Anthony gardner discovers irelands restored ballyfin hotel, with its historic houses and castles beyond. Considered one of the most lavish georgian homes in ireland, ballyfin has just 15 rooms and is set on 600 wooded and meadow acres. This documentary tells the story of the history of ballyfin, how it played an important. May 27, 2018 ballyfin encompassed everything they had been searching for. For availability and rates or to make a reservation please call our reservations team or check online by clicking book your stay. Ballyfin demesne 5 luxury hotel in the heart of ireland, irish georgian house built in 1826, set within a 614 acre estate. Everyday low prices and free delivery on eligible orders. Ballyfin demesne, boutique hotel and gourmet restaurant in. Mulligan documents the history of ballyfin, life in ballyfin during the 19th century, its transformation into a school and the extensive restoration to return the house and the demesne to its former glory. We got as far as the gracious victorian and edwardian days, when the coote family were in residence, as they had been since 18. The lake was constucted in the mid18th century, and covers nearly 30 acres. Within the demesne there are several miles of hard surfaced paths as well as miles of mown grass paths offering a gentle stroll or the exhilaration of mountain biking.
Painstakingly restored, the fivestar luxury country house is a place of history, luxury, romance, and tranquility. Ballyfin has the flavour of a grand private house with the facilities of a fivestar resort. The house was originally built as a private residence in 1820, and then was run for many years as a catholic boarding school before being sold in 2001 to a wealthy american family. Oct 19, 2016 this ultraluxe resort in a lavish 1820s manor on 614 acres with a lake is 9. Ballyfin wedding photographer ireland film photography. This documentary tells the story of the history of ballyfin, how it played an important role in the political, artistic and social life of nineteenth century ireland, and how it was abandoned by its angloirish owners at the beginning of the twentieth century. Ballyfin hotel reservations hotel accommodation ireland.
Irelands blue book is a collection of irish country house hotels, historic manor houses, castles and restaurants located throughout the island of ireland. Meanwhile, his father had sold ballyfin house to sir charles henry coote. We are the only outlet that stocks the book outside of ballyfin itself. Ballyfin demesne, laois county, ireland southern bride. Luxury hotel ireland 5 star country house hotel ballyfin. Irelands blue book, a collection of country house hotels. Ballyfin house and demesne will be taking overnight guests and is available for. Ballyfin is one of irelands finest georgian country houses, now restored to life with remarkable grace, and reopened as a luxurious hotel. There are two reasons why ballyfin, in county laois, was high on our list of important places to see in ireland. They are part of a designed landscape, known in ireland as a demesne, which represents the belline area usually enclosed by walls retained with a house for use and enjoyment, over and above the lands of an estate, which were tenanted and formed the main source of income. A map of ballyfin demesne 200 years ago history ireland. I stayed in the wellesleypole suite which, like all of the suites, harks back to its landed gentry history the house dates from the 1820s. I would be immensely honored to beautifully capture your priceless memories, contact me to book your date.
Irelands finest prospect the story of ballyfin demesne, part 1. Steeped in irish history, the site of ballyfin has been settled from ancient times and was ancestral home in succession to the omores, the crosbys, the poles, the wellesleypoles the family of the duke of wellington and later the cootes. Ballyfin is a place of history and romance, of tranquility and great natural beauty. Yesterday, i saw a most delightful place indeed, much beyond any place i have seen in ireland ballyfin. Ballyfin weddings, laois find every wedding venue wedding. Contact ballyfin demesne through great small hotels, an exclusive selection of boutique hotels and small luxury hotels all over the world. Ballyfin demesne stepping back in a luxurious past uniq hotels. Occupied from the 1660s by the pole family, the house and lands at. Ballyfin, irelands most exclusive hotel, opens the 2015. The beauty of the house and its park, and the stratospheric standards of hospitality here, makes ballyfin a truly remarkable place. Set at the foot of the slieve bloom mountains in the centre of ireland, ballyfin in county laois, now an exclusive luxury 5 star hotel, is a place of history. I sketched out the early history of the house and finola looked at the magnificent grounds. The source of much of the history of the demesne recorded here is the impressive volume by kevin v mulligan, to which i referred last week.
A map of ballyfin demesne 200 years ago published in 18th19th century social perspectives, features, issue 1 januaryfebruary 2015, volume 23 a littlenoticed map made 200 years ago provides the first detailed representation of the parkland around one of irelands most elaborate big houses, the recently restored mansion at ballyfin, co. Ballyfin demesne hotel county laois, ireland authentic. Stone walls enclose 614acres of parkland, a lake, ancient woods, charming garden buildings, and grottos. Ballyfin demesne is a 600acre estate that was successively home to the omores, the crosbys, the poles, the wellesleypoles and the cootes. Ballyfin demesne, boutique hotel and gourmet restaurant in a. Ballyfin vouchers are available and can be purchased in monetary value or per night for overnight stay. The 600 acre demesne is a place of tranquility and great natural beauty. Set at the foot of the slieve bloom mountains in the centre of ireland, ballyfin in county laois, now an exclusive luxury 5 star hotel, is a place of history and romance, of tranquility and great natural beauty. See more ideas about mansions, irish art and blue books.
Ballyfin is unique in that the original spirit of the 1820s remains. At ballyfin formality is blended with ease and enjoyment. Apr 25, 2018 ballyfin demesne has been named as the aa hotel of the year 2018, the most prestigious prize in the irish hospitality industry. You can book your train seats in advance via iarnoid eireann. The observation by an aristocratic 18th century visitor is still there today. Ballyfin is a small village and parish in county laois, ireland. We welcome children of all ages when the house is reserved by one group for exclusive use. Planning a destination wedding in ireland and searching for a ballyfin wedding photographer. My night of luxury in the worlds best hotel ballyfin demesne. The 20 rooms featuring opulent georgian decor and antique. Each class has a page on this website go to classes and check the work for the week page.
Thanks to all the teachers for helping organise the book collection last week and to the parents for coming to collect the books on wednesday last. Apr 03, 2020 romance is part of the scenery, ballyfin has been a byword for grace and luxury since the eighteenth century. Ballyfin, irelands most exclusive hotel, opens the 2015 season with fresh plans designed with wealthy americans in mind, the co laois grand house is attracting a more local crowd as its. This ultraluxe resort in a lavish 1820s manor on 614 acres with a lake is 9. His work also includes extensive articles relating to travels in sri lanka, zimbabwe, mexico, europe. See great photos, full ratings, facilities, expert advice and book the best hotel deals. Turtle bunbury awardwinning travel writer, historian. The beautiful and relaxing surroundings, the privacy, the luxuriously comfortable accommodation, and the fine food and wine that will be provided by our superb chefs and our. All proceeds from the sale of ballyfin will support the irish georgian societys.
Ballyfin demesne but ballyfin has a way of enchanting you. Happily ever after begins with a wedding at ballyfin demesne. If you were lucky enough to receive a blue book voucher for christmas dont forget you can redeem these at ballyfin demesne for an overnight stay or nonresident evening dining subject to availability and must be prebooked. Mulligan documents the history of ballyfin, life in ballyfin during the 19th. Minister for transport, tourism and sport shane ross, td presented the award to general manager damien bastiat in a ceremony held in dublin on wednesday, 25 th april. They took our dirty laundry and returned it the next morning, no charge. Plenty of lights and lamps bright enough to cheer up a rainy day and to read your book. A new laois of life for ballyfin house the irish times. Near the foot of the slieve bloom mountains sits ballyfin demesne, a country house hotel set in the heart of ireland. If its a fairy tale wedding or onceinalifetime honeymoon youre after, look no further than ballyfin. Ballyfin demesne is a 600acre estate that was successively home to the. The estate surrounding ballyfin house has over 600 acres of park and woodland, with extensive pleasure grounds including a fountain and a lake.
Over the years, several houses have stood on the site. Imagine an intact and beautiful 600acre walled demesne of woods, hills and water in the heart of ireland. Set at the foot of the slieve bloom mountains in the centre of ireland, ballyfin is a place of history and romance, of tranquility and great natural beauty. The hotel was familyowned for 100 years and included a stint as an allboys school, before undergoing a massive eightyear renovation and opening as a fivestar luxury hotel in 2011. The striking main house nestles by a lake on a huge 610 acre estate. However anyone who wants to see the restoration will have to book a room. Personally, i would love to be able to book a stay at the hotel that has been. The gardens and park lands are a delight to explore and picnics are offered to enjoy in the grounds. Irelands finest prospect the story of ballyfin demesne. Arrangements keep changing all the time the school will remain closed until at least the 19th april. Ballyfin is full of wildlife, so much to look out for while exploring the. Ballyfin demesne named aa hotel of the year 2018 aa blog. Further south lies birr castle with the largest private garden in the country and a unique collection of trees from all the world. I stayed in the wellesleypole suite which, like all of the suites, harks back to its landed gentry history the.
Ballyfin demesne, a boutique hotel in leinster page. Located at the foot of irelands idyllic slieve bloom mountains just 80 miles from dublin in county laois, the centuriesold estate is filled with 18thcentury history and tradition amid one of the most romantic settings in the world. Majestically set at the foot of the slieve bloom mountains, the historic ballyfin is a place of tranquility and natural beauty. For history buffs, ballyfin offers a guided tour of the house where guests can learn of the history of the families that lived at ballyfin, the restoration period and. Ballyfin demesne has been named as the aa hotel of the year 2018, the most prestigious prize in the irish hospitality industry. After the civil war, it was bought by the patrician brothers and used as a boarding school but eventually the upkeep became too. Ballyfin demesne has, in its short history, become one of the finest. Ballyfin demesne luxury hotel laois irelands blue book. Turtle bunbury is an awardwinning travel writer, historian and author based in ireland. A foretaste of the architectural qualities within a demesne is often.
Ballyfin demesne is a country hotel in county laois, just over an hour to the west of dublin. I first read about ballyfin demesne nearly a decade ago when it was chosen as the best hotel in europe by conde nast traveler. Ballyfin in county laois, now an exclusive luxury 5 star hotel, is a place of history and romance. Aileesh carew speaks about ballyfin demesne, the worlds best resort destination. Below is a full list of our houses and restaurants and the map above shows each of their locations. Damien bastiat, general manager of ballyfin demesne. Ballyfin demesne is an exclusive 5 star wedding venue where there are no interruptions or distractions just you surrounded by the people you love on your special day. For availability and rates or to make a reservation please call our reservations team or check online by clicking book your stay tel.
Ballyfin the restoration of an irish house demesne abebooks. Last week roaringwater journal visited ballyfin demesne. Laois ballyfin is 5star grand country house hotel in county laois, the heart of ireland, just one hour drive from dublin. Michael oleary, ceo, ryanair, described turtles history of the oleary family as. Covid 19 update 290320 hope everybody is keeping well. Ballyfin is a luxury country house hotel in the heart of ireland. My night of luxury in the worlds best hotel ballyfin. The mansion was ballyfin house in county laoise which opened its doors earlier this.