Man arrested following death of man, 60s, at luxury Ballyfin Demesne hotel

The entrance to Ballyfin House in Laois pictured on Wednesday morning. Picture: Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin

Gardaí are investigating the death of an American man at a luxury hotel in Co Laois.

Emergency services were alerted to an incident at Ballyfin Demesne, where a man, aged in his 60s, was found dead shortly before 8pm on Tuesday.

It is understood that the man's body was found in the leisure centre of the hotel. He had only travelled to Ireland Tuesday.

A man, aged in his 30s, who was well-known to the victim, was arrested and is currently being held at a garda station in the east of the country. 

Gardaí have 24 hours to question him.

It is understood the two men had travelled together and were guests at the hotel.

A senior investigating officer has been appointed to lead the investigation, and an incident room has been established at Portlaoise Garda Station.

The services of the Garda Technical Bureau and the Office of the State Pathologist have also been requested.

A family liaison officer will be appointed to support the family of the deceased.

Gardaí are following a definite line of inquiry.

Ballyfin Demesne is a five-star luxury country house hotel located at the foot of the Slieve Bloom mountains.

It has just 20 rooms with celebrity guests choosing to stay due to its privacy. 

Famously, Kim Kardashian and Kayne West honeymooned at the hotel in 2014.

The Irish Examiner has contacted Ballyfin Demesne for comment.