Ballyfin Demesne

My wife and I have had the pleasure of staying at Ballyfin on more than one occasion, and without hesitation, we count it among the top three hotel experiences we’ve ever had in all our travels. And that’s no small statement — we’ve been fortunate enough to stay in some extraordinary places around the world. But Ballyfin is in a league of its own. From the moment you arrive, you're not just welcomed — you're received. The staff somehow manage to strike that rare balance of formality and warmth, making you feel both honoured and entirely at ease. It’s the kind of hospitality that feels almost forgotten in today’s world: unobtrusive, deeply personal, and instinctively generous. The house itself is breathtaking. Every corner feels steeped in history, yet never stiff or museum-like. The restoration is nothing short of a masterwork. You feel like a guest in a very special private home, one with a soul and stories to tell. The food, naturally, is exquisite. But what makes Ballyfin so exceptional is the total experience: the quiet grandeur of the setting, the gracious flow of the service, the feeling that time slows down just enough for you to savour every moment. It’s a place where even something as simple as breakfast feels ceremonious, and a walk around the lake becomes a kind of meditation. Ballyfin is not simply a place to stay. It’s a place to remember. And in a world full of “luxury” that too often rings hollow, this is the real thing.

6 glorious days at Ballyfin. My second visit. Returning again in November. There isn’t any other place on Earth I’d rather be. Enough said.

Our stay at Ballyfin rated five stars across the board. From accommodations to dining and the entire staff , each area rates an impressive five stars . Upon arrival we took a scenic horse and carriage ride around the grounds. Our guide provided an interesting history of the place and took great pride in telling us about this stunning hideaway spot. Each staff member takes pride in their area of expertise and it shows in your experience . We enjoyed fishing and shooting as well as lovely walks taking in the scenery . Please stop by the gardens as they are magnificent ! The house itself is beautifully appointed with the attention to detail impeccable . The rooms are quite comfortable and boast every amenity including a Dyson hair dryer . Laundry service? Fast, efficient and nicely presented . Housekeeping ? Top notch. Even the snacks on the room are a cut above. The food was delicious in both the dining room and the more casual club room. Make sure to take a tour of the house so you don’t miss anything. This house and grounds are truly a work of art with the attention to detail in both surroundings and service remarkable . My kudos to the General Manager who keeps this truly sensational property running at such a high level and to the family that owns the property for honoring their father’s legacy by preserving his magnificent creation .

We stayed two nights in Ballyfin at the end of May this year. The experience was very memorable. The house and ground are superb. The staff very helpful in everything you could wish for at a 5 star hotel. We were disappointed with the breakfast on both mornings. You would expect food cooked to order at breakfast in hotel like Ballyfin. On the first morning I was presented with a nice warm plate, but unfortunately the scrambled eggs were cold and had been cooked sometime before my order. The smoked salmon had hard outside pieces which were inedible. On the second morning the cooked breakfast had obviously been prepared in advance and was dried out. This was very disappointing and something I would not like to experience again in any reputable hotel.

A stay at Ballyfin is an extraordinary experience. The property itself, the grounds, the food, the staff, the variety of things to do during your stay or the option to just do nothing and unwind. We had a wonderful room and were pleased with everything about it. I cannot say enough about Ballyfin and absolutely will find a way for us to return again.