We hesitated a bit to book this B&B, because it’s about 4 km from the nearest village, but I cancelled another B&B and went for Ballyduff. And: no regrets at all. Brede Thomas is a lovely host, a warm and kind person, and the Thomas family’s house is so special. There’s a lot of history in this place, the rooms are big and comfortable, the breakfast is excellent. And at night it is really quiet, even with the river running along the house. Kilkenny is about 25 km drive away, the cute little village of Inistioge is at 5 min, and there’s Thomastown at 5 min. For continental drivers: just relax and take your time to drive up to Ballyduff House: you will be rewarded!
Although this property is difficult to find as it's in the middle of nowhere, it is a true delight. If you like tranquility, this is a spot for you (you can actually HEAR the sound of silence). The grounds are spectacularly maintained, the house itself is beautiful, and the host is charming. My only regret is that we didn't get to stay longer.
Don’t stay here. Even with a confirmed reservation and visiting from a foreign country, this owner cancelled my stay by email without any verified alternative place to stay. Don’t trust that he will keep your reservation. No call. No substitute. Homeless.
My wife, a carer who worked through the pandemic, and I had planned our first holiday in three years. The lovely area by Inistioge and Thomastown made an ideal stopover, and everything about Ballyduff House seemed attractive and welcoming. I emailed an enquiry more than two weeks before our intended arrival, following it up with a voicemail and another email when I didn't hear back. Late on the second day I received an email that Ms Thomas would check in her diary the next morning. Again, nothing -- despite another email from me and several attempts to phone. On day four I got through and learned that there was a possible booking for the last remaining room. An employee had put a question mark next to the name. We agreed that they would email this person to firm up (or cancel) the reservation and that I, in turn, would be informed. Days went by and I got a mobile number to text and phone, getting one text response ("I'll let you know in an hour") and nothing more. Nine days after the initial enquiry I phoned the mobile, heard a brief answer and then it went dead. Another attempted call led to a "phone not in use" message; I suspect strongly that my name (or number) showed up upon answering, leading to a hasty hanging up. The experience has left us profoundly dejected and astounded that we've experienced something so "un-Irish" and unprofessional. A simple "sorry -- hope to see you on your next trip" would have been fine. As it is, we had to struggle to find alternatives.…
While vacationing in Ireland (from the USA), we were treated to a 2-night stay at Ballyduff House. So, so wonderful! The home is beautiful & peaceful. The room was huge! Brede was a wonderful hostess that was joy to interact with. And the breakfasts were beyond delicious! Make it a point to stay here if ever in this area of the world. It it’s a wonderful experience!
We stayed just one night over Valentine's weekend. Location was lovely, and Breda made sure the fire was lit in the fabulous library, so I could watch the Ireland v France rugby match (not very romantic of me I know!). We had booked a meal in Barrow's Keep in nearby Thomastown. The breakfast in Ballyduff was lovely, in a great setting overlooking the River Nore. Very good value - a hidden gem! Later that day we went to Woodstock Gardens for a walk - another hidden gem!
Thank you so much again for your simply wonderful hospitality Brede. We just loved our time at Ballyduff. You are the most amazing host and we can't thank you enough for looking after us and making us feel so welcome in your beautiful home. I can only imagine how much work goes on in the background yet you always take time to ensure your guests are so comfortable. Everyone loved the weekend right through from the welcome on arrival, the wonderful chats with you, the food and to the wonderful accommodation. We will definitely be back to you over the summer.
We had a really enjoyable one-night stay at Ballyduff House. Breda is a lovely and welcoming host. The library room had a warm fire on, and was alovely place to spend some time in the evening and the following morning. Breakfast was great. Our bedroom was very spacious, with an unusual but very clean bathroom. The lack of TV in the bedroom was actually a bonus! Overall, a very enjoyable stay, and we will return.
We spent 3 nights here, my wife booking online because Ballyduff house was ideally located and reasonably priced. The venue certainly exceeded our expectations, from the moment we drove through the gates along the beautiful approach to the house on its well maintained drive. Ballyduff House is a 250 year old mansion set in a 300 acre estate and is a wonderfully grand and comfortable place to stay. Our bedroom was gigantic as was the bathroom with a modern, walk in shower. Resplendent with family paintings and period furniture with a beautiful breakfast room and library looking over the river. We were immersed in the history of the place. Everything was very clean and well maintained. The owner, Breda Thomas is a lovely, tireless host who was very attentive to our requirements and went out of her way to make our stay comfortable. When we return to this part of the world, we wouldn’t contemplate staying anywhere else!…
We stayed for one night in Ballyduff House, Thomastown, Co Kilkenny - the only downside was that we should have stayed for longer! Four poster beds, pure wool carpets, freestanding claw feet baths, A library with an actual secret door (only ever saw this on TV), fresh raspberries and a full Irish Breakfast with croissants just out of the oven and as much tea or coffee as you like... the prices were incredible - just €120 for a room with bed and breakfast! Ring Brid directly to book a room to escape to the country. Star gazing, bird song, walled garden, foxes, river walks - Guaranteed to make you want to return...
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