Price based on 7 night stay. Property also available per night.
Ballyvolane House is a charming Georgian country estate spanning 80 lush acres. Rich in 18th-century history, this lovingly restored home offers a tranquil escape with warm hospitality, comfortable accommodations, and idyllic gardens, nestled in the picturesque Blackwater Valley.
Ballyvolane House features extensive gardens and grounds teeming with natural beauty and wildlife. The property includes three-tiered lawns with magnolia trees, a productive walled garden, and meticulously restored ornamental ponds. Diverse native and domestic animals call the estate home, including red squirrels, hedgehogs, donkeys Poquita and Heloise, rare-breed pigs, Muscovy ducks, hens, and friendly spaniels and terriers. For the active, there’s an all-weather tennis court, badminton, soccer pitch, croquet, canoeing and swimming lakes, clay pigeon shooting, jogging routes, and enchanting woodland walks.
The house itself is a beautifully preserved Georgian mansion, boasting period architecture, antique furnishings, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. The drawing room and dining room have beautiful views overlooking formal gardens, parklands and ponds. A large TV in the drawing room is perfect for watching Netflix or curl up by the fire with a good book.
The cuisine is a delightful blend of ‘country house’ style, featuring meticulously prepared dishes such as roasts, fresh fish, and game, complemented by homegrown produce. The focus is on ‘Climate Conscious Food,’ promoting sustainability and environmentally friendly dining. Bertha’s Revenge Small Batch Irish Milk Gin, produced on-site, is a notable highlight, boasting numerous international awards. Breakfast is included and the house can be taken fully catered on request. Maximum of 30 guests in our Dining Room in the main house and a maximum of 140 guests in our Dining Terrace.
Ballyvolane House offers six spacious bedrooms. Large double sash windows provide abundant natural light, and the rooms offer stunning views of either the formal terraced gardens to the south or the north, encompassing ancient trees, parkland, lakes, and the distant Galtee mountains. Various wildlife and birds can be observed from your room. Additionally, each room includes a Nespresso coffee machine, complimentary Nespresso coffee, teas, homemade cordials, and freshly baked cookies.
All the rooms feature en-suite bathrooms, with some boasting beautiful, spacious antique baths that entice you to enjoy a leisurely soak after a day’s work or play. Guests will be provided with indulgent Voya bathroom products for a truly luxurious experience.
Guests can partake in a cookery class at the nearby world-renowned Ballymaloe Cookery School. Situated in the picturesque countryside of County Cork, Ballymaloe Cookery School is celebrated for its commitment to the culinary arts and sustainable, farm-to-table cooking. Established by the Allen family, pioneers in the field, the school offers a diverse range of courses catering to all levels of expertise. From mastering essential cooking techniques to exploring the art of preserving, guests can immerse themselves in the rich culinary traditions of Ireland.
Lismore Castle Gardens in County Waterford, Ireland, are a horticultural paradise. These meticulously landscaped grounds, featuring terraces, vibrant flowers, and serene water features, offer a stunning blend of natural beauty and artistry. Whether you're a botany enthusiast or seeking a tranquil escape, Lismore Castle Gardens captivate with their exquisite landscapes and vibrant flora. In pleasant weather, the gardens also offer the option of arranging a delightful picnic, making it the perfect spot to relax and immerse yourself in the serene surroundings.
The Cork Blackwater is Ireland’s finest Salmon River and one of the most important salmon rivers in Europe, stretching for over 150 kilometres from its source in Kerry to the sea at Youghal. The season for salmon opens on 1st February and continues until 30th September. Due to the size of its catchment area the Blackwater maintains a good flow so that fishing is possible in a wide range of weather conditions. Ballyvolane House is a member of The Great Fishing Houses of Ireland was recently was awarded “Fishing Hotel of the Year” by the Good Hotel Guide.
There are numerous stunning mountain and woodland hikes nearby. We recommend AllTrails App which lists all the best hiking trails in Ireland. Favourite spots for a hike include Mahon Falls, Galtee Mountains, Knockmealdown Mountains, Glenbower Wood in Killeagh and hiking through Coillte forestry and lands. Coillte is the state-owned custodian of 440,000 hectares of land, primarily forestry. There is a dizzying array of marked hiking trails through Coillte managed forests and lands.
This is a fantastic day out and suitable to all ages and levels of fitness. Enjoy ambling down the beautiful river Blackwater in a Canadian-style open canoe and take in the majestic unspoiled scenery, old ruined castles, splendid mansions and abundant bird life including the elusive kingfisher. The trips lasts around two and a half hours and the timings depend on the tides.
