BALLYFIN

Only 20 rooms within the mansion are available to book, providing a blissfully exclusive and tranquil feel – complimented by the immaculate service from start to finish, which abounds with gracious Irish hospitality. The rooms and suites are furnished in a grand and traditional style, entirely in-keeping with the pedigree of the house, and the impeccable furnishings – which include crystal chandeliers, art works and antiques – extend to the welcoming reception rooms, eighty-foot library and exquisite Gold Drawing Room. The food is also exceptional at Ballyfin, with lavish lunches and dinners that reflect the location of the estate in their bountiful ingredients.

Myriad activities are on offer throughout the Ballyfin estate including boating on the lake, riding, archery, shooting, tennis, croquet, walking and cycling trails. The hotel's mosaic-tiled swimming pool, vitality pool and sauna all lend themselves to leisurely downtime after a morning of outdoor pursuits. A wealth of massage and beauty treatments employing luxurious Pevonia products are also available in the Ballyfin Treatment Rooms.

SUITABLE FOR:

• Couples and families with older children
• Lovers of country pursuits and the great outdoors
• Architecture buffs and Bridgerton fans
• Wine connoisseurs

THINGS TO DO AT THE HOTEL:

• Amble through the 600-acre acre estate, discovering the walled gardens and ancient woodland
• Peruse the vast library, or sip champagne in the drawing room
• Go boating or fishing on the lake
• Take a tutored wine tasting in the wine cellar
• Play croquet on the lawn
• Go riding on a beautiful circuit taking in the lake and tower
• Spend a soothing afternoon in the spa and wellness area
• Try out a wealth of country pursuits including clay pigeon shooting, archery and falconry
• Hone your backhand with a game of tennis
• Savour afternoon team in front of the fire
• Retire to the State Dining Room for cocktail hour and an exquisite five-course meal

THINGS TO DO NEARBY:

• Go hiking in the peaceful Slieve Bloom mountains
• Head into Dublin for some retail therapy or an evening at the theatre
• Take a tour of a nearby whiskey distillery
• Play a round of golf at The Heritage championship course