Ballymaloe House

"A magical afternoon at ballymaloe"
18 friends went to ballymaloe for lunch today. A magical experience from the moment we arrived. The welcome we received was wonderful. We started with drinks on the balcony. Bliss. The beautiful weather added to it but the venue and fabulous east Cork countryside were amazing. Delicious food from start to finish. The dessert trolley is to die for. Faultless. A beautiful dining room overlooking the amazing grounds of ballymaloe, the only sound to be heard was the birds singing in the trees. 10 out of 10 to Fern Allen and her amazing staff for a most enjoyable afternoon. They never fail to impress. We were going to make this an annual summer event but we’ll be back for our Christmas event later in the year. Can’t wait to return.

"Fine Food + Family Tradition = Hospitality Excellence & Sublime Experience"
Our three-night stay at Ballymaloe gave us a new definition of COMFORTABLE. We arrived as guests and departed feeling like “adopted members” of the family. And FAMILY – the word, the feeling, the atmosphere – pervades this place. We were unexpectedly – and happily – befriended by Fern Allen, representing the family (that word) ownership and who could not have been more hospitable and informative. Fern gave us superb guidance regarding activities in the area, and we took advantage of fine weather with a ramble along the Cliff Walk in Ballycotton and Glenbower Walk in Killeagh. In between we were immersed in what we would call the epitome of an Irish country home/estate. You are in a special place when you realize there are generation upon generation of staff members ready to assist…but never to intrude. The House features a variety of rooms (we had The Grey) to meet personal preferences and exceed expectations. Happy hours can be enjoyed in sitting rooms of the gazebo nature, enclave corners or main room with a wood fire sparkling all day and well into the evening. Fine food and fine dining are taken very seriously here, with a certain and strong pride in providing cuisine sourced from Ballymaloe’s own gardens and local suppliers. Would you ever think seaweed could be part of dessert? My wife can attest. No kidding – “Carrageen Moss” pudding. Just one of many creative offerings from an overloaded dessert trolley. The dinner course options can be a bit challenging for choice; let Fern and her team navigate the culinary journey. If pleasant strolls are your thing (and after such ample dining highly recommended) there are several loop-walks around the property that showcase this corner of special Irish scenery. Family tradition is most certainly alive and well here. Ballymaloe gets as many stars as allowed to rate. And to underscore our endorsement: We will book a return in 2019.

"Dinner gets better & better"
Enjoyed a fabulous 5 course dinner last night
Had a lovely relaxed start in drawing room with a drink served by Rachel & sasha. Both extremely professional & friendly staff.
Dinner was a real treat, so much choice, it was just fabulous. Only problem was what to choose. So much fresh fish,, steak options, lamb & vegetarian
Can honestly say food is 5 star all the way, definitely an element of young inexperienced staff but they were pleasant so cannot knock

"Amazing experience from beginning to end!"
I had high expectations of staying at this boutique hotel, but was totally blown away by Ballymaloe. From the friendly check-in, to the amazing chef-inspired dinner, to the scrumptious home made breakfast, it was all perfect! My only regret was staying just one night!

"Still one of the best places to stay or eat"
On a return visit to Ballymaloe recently, we wondered if it might have gone the way of another high profile "old world" establishment in another part of the country which is trading on past glory. However, not so with Ballymaloe. From the moment we entered, found it to be exactly as we remembered it. We had a wonderful room looking over the garden, a lovely meal in the restaurant and a great breakfast. All aspects were just as you would want it to be. We will certainly be returning.