Lyrath Estate

A place of history, romance, tranquillity and beauty, Ballyfin is one of the most lavish Regency mansions in Ireland. Having fallen into disrepair over the years, the country house underwent almost a decade of painstaking restoration and refurbishment.

Standing proudly on a 614-acre estate at the foot of the Slieve Bloom Mountains, the luxury hotel boasts just 20 rooms and offers guests the best in Irish hospitality. Carefully chosen paint finished, wallpapers and fabrics have brought new life to the rooms, and around the hotel, you’ll discover a collection of Irish art and antiques from around the world. Fine Irish mahogany, French chandeliers and Thomas Chippendale mirrors complete the opulent picture.

When it comes to dining, the kitchen team uses the freshest local produce to create delicious meals. The Ballyfin hens provide fresh eggs daily, honey is produced on the estate, the finest Irish meats are sourced from across the country, and fish is caught off the south coast. The hotel’s gardens supply an abundance of fruit, vegetables, herbs and salads year round. Meals can be taken in the State Dining Room and the Van Der Hagen Room, or elsewhere upon prior arrangement.

There are a variety of activities which allow guests to make the most of all the estate has to offer. Head out onto the lake for some fishing or sailing, try your hand at archery or clay pigeon shooting, or simply explore the walking and mountain biking trails.

A family home until just a few decades ago, Mount Juliet is still one of the finest country houses in Ireland, retaining the traditions and standards that have contributed to its reputation as an acclaimed estate.

There are 32 rooms to choose from in the stately manor house. Among the hotel’s previous guests are The King of Ossory, The Black Earl, Lady Juliana and Fitzwilliam Le Gros, for whom some of the rooms are named. Having been designed during the Georgian era, the rooms are spacious, bright and luxuriously appointed. Each is individually decorated, boasting rich fabrics and carefully chosen antique furniture and decor.

Dine at the Michelin-starred Lady Helen Restaurant, named after the previous owner of Mount Juliet, who oversaw the gardens and kitchens. Enjoy views out over the pastures towards the River Nore, while you enjoy dishes created using local ingredients, some of which come from the estate’s own kitchen garden and farm. Named after Major-General Sir Hugh McCalmont and Major Dermot McCalmont, both previous residents, the Major’s Bar is the perfect place to raise a glass to a wonderful day in the countryside, or enjoy pre-dinner drinks surrounded by memorabilia from the estate’s racing glory days.

Indulge in therapeutic treatments at the onsite spa. Head out into the grounds for fishing, horse riding, archery and falconry, or make time for a round of golf.