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.

First, there is the large pool, which is quite suitable for swimming.



There is also a warmer pool with jets, which is better for relaxing. Next to it is a sauna.

Of course, there's also a gym.

At that point, I took a photo of the brochure with activities; I think it speaks for itself. Call me stingy, but to me, that's completely disproportionate.

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.

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.

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

Let's move on to the outdoor areas, because they are really expansive. Here is a map together with some explanations.



First, the water cascade behind the mansion.
There is a small temple at the end.
A falconry demonstration was taking place in the cave, so someone thought it was worth �560.



There is also a rose garden.

The Fernery




The walled gardens. The upper one is more tecnical and it�s not much to see.


The lower one is quite attractive.









The Rock Garden

There is a viewing tower. It's actually quite nice, but it was very dirty inside. When I saw a dead swallow lying in the middle of the mezzanine, I'd had enough and turned back. I just hate dead birds. I told the staff and they assured me it had been removed, but I didn't feel like climbing up again.











Small lake

LadyCootes Aviary

The woods with the ruined lodge

There is a church on the grounds. But I forgot to ask for the key, my fault.

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.



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



and looked at the menu.


You could choose between the tasting menu or � la carte. Since the portions � la carte are the same as those on the menu, the � 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.

Avocado Cornet, Lemon Tartlet of Beetroot Tartre



Quite good.
Goug�re, Mint, Pea and Parmesan


That was also quite good.
A set of cauliflower cream. Langoustine, Tomato Essence, Kristal Caviar


That was a good dish.
Cheese Ravioli - Mossfield Cheese, Onion Consomm�, Parsley

That's fine too.
A Taste of Summer - New Season Asparagus, Slow Cooked Egg Yolk, Pea, Potato Foam


Not my favorite, but nothing to complain about either.
Courgette Flower - Turbot and Shellfish Mousse, Courgette Flower, Broad Beans, Peas, Beurre Blanc


I really enjoyed the dish, one of my favorites.
Sea Bass - Line caught Sea Bass, Peas, Broad Beans, Sprouting Broccoli, Shellfish Foam



A good dish.
Lemon - Yoghurt, Meringue


Nice pre-dessert.
Cherry - Tartlet of Provencal Cherries and Pistachio



I had expected a little more from it, but it was still solid.
Petit Fours

Overall, it was a good meal, everything tasted great, the courgette flower was my favorite.

Let's move on to breakfast, which was served � la carte in the restaurant.


The menu



The hotel also explains its breakfast china.



The breakfast was good, there was quite a lot to choose from and the quality was good.

No, we didn't just stay at the hotel, we also went out. On the first day, we went to Kilkenny, a very pretty town. One of the main attractions there is the castle.







You can also visit the interior; the rooms are very interesting.