A CO. Laois hotel has been voted the best in the world.
Ballyfin Demesne was voted the number one hotel out of over 7,000 other establishments by American travel magazine Condé Nast's readers.
Over 300,000 people cast their votes for 7,394 hotels, 606 cities, 500 cruise ships, and 236 islands and the Irish hotel came out on top with a score of 99.11.
“We are delighted to have been voted Best Hotel in the World by Condé Nast Traveler," a spokesperson for the hotel said.
"To receive this prestigious award is a fantastic achievement for the team and further establishes Ireland as a worldwide holiday destination.”
Set at the foot of the Slieve Bloom Mountains in Co. Laois just over an hour from Dublin, Ballyfin has long been admired as one of the most distinguished late Georgian houses in Ireland.
A place of history and romance, tranquillity and great natural beauty, Ballyfin opened as a five star hotel in May 2011 and with just 20 bedrooms.
It's decorated with Irish art and antiques from around the world, and in the same spirit of refined elegance that the early House reflected in the 1820s.
With all the flavour of a grand private house with all the facilities of a five star resort, the Demesne of 614 acres of private parkland as well as a 28 acre lake, ancient woods, follies and grottoes.
There are a wide range of traditional and modern experiences on offer at Ballyfin from coarse fishing on the lake, clay pigeon shooting, archery, horse riding and falconry, wine and whiskey tastings.
An indoor swimming pool, vitality pool, sauna, fitness room and treatment rooms are also available.
A delux room over a weekend between now and December will set you back €685 a night.
Check out the gallery of the beautiful Ballyfin Demesne below...
