The Sunday Times Ireland’s 100 Best Places to Stay 2026

We are absolutely thrilled to share that Ballyvolane House has been named in The Sunday Times Ireland’s 100 Best Places to Stay 2026.

To be included in this annual guide is a wonderful honour. Even more special is our inclusion in “10 Bells & Whistles”, a category celebrating places where slick service, thoughtful touches and a sense of effortless luxury make a stay truly memorable.

At Ballyvolane, that has always been at the heart of what we do.

Ours is a family-run historic house in rural East Cork, and we have always believed that true hospitality is about more than beautiful rooms. It is about the welcome at the door, the fire lit in the drawing room, the comfort of a well-made bed, the feeling of being looked after, and the sense that you are staying somewhere with real warmth, character and soul.

The Sunday Times piece beautifully captures that spirit, highlighting Ballyvolane House as a historic home shaded by ancient beech trees, with generous hospitality, locally sourced food and plenty to enjoy beyond the house itself - from woodland walks and glorious gardens.

We are enormously grateful to be recognised in such distinguished company, and proud to see Ballyvolane House included among Ireland’s most desirable destinations for 2026. The guide forms part of The Sunday Times travel coverage spotlighting standout hotels and new openings across Ireland this year.

Most of all, we want to say thank you to Orla Neligan and The Sunday Times Travel Editors, our wonderful guests and our brilliant team.

We never take that support for granted and we will be raising a glass or two to celebrate.

Book your stay at Ballyvolane House and experience one of Ireland’s 100 Best Places to Stay for yourself.

We would love to welcome you for a night or two of historic house comfort, crackling fires, long walks, excellent food and, of course, a Bertha’s Revenge Rhubarb Martini.

Click here to view The Sunday Times article online.