The majestic Ballyfin is set at the foot of the Slieve Bloom Mountains approximately an hour and a half south-west of Dublin city. The house has long been recognized as one of the most lavish Regency houses in Ireland, and following eight years of restoration, it re-opened in 2011 as a boutique five-star country house hotel like no other.
Every rooms in the house is individual and a real marvel, mirroring the unique style of the original home. The marble bathrooms are equipped to the highest of standards providing walk-in showers, baths, double basins, and luxurious toiletries.
There is an exquisite range of rooms and suites each with individual names and representing a specific period in the building’s history. The Sir Christopher Coote Suite, named after the 15th Baronet and the most senior member of the Coote family, had taken a close personal interest in the restoration of the house built for his great-great grandparents. The Suite enjoys a great sitting room with curved windows overlooking the fountains and grounds. The decor is influenced by a series of eighteenth-century Chinese wallpaper panels, formerly owned the Prince of Hanover of Schloss Marienburg. Accommodations range from the Coote Suite right through to the single bedroom of The Morrison Room. Taking its name from the father and son team who were the architects of Ballyfin, the bathroom, and bedroom enjoy views over the gardens and the beautiful tulip trees that were formerly part of the nursery, and is utterly enchanting.
All of the bedrooms are afforded a complimentary room bar, laundry, 100% damask Egyptian Cotton 300 thread-count sheets, toiletries from Pevonia bath and body as well as Sally Miller handmade soaps from West Cork.
Outside the confines of the main house, you will find the Gardeners Cottage. This charming two-story building has been refurbished to provide beautiful accommodation with views stretching over the gardens and the lake. The spacious living room has two fireplaces and provides access to an outside private patio. There is a small kitchen and cloakroom, two bathrooms and a large comfortable bedroom. From the bedroom, you can access a balcony that overlooks the walled garden, where a stairway leads you up to a hot tub on the private roof terrace.
Dining is a palatial affair at Ballyfin, with the Head Chef and his team working alongside the estate gardeners and local producers to make the most of what the walled gardens have to offer. Downstairs is the Cellar Bar, an informal dining space within a relaxed atmosphere. Private dining is also available in the Porcelain Room or the atmospheric Wine Cellar. Wherever you choose, you cannot fail to be awestruck by the detail of the architectural restoration in the Cellar; its elaborate vaults, limestone columns and distinctive arched store bins are spectacular.
Outdoor activities include boating and coarse fishing on the lake, the Ballyfin picnic experience, horse, pony & carriage riding, clay pigeon shooting, air rifle target shooting, archery, and falconry. House activities include wine & whiskey tasting as well as historical tours and talks, an indoor pool, vitality pool and sauna as well as fitness and treatment rooms. Some of the most exceptional Championship golf is close-by Ballyfin including at The K Club, Mount Juliet, and The Heritage golf clubs.
If you would like to be transported to one of the most enchanting and unique settings in Ireland, then Ballyfin is the place. Stunning accommodation, exquisite food and an abundance of on and off-site activities make it an experience like no other.