Traveler Magazine 2018 Spring Traveler | Page 80

78 C O. L A O I S ยท I R E L A N D S BALLYFIN et at the foot of the Slieve Bloom Mountains, Ballyfin is a place of history and romance, of tranquility and great natural beauty. This five-star luxury country house has long been admired as the most lavish Regency mansion in Ireland, and after eight years of restoration, the Ballyfin re-opened in 2011 as a hotel like no other. It offers the very best of Irish hospitality, in the most beautiful surroundings imaginable. The Ballyfin estate is fabled for its natural and man-made beauty, where stone walls enclose 614 acres of parkland, a lake and ancient woods, delightful garden buildings, follies and grottoes. The landscape, laid out in the mid-eighteenth century, is among the finest examples in Ireland of the natural style of gardening inspired by Capability Brown. There are many highlights that will keep garden lovers and outdoor enthusiasts exploring for days. MEMBER BENEFITS Best available non-restricted rates Room upgrade, when available at check-in Private tour of the kitchen with the executive chef and his team Clay-pigeon shooting for two per room SPRING | 2018 C O N TACT YO U R T R AV E L A DV I S O R TO DAY