We stayed at this country house for a weekend and had a wonderful time. It was built in 1720, so don't expect new furniture. It was warm, clean and comfortable and the owners and staff were welcoming and helpful. Situated in beautiful gardens, and off the beaten track, a peaceful nights sleep is a definite. What I particularly liked about it was, the relaxed attitude in the morning with regards to breakfast as it is served up until 12 noon. I would definitely recommend this hotel.

It's hard to relax while traveling with a preschooler and an infant but we were able to here. The house is beautiful but welcoming and comfortable and the grounds are fantastic. My son loved the treehouse and the trampoline especially. The Greens arranged a babysitter for us and we were able to enjoy a wonderful dinner with the other guests. The food, dinners and breakfasts were great, fresh and excellently prepared.

Real life seems so boring once you've been lucky enough to stay at Ballyvolane House. My partner and I are just back from 2 weeks in Ireland, and this was definitely a highlight of our trip. The property itself is magical - I actually felt like I was in The Secret Garden crossed with Howards End with a little Brideshead Revisted thrown in for good measure. The attention to detail is stunning and everything is handled with an unobtrusive chicness. Favorite moments included playing with the most adorable puppy in the world Dumpling in the back yard, exploring the grounds and the gorgeous walled garden, luxuriating in the antique bath and coming downstairs for tea next to a roaring fire. Don't even think of going anywhere for dinner (unless it's to Justin and Jenny's restaurant O'Brien Chop House in town - also excellent). The contemporary farm-to-table philosophy crossed with traditional country house cooking is spot on. Even a simple green salad was totally memorable - literally just whisked in from the garden. Following after dinner drinks with your new friends you've met that evening, you retire to your room where, as if by magic, the bed has been turned down, the lamps are on and you can fall asleep as the wind blows through the ivy surrounding your windows. What they are doing there is amazing, unforgettable and singular. We will most certainly be back.

A few years ago, my sister and I read an article about Ballyvolane House in Cookie Magazine. We were so impressed that we vowed to visit while our children were still young. This year, I was invited to speak at a conference in Dublin, and we decided that this would be the perfect opportunity to take a side trip to this magical home.

Planning a trip for 10 people ages 4 to 64 is not an easy task. However, Justin and Jenny were able to accommodate all our needs from my initial email in the spring through our departure at the end of June. The house was spotless, the beds were so comfortable, the gardens were enchanting and the staff were able to maintain the perfect level of attentiveness, without ever crossing over into being intrusive. The two breakfasts and two dinners we had were incredible (do NOT believe posts to the contrary - I would list both dinners in the top 10 of my life for taste/service/ambiance and lively conversation with our fellow guests - and we eat out several times a week) - they even made special meals for my sister who is a vegetarian. The honor bar next to the sitting room was fabulous as well, and kept us well "hydrated" throughout our stay. It also spared us from making repeated trips into town to stock up on beverages or to disturb the staff to uncork wine/open bottles late into the evening.

Most importantly, our children (ages 4,7 and 8) were entertained the entire stay. From exploring the gardens, to feeding the pigs, to collecting eggs for our breakfast, to playing with the dogs on the property - they were happy the whole time. The children even dined with Justin and Jenny's three children while the adults had drinks in the sitting room - as a neurotic New Jersey mom who has traveled all over Europe, America and the Caribbean, I would NEVER have expected to feel comfortable leaving my daughter in a separate room and enjoying a drink with other adults. My husband and I never have used a babysitter or a "kids club" on any of our vacations for our daughter. There is a feeling of safety and comfort when you enter Ballyvolane that is evident from the moment that you arrive - because of that, I can honestly say that I have not been as relaxed on a vacation with my daughter as I was the three days we spent there.

Needless to say, I would highly recommend this hotel to any traveler. In fact, I believe that Ballyvolane House would be reason enough to get on a plane to Ireland as my husband and I are planning to do (with our daughter) in the near future. We also plan to have a family reunion there with extended family in the upcoming years. Thank you Justin and Jenny!!!