The Ballyfin Demense

At the foot of the Slieve Bloom Mountains on 614 acres, this ultra-luxe hotel in a lavish 1820s manor is 10 km from Portlaoise and 12 km from Mountrath Golf Club

The 20 rooms featuring opulent Georgian decor and antique furnishings include flat-screen TVs, DVD players, minibars and free Wi-Fi. Suites add seating areas or living rooms. Most rooms offer fine art.

There's a formal dining room, a casual whiskey bar and an intimate wine bar, plus an indoor pool, 6 ornate, art-rich lounges, a library and billiards. The grounds offer tennis, biking, fishing and boating. Horse riding, falconry, archery, shooting and a chic spa have fees