dublin’s history. Situated just minutes from St Stephen’s Green and Merrion Square, staying here you could no be better located to explore the city. The hotel’s interiors reflect the authentic, historic exterior as it comes complete with two period gardens designed to reflect and replicate the atmosphere of the 18th century. The hotel also has a strong reputation for dining as its restaurant is the only one in the entire country to hold two Michelin stars.

Rooms : 145 Bedrooms and Suites   Type : Couples, Family, City Breaks

Ballyfin

Built in the 1820’s, Ballyfin has long been admired as the most lavish Regency mansion in Ireland. Here classical grandeur meets with a landscape of rolling hills, follies  and ancient grottoes in the magnificent property, set at the foot of the Slieve Bloom Mountains. Ballyfin has been designed as a home-away-from-home making the experience entirely intimate. Enjoy estate-grown food prepared by award-winning chefs, take part in wine & whiskey tastings in the cellar, enjoy treatments in the spa, swim, or simply spend an afternoon in the large library, finishing with a fireside cocktail in the Ballyfin Bar.

Rooms : 20 Luxury Bedrooms and Suites  Type: Couples, Active, Historic

Ashford Castle

The magnificent five star Ashford Castle is set in 350 acres, on the picturesque shores of Lough Corrib. With 82 guest rooms, a wealth of activities and thoughtful touches, enjoy acclaimed Irish hospitality on a grand scale. The Castle dates back to 1228 when it was originally founded by the Anglo-Norman De Burgo family, later becoming the family home of the famous Guinness family whose name is now synonymous with the Emerald Isle.

Rooms : 82 Bedrooms.  Type : Couples, Families, Outdoor Active, Golf

 

View entire accommodation collection

Ballyfin, Co Laois, Ireland

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