Ballyfin estate

Ariel Shot Directly Above The Entrance, Naoise Culhane (1)

Explore

The Estate

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Explore

The Estate

Ballyfin Exterior 103

Explore

The Estate

The estate is fabled for its natural and man-made beauties and as the demense is open to residents only, Ballyfin offers a perfect opportunity for rest, tranquility and outdoor activities.

Ballyfin estate

A Private World of Timeless Beauty

Hidden away in the heart of Ireland, Ballyfin Demesne is a 614-acre estate of extraordinary grace and tranquillity. Surrounded by ancient stone walls and nestled at the foot of the Slieve Bloom Mountains, the estate offers guests a rare sense of seclusion, privacy, and immersion in nature—without ever leaving the elegance of the house. From the manicured gardens to the quiet woodlands, every corner of the estate has been carefully restored and thoughtfully maintained, offering a setting that is both historically rich and effortlessly relaxing.

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A Historic Irish Demesne

The word demesne refers to the land attached to a great house—once kept exclusively for the use of its owner—and Ballyfin is one of the finest surviving examples in Ireland. Landscaped in the 18th and 19th centuries, the estate reflects the ideals of the Romantic era: sweeping lawns, ornamental water features, and naturalistic woodlands blending artfully with architectural features. Originally the ancestral home of noble families such as the O'Mores, the Crosbys, the Wellesley-Poles, and the Cootes, Ballyfin is a place shaped by generations of vision and care. Today, it continues that tradition inviting guests to experience a modern-day expression of Irish heritage and hospitality.
Grotto
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Forest Trail

What the Estate Offers

Though the heart of Ballyfin lies in the house itself, the estate forms a vital part of the guest experience—framing your stay with quiet beauty and timeless atmosphere. Guests of Ballyfin are free to explore and enjoy the estate as part of their time here. 

A Living Legacy

Ballyfin is more than a destination—it is a living cultural and architectural legacy. The restoration of the estate was undertaken with a single purpose: to bring back to life the beauty and tradition of the great Irish country house. Today, the demesne reflects that vision, offering guests the rare chance to step into the past without ever leaving the comforts of the present.

Walled Gardens (1)

Walled gardens and ornamental terraces

Step into the beautifully restored gardens, originally designed in the 19th century, featuring formal plantings, fountains, and quiet seating areas.A 28-acre lake At the centre of the demesne lies Ballyfin’s private lake, mirroring the house and woodlands beyond—a constant presence throughout your stay, whether viewed from the Drawing Room or glimpsed through trees on a morning walk. Historic architectural features

Dotted throughout the estate are charming follies and landmarks: a medieval-style tower with panoramic views, a classical grotto, and the original gate lodges and bridges—all restored with respect to their historical integrity.

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Historic architectural features

Dotted throughout the estate are charming follies and landmarks: a medieval-style tower with panoramic views, a classical grotto, and the original gate lodges and bridges—all restored with respect to their historical integrity.

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Kitchen gardens and glasshouses

At the heart of the estate’s food story, the walled kitchen garden supplies much of the fresh produce used in Ballyfin’s menus—from heirloom vegetables and herbs to orchard fruits and edible flowers. Guests may request a guided visit or simply enjoy the seasonal bounty on their plate.