Bridge in Ireland

We have run many wonderful stays at Ballymaloe House and it is absolutely a firm favourite for our guests and us: charming, comfortable and welcoming. The food is 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 fits 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, an extensive herb garden, parklands, a rustic tennis court 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  

There will be optional excursions and activities and we will contact you nearer the time with details and prices to book these in advance.

Local attractions include historic Cork with its famous ‘English Market’ and the Crawford Art Gallery. At Blarney Castle, you can kiss the magical Blarney Stone and explore the beautiful gardens. Visit Cobh with its cathedral and heritage centre and the last stopping port of the Titanic; the picturesque town of Kinsale and Jameson Distillery tours at Midleton.

There are excellent golf courses nearby at Castlemartyr Resort, Fota Island Resort and Harbour Point Golf Club. Discover 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. Follow the scenic Ballycotton cliff path for an easy walk and a Ballymaloe picnic. 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. Our guests can join the main student body for afternoon demonstrations, including a tasting as well as a folder full of recipes. Alternatively, try your hand at baking Irish soda bread for breakfast with the Ballymaloe bakers.