Ballyfin Demesne

As a very frequent flyer, someone traveling over 250 days a year and accumulating over 9,000,000 miles on American Airlines, I have been almost everywhere I’ve ever wanted to go. Ireland was something I had not experienced yet. A friend suggested Bally Finn, and when I googled it, I saw this magnificent Country home that I could just move in. All I would need would be the money! My three days there or one of the best three days I’ve ever had on holiday. The decor, the ambience, the delicious food catered to your every whim, the extremely attentive staff who are very informative, accommodating, And friendly. And let’s not forget Claire Russell who walks around and make sure that everyone there is taken care of and doesn’t need anything and everything is right the way you want it or need it. I can’t recommend any place any higher than I would be. I experienced the horse and buggy ride, the picnic in the picnic house, the historic tour of the homeand many roaring fires in the afternoons. The spa is great and I had a day of beauty. The pool couldn’t be any more tranquil and a lovely sauna as well. I can’t wait for my next trip back!

We had a really lovely time at Ballyfin this May and it is down to the staff who are all so friendly and relaxed helping us to have a relaxing stay. Lionel was just brilliant in teaching us how to shoot.

I could not recommend this hotel any more highly. The best hotel I have ever stayed in. The building and surroundings are absolutely beautiful. Its like living in your own castle.

We looked forward to this one for a long long time, and were not disappointed. This is an exceptional property and experience. Attentive friendly staff, luxurious sumptuous surrounds, delicious food etc etc etc. We are already planning our next visit

Fabulous two day luxury break which exceeded all our expectations. After a very warm welcome, we had a delicious three course lunch, followed by a short, but very detailed tour and history of Ballyfinm given by Joe who is definitely a fine asset to the hotel. Think of Downton Abbey but twice as grand and you might be close to describing this establishment. Our package was, DBB and lunch and every meal was superb with every little detail and request perfectly handled by a most professional team. Training is obviously very important in Ballyfinm as the standard of service was exemplary. We stayed in a state room over-looking the front of the house and lake, again, everything expected from a top 5 star hotel was available and more. We were celebrating a wedding anniversary and this was acknowledged tastefully by the hotel and staff, for which we are very grateful. Thank you all at Ballyfinn and we hope to return.

Previous reviews will have spelt out what a fabulous place Ballyfin is. From the house itself with it's magnificent history and intricate and exquisite details and interior design, to the beautiful grounds and of course, the wonderful staff. The food is also first class with its Irish themed dishes made with local produce. The peace and quiet when you walk the grounds where all you hear is birdsong is a truly welcome break from normal, hectic life. Make sure you take the tour if you go there, it is well worth it and it's fascinating. A wonderful place, it has to be experienced to be appreciated.

Fabulous time at Ballyfin, there was real luxury, wonderful food, and lovely people working here. Thoroughly enjoyed. Will be back. They have a vintage dress-up night on Saturdays which is fantastic fun, and brings you back in time to what it must have been like to live there 150 years ago.

I'm giving Ballyfin 1 star - I am unable to comment on the hotel or the food... why I hear you ask? Well it's because unless you are a resident you can not enter the hotel grounds or dine at lunchtime... this, I must say, was not clear on their website. So after driving over an hour from Dublin, and 20 minutes round the back roads of Laois, to be told I couldn't dine as I was not a resident was more than disappointing to say the least. She did offer to add me to the 'non resident waiting list' for dinner which I politely declined. ( BTW this conversation took place over an intercom at the gate). I'm sure it's a lovely hotel worthy of its 5 stars but not for non residents.

Absolutely beautiful, amazing location fortunately backed up by equally amazing staff. We loved it. Nobody could do too much for us. Declan the porter was great, fully embedded in everything good about the place. Everyone stopped for a chat. Felt like a real and valued guest.