Hotel of the week: Ballyfin, County Laois, Ireland
This neoclassical mansion overlooks a lake and houses a fine collection of art and antiques.
To stay at Ballyfin is to feel like a houseguest at one of Ireland’s most magnificent private estates, said Aoife O’Riordain in the British Condé Nast Traveller. The 15 guest rooms are located in an 1820s neoclassical mansion that was recently restored to its original opulence after a nine-year renovation. The mansion, which houses one of the country’s finest art and antiques collections, “overlooks a tranquil lake” on a 600-acre estate. A French chef and the hotel’s “personable yet discreet” staff answer all needs. Overnight, Ballyfin has become “easily the grandest hotel in Ireland.” ballyfin.com; doubles from $998
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
-
October 13 editorial cartoons
Cartoons Monday's political cartoons include Donald Trump's consolation prize, government workers during shutdown, and more
-
Can Gaza momentum help end the war in Ukraine?
Today's Big Question Zelenskyy’s request for long-range Tomahawk missiles hints at ‘warming relations’ between Ukraine and US
-
The Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners being released
The Explainer Triumphant Donald Trump addresses the Israeli parliament as families on both sides of the Gaza war reunite with their loved ones