Ballymaloe House in East Cork has long had a tremendous reputation for its organic farm-to-table restaurant, as well as for its nearby cookery school.
Many in the know say it is the place where Irish cuisine entered the modern world.
Add to that its excellent guesthouse accommodation and it really is a must-visit for those with an interest in Irish food.
Unsurprisingly, it is very popular, with both Irish and international guests, so bookings should be made well in advance.
THE ACCOMMODATION:
They offer a range of elegant double/twin rooms at the farmhouse and in the courtyard’s converted barn.
Check your options on the booking page here.
The accommodation is surrounded by beautifully tended gardens which have tennis courts and a small swimming pool.
Beyond these is the 300-acre organic farm, where much of the ingredients of their famous food come from.
Guests are free to wander around the farm which has marked trails and guided tours are also available. There are benches at various points, too, and lots of places to relax and soak in the peace and tranquility.
There is an old-style drawing room/guest lounge at the farmhouse and, of course, there is the restaurant. The food, as mentioned, is the major draw at Ballymaloe.
There is an extra charge for breakfast, it must be noted, but it will be one of the best breakfasts you may ever find in Ireland, featuring a buffet of fresh local ingredients along with a choice of hot freshly cooked options.
The traditional Irish fry-up is of course there but also things like crepes, omelettes, and fresh fish dishes.
There are set lunch menus and very indulgent five-course evening meals on offer, too.
You can enjoy some great wines; their resident sommeliers are considered some of Ireland’s best and they can also give you a tour of the Ballymaloe wine cellars.
THE LOCATION:
Less than a half an hour’s drive from Cork City, Ballymaloe is tucked away in the deeply rural hinterlands of East Cork, an area particularly noted for its agriculture.
The sea and the lovely little coastal town of Ballycotton are no more than ten minutes away by car with the main town of the area, Midleton, being no more than fifteen.
WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY:
“Amazing staff, wonderful food. Comfortable, understated elegance. Its reputation is well deserved. Planning our next trip already….”
“Exceptional: The hotel was amazing. The food was even more amazing. The dinner and breakfast were the best that we had on the entire trip. I highly recommend this hotel….”
>> READ MORE REVIEWS & BOOK YOUR STAY AT BALLYMALOE HOUSE
