‘Irish Downton Abbey’ named second best hotel in the world

This ‘Downton Abbey’ style hotel in Ireland is the ‘second best hotel in the world’.

That is the result of rankings from online travel experts Travel + Leisure.

The US holiday guide has millions of readers both online and in print, and they hand out annual titles for the best hotels.

Ballyfin received the honour of being the 2018 ‘second best hotel in the world’ with Bali’s Four Seasons taking the number one spot.

The Co Laois mansion is a former boarding school that was transformed into a luxury five-star hotel by US businessman Fred Krehbiel and his Irish wife.

It has been compared to the incredible stately homes that feature on the British period drama Downton Abbey, which has proved to be a hugely popular series around the world.

A stay in Ballyfin will cost you anything from €960 per night. For those with deep pockets, the owners have recently added a €2,000 per night cottage to the grounds.

Travel + Leisure describe Ballyfin as “a great place to fulfil all your Downton Abbey fantasies.”

Ballyfin is no stranger to prestigious travel awards. In 2016 it was named as the best hotel in the world by Condé Nast Traveler.

Take a look at the video tour of the stunning hotel and grounds.

Although it was pipped to the title of number one hotel in the world, it did claim the best hotel in Europe prize.

Only one other Irish hotel made it into the list of the top 100. Sheen Falls Lodge, in Kenmare, Co Kerry, came in 50th place.

Other awards of interest included Red Carnation, who own Ashford Castle, being named the second best hotel brand in the world, behind Six Senses.

If you would like to know more about Ballyfin or want to make a booking then visit ballyfin.com.

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