Luxury & Leisure
Avril with the new 2025 Range Rover, outside Ballyfin Demesne. Photo credit: Naoise Culhane
With a commitment to creating memorable and authentic guest experiences, Range Rover at Ballyfin Demesne took the opportunity to toast 55 years of pioneering innovation, but to shine a light on exceptional leaders in the field of interiors, travel, food, wine, and leisure. Laois native AVRIL KELLY CARTER was justifiably exhilarated by the superior indulgence of the whole experience.
When the invitation arrived, I had to read it twice. The opportunity of being hosted at the ultra-luxurious Ballyfin Demesne in Co. Laois for an exclusive Range Rover driving experience. As a Range Rover owner and devotee — not to mention Laois native—Id on’t recall accepting an invite as quickly and with as much glee and anticipation in my life. Currently celebrating 55 years of pioneering innovation, Range Rover is recognised for its elegant and timeless design, characterised by smooth lines and a sophisticated aesthetic.The interior of the new Electric Hybrid model for 2025 features high-quality materials and meticulous craftsmanship, creating a truly luxurious ambiance. The brand has set a new standard in design leadership and exceptional curated experiences by hosting Range Rover at Ballyfin Demesne; Ireland’s most famous Regency house. A union of unparallelled luxury, Range Rover and Ballyfin are the perfect match for their mutual clients — both brands create refined, luxurious spaces with exacting attention to detail.
The original luxury SUV, Range Rover has defined the market since 1970, having evolved to become a family of desirable and capable luxury vehicles. As for Ballyfin — with only 20 guest rooms and an expansive 614-acre estate — it provides an intimate retreat where discretion and privacy are paramount.
“Both Range Rover and Ballyfin stand as a tribute to craftsmanship where every detail tells a story of care and passion, offering an unparalleled blend of heritage and luxury. We can’t think of a more fitting backdrop to celebrate Range Rover’s 55th anniversary this year,” said Eddie Kavanagh, Managing Director of Jaguar Land Rover Ireland.
Highlights of the Range Rover at Ballyfin Demesne experience were to include a road trip, starting in Mountrath and concluding in Portlaoise, to explore the stunning Irish midlands in the Range Rover and Range Rover Sport—both Plug in Electric Hybrid (PHEV ) vehicles. We would then return to Ballyfin to enjoy an al fresco lunch in the bespoke Range Rover lounge, reflecting Range Rover’s modernist design philosophy with a nod to Ballyfin’s original 200-year-old conservatory.
Wearing an outfit by AndTate. Price available on request. Photo: Naoise Culhane
Tucked away at the foot of the Slieve Bloom Mountains, Ballyfin is a place of history and romance, of tranquillity and great natural beauty. Here, formality is blended with ease and enjoyment. The house has long been admired as the most lavish Regency mansion in Ireland, and, after nine years of restoration, it re-opened in May 2011 as an intimate five-star country house hotel. As I drove up the long avenue on a sunny spring morning, the grandeur of the estate gradually revealed itself. Out front, six sparkling 2025 Range Rovers were lined up, adding to the already impressive arrival experience.There’s a sense of timelessness at Ballyfin, a kind of stillness that wraps around you the moment you arrive. Every room tells a story, and every single detail feels intentional.With such an expansive estate and so few guest rooms, it’s impossible to feel crowded here.
Everyone has their thing — some people are into interiors, others collect designer bags or luxury watches, while more still plump for weekends in the garden. For me, it’s always been cars. I got that from my dad. He’s always taken pride in keeping his cars immaculate — not necessarily brand new or flash but always cared for with attention and respect. That stuck with me. I remember noticing car brands from a young age, just from watching him and paying attention to the cars around us.
Over time, I developed a knack for recognising makes and models from a distance. When I was younger, I’d always try to get the nicest car my budget would allow. At 37, I bought a Range Rover Velar — not just for the badge, but for everything the brand stands for: comfort, capability, and understated style. It’s the same kind of appreciation others might have for a beautifully designed room or a perfectly tailored coat — mine just happens to be on four wheels.
Shortly after being welcomed to Ballyfin, we were assigned a car and took to the road to explore the stunning Irish midlands in the Range Rover and Range Rover Sport. Both are Plug in Electric Hybrid vehicles (PHEV ), delivering an impressive all-electric range of up to 122km (every Range Rover is available as an Electric Hybrid, with the first fully electric Range Rover due to be revealed later this year).
This article was also published in print in Social & Personal Magazine, June 2025.
