Ballyfin Est. Prior to 1930
, Ballyfin, Laois, Ireland
Upon arrival, staff lines up to greet you as if you were the owners returning from travels. Concierge Glenn attended school at Ballyfin and is happy to share stories from the hotel’s era as an all-boys’ school. And be sure to unwind, inroom, with a real Irish seaweed bath. Candlelit, of course.
- The Scene:
- After being greeted by the uniform-starched house staff, and checking into your period-antiques-filled room, a butler stands ready to unpack (and launder if desired) your clothes, as you move to explore the grounds which comes with its own grotto, tower, Edwardian garden and picnic hut. Or sit by one of the many wood-burning fireplaces with a cup of tea (or spirits perhaps).
- Design:
- Ballyfin is a living work of art. The Italian mosaic in the entrance hall is more than 2000 years old; Antlers of an Italian elk - extinct for more than 10,000 years - hang above a doorway; and the chandelier in the Gold Drawing Room came from Queen Caroline of Naples.
- Standout Venue Features:
- Guests can fully immerse into Ballyfin’s history and Downton Abbey effect by dressing in period costumes, purchased from the Lyric Opera of Chicago, and, with a splash of top-shelf whiskey in hand, making way into the dining room for a traditional dinner of Texel lamb and black pudding. You will find a versatile combination of magnificence and intimacy throughout the house. The State Rooms make for a glorious backdrop to a stay in the house and are perfect for every type of event. From small family dinners to spectacular parties to exceptional corporate gatherings and with all of the public rooms opening into each other it is ideal for a larger cocktail party. Up to 50 guests may be seated comfortable for dinner in the State Dining room or for larger parties the Ballroom is a wonderful venue.
- Extra Perks:
- There are lots of activities available from the active outdoors to wine tasting in the cellar. Memorable food arrangements are all part of the catering at Ballyfin, from picnics in the grotto, barbeques in the courtyard, and lunches in the sunny conservatory and gala dinners in the State dining room - each mealtime will be an experience. You can add period drama to the event by selecting costumes from our costume department.
THIS VENUE DOES NOT HAVE ANY REPORTS AT THIS TIME.
Check back again soon!
Styling: Style Serendipity
- Photographer: Paula O’Hara
Styled for Confetti Magazine by Style Serendipity
- Photographer: Paula O’Hara
The Conservatory - hidden behind a bookcase in the Library is a mirrored doorway that opens into the balmy tropical conservatory
- Photographer: Paula O’Hara
Styled for Confetti Magazine. Styling: Style Serendipity
- Photographer: Paula O’Hara
Stationery: Pretty as a Picture, Styled for Confetti Magazine
- Photographer: Paula O’Hara
- Photographer: Paula O’Hara
- Photographer: Paula O’Hara
- Photographer: courtesy of Ballyfin
Play croquet with your guests on the lawn. Irish country houses were created as places for entertainment.
- Photographer: courtesy of Ballyfin
- Photographer: courtesy of Ballyfin
- Photographer: courtesy of Ballyfin
The Whispering Room is an elegant domed square. The acoustics of the room allow you to whisper into the opposite corners of the room and hear the whispered words of the other person.
Sir Charles Coote Room is behind a hidden door under the stairs ( To the left of the large painting & the hidden door has two small paintings attached)
- Photographer: courtesy of Ballyfin
- Photographer: courtesy of Ballyfin
- Photographer: courtesy of Ballyfin