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Was there a curtain on the bathroom window? The glass seems clear and those across could see in?

Yes, there were opaque shutters and a curtain (roller blind). Otherwise, you could see right in, even into the bathrooms and showers opposite.I'm not really a fan of these clear windows, because ultimately this great often floor-to-ceiling windows are always closed and it´s dark in the bathroom. I had that in Ljubljana too. When I looked out, I could see a guy in his birthday suit on the floor below me.

The pool at Ballyfin gained fame last year, but more for an unfortunate incident.
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...034f1ae632.jpg
First, there is the large pool, which is quite suitable for swimming.
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...aa4cd4f5c5.jpg
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...060cfeefd1.jpg
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...856070eaa7.jpg
There is also a warmer pool with jets, which is better for relaxing. Next to it is a sauna.
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...02654f8ee9.jpg
Of course, there's also a gym.
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...14f7f3de05.jpg

You really think so? I would consider it appropriate price given the setting.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fabo.sk (Post 37399730)

You really think so? I would consider it appropriate price given the setting.

I'm generally not a fan of the activities, but I think €105 for a garden tour, €400 for 1 hour of paddle boating, or (my favorite) €560 for the falconer is just crazy.

Quote:

Originally Posted by offerendum (Post 37400257)

I'm generally not a fan of the activities, but I think €105 for a garden tour, €400 for 1 hour of paddle boating, or (my favorite) €560 for the falconer is just crazy.

I don't know. Hiring a private tourguide for non-commodity guided tour, private paddle boating tour including equipment, a private on-site falconing experience with multiple birds of prey...
There's certainly a surcharge, but this is also a castle in the middle of nowhere, not a commodity tourist activity in Dublin. Not that I would be itching to pay any of these, but they seem reasonable to me.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fabo.sk (Post 37401058)

I see your point. If I consider for what I pay much more money it's maybe over critical in this case.

In the evening, we had our first dinner at Ballyfin. The restaurant has held a Michelin star since last year, and the meal was included in our package.
The whole event is celebrated in style, starting with pre-dinner drinks accompanied by piano music.
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...49bcd45c5f.jpg
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...e671ce2fe7.jpg
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...ce69436354.jpg
It was actually quite nice, but the whole thing took a very long time. I shouldn't have had to sit there waiting for half an hour. After that, we went to the restaurant
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...dcb21acf54.jpg
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...bf8187f8e2.jpg
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...a721a7847e.jpg
and looked at the menu.
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...12a7684621.jpg
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...f04e0ee370.jpg
You could choose between the tasting menu or à la carte. Since the portions à la carte are the same as those on the menu, the à la carte menu is obviously very poor value. GF was a little worried that it might get boring after four days in a row. I was sure that we would have a different menu every evening. Whether that was the case, I'm open to bets.
They had a quite good non-alcoholic wine.
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...8ac73b85ba.jpg
Avocado Cornet, Lemon Tartlet of Beetroot Tartre
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...22ad33b5f1.jpg
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...bcdefb5bcb.jpg
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...4c203120b1.jpg
Quite good.
Gougére, Mint, Pea and Parmesan
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...05a6d06ed4.jpg
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...8e2048eb6a.jpg
That was also quite good.
A set of cauliflower cream. Langoustine, Tomato Essence, Kristal Caviar
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...3eb2385a4f.jpg
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...a5b9e0d2d7.jpg
That was a good dish.
Cheese Ravioli - Mossfield Cheese, Onion Consommé, Parsley https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...dfad9e500e.jpg
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...6b3eaf1803.jpg
That's fine too.
A Taste of Summer - New Season Asparagus, Slow Cooked Egg Yolk, Pea, Potato Foam
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...1cc3008de9.jpg
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...256b80b9c9.jpg
Not my favorite, but nothing to complain about either.
Courgette Flower - Turbot and Shellfish Mousse, Courgette Flower, Broad Beans, Peas, Beurre Blanc
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...b2b5ebe7d9.jpg
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...8d642a9520.jpg
I really enjoyed the dish, one of my favorites.
Sea Bass - Line caught Sea Bass, Peas, Broad Beans, Sprouting Broccoli, Shellfish Foam
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...451c88707f.jpg
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...4bf1812ef5.jpg
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...00a9f62a9b.jpg
A good dish.
Lemon - Yoghurt, Meringue
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...6f9d9b0797.jpg
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...8ed243241f.jpg
Nice pre-dessert.
Cherry - Tartlet of Provencal Cherries and Pistachio
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...3526a7f160.jpg
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...04c7876842.jpg
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...a1b31a93c7.jpg
I had expected a little more from it, but it was still solid.
Petit Fours
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...24db7fb256.jpg
Overall, it was a good meal, everything tasted great, the courgette flower was my favorite.