Bridge in Ireland

We ran a wonderful 4-day break at Ballymaloe House in October 2016 and it was one of our favourite hotels we have used for our bridge breaks: charming, comfortable and welcoming. The food was simply superb with the best guest feedback we have ever had. With beautiful gardens in lush countryside, elegant and comfortable interiors together with delicious food, Ballymaloe certainly lived up to expectations and fitted the bill for a top Bridge venue. Click HERE to read about our previous stay.

Ballymaloe House

Ballymaloe House is a family-run country house hotel famous for its luxurious and comfortable interiors, outstanding hospitality and superb food. This 17th century house, built on a Norman keep, is nestled in a 400-acre estate in rural East Cork, just 20 miles from the historic city of Cork, and minutes from the breathtakingly beautiful south coast. Set deep within lush countryside accessible by tree-lined avenues, the property has walled gardens, parklands, a tennis court, a small golf course and a croquet lawn. It also has its own craft and kitchenware shop.

The original owner of Ballymaloe as it is today, Myrtle Allen, pioneered placing local, seasonal food to the fore, a philosophy now espoused by the world’s top chefs. In doing so, she created the road map for Ireland’s current status as a force to be reckoned with on the global culinary scene. Her daughter-in-law, Darina, Ireland’s answer to Delia Smith and a household name, founded the world famous Ballymaloe cookery school nearby. Click HERE to read more about Darina Allen.

The 29 bedrooms are spread out over the main house and courtyard of a lime-washed, rose-covered, farm building adjacent to the main house. The rooms are all individually decorated in a simple and elegant way and all have en-suite bathrooms. Some rooms are large and airy with beautiful views over the fields; some are cosier rooms at the top of the house in the eaves; and some are newer, light-filled garden rooms at the back of the house looking towards the river and horse chestnut trees beyond.

For more information about Ballymaloe House, please click HERE to visit their website. 

Things to do locally  

We will organising two optional excursions: the first one to visit Blarney Castle, kiss the magical Blarney Stone and explore the beautiful gardens. Then on for lunch in historic Cork for plenty of shopping possibilities including the famous ‘English Market’. For the second trip, a boat will take you to Ballycotton Island from the fishing village of Ballycotton for a fascinating tour of the lighthouse. Then we will follow the scenic Ballycotton cliff path for an easy walk and a Ballymaloe picnic.

For the keen golfer there is a choice of excellent golf courses nearby at Castlemartyr Resort, Fota Island Resort and Harbour Point Golf Club. There are many lovely walks around the Ballymaloe gardens, woodlands and farm, or head to the coast just four miles away for stunning views and unspoilt beaches and coves. Other activities include cycling, horse-riding, tennis and fishing. The internationally renowned Ballymaloe Cookery School is located on its own 100 acre organic farm and just two miles from Ballymaloe House. We will be organising an afternoon’s cookery demonstration to learn core cooking techniques, or try your hand at baking Irish soda bread for breakfast with the Ballymaloe bakers.