Ballyfin Demesne

Ballyfin, Ireland

Ireland has no shortage of country estates, and Ballyfin Demesne in County Laois is a strong contender for activity-packed stays, magnificent weddings and family holidays alike. The regency-era mansion in County Laois sits among 248 hectares of gardens, lakes and woodland at the base of the Slieve Bloom Mountains – ripe for activities including clay pigeon shooting, archery, horse riding and falconry. The mansion is no less inviting, with plush rooms named after the estate’s notable figures, and decor that combines gilt detailing with mounted deerheads, antiques aplenty, rich fabrics and textures and Irish mahogany furnishings. Cosier moments take place in the plush library, while wellness treatments await at the spa. Warm Irish hospitality is at its best in the State Dining Room, which sources its produce from the walled kitchen garden, while a saloon-like lobby offers a convivial atmosphere for guests to gather over an open fire and grand piano. History tours, meanwhile, shed light on the estate’s past and monumental restoration.

Key Information

• Rooms: 20
• Starting Rate: $1020
• High Season: May-September
• Dining: State Dining Room Restaurant
• Drinking: The Cellar Bar
• At the Hotel: Swimming pool(s), fitness centre, spa, yoga, tennis, library, cooking classes, clay pigeon shooting, archery, horse riding, falconry
• 353 57 875 5866
• Visit Ballyfin Demesne's Website

Location

Ballyfin Demesne, Ballyfin, County Laois, R32 X5X8