Hotel Ballyfin Demesne (Ballyfin, Ireland)

The diamond, they say, glitters in this Emerald Isle. At Ballyfin Demesne, 20 country house guestrooms combined with 600 acres of grounds, create the finest possible Irish break. Rooms and suites blend into the fabric of Ballyfin Demesne with devotional love and individual style. Where applicable, they have a balcony with views over the manicured lawns and grounds. State rooms include the vast Library, the Gold Drawing Room, and the sun-drenched Conservatory. A number of onsite activities include horse riding, target and clay pigeon shooting, and fishing on the lake. At breakfast, eggs are from the resident hens and busy bees provide the honey. Additional ingredients are supplied by trusted local suppliers. Chef-created luncheon and dinner menus are similarly localised. The friendly Cellar Bar is home to connoisseur whiskies and other beverages. The region is rich in visual splendour, places of interest, and golfing pursuits including the Slieve Bloom Mountains, Birr Castle, and the Heritage Golf Resort.