Ballymaloe House
Just back from a wonderful trip to Ireland, and although I’ll be sure to do another post on my full itinerary, I couldn’t wait to devote this first Ireland post specifically to my magnificent stay at Ballymaloe House in Co. Cork. The impact this country house makes is not just because of the property’s beauty and great service (which are both in abundance), but the very essence of the whole experience and location creates a feeling you won’t soon forget.
Location & Grounds
Ballymaloe is located about 30 minutes southeast from the city of Cork, and just a few miles inland from the town of Ballycotton on the Atlantic Ocean. Narrow country lanes winding through surrounding small villages, bring you to an entry gate, followed by a meandering stone dust road that leads you to the main house. The grounds span many acres, with walking paths and biking lanes (there are bikes to borrow), some wooded, some open to the sky, but all surrounded by nature and peaceful. There is a lovely walled-in garden open for guests to explore, filled with flowers, herbs and vegetables.
House
The main house is an idyllic old Irish country house with a varied history dating far back in time. The Allen family who opened Ballymaloe up to the public in 1964, is the same family that runs and operates the property today. From the outside, its stone walls are covered in ivy and the character abounds in the not-quite-perfect aesthetic that always seems harder to achieve than actual perfection. The inside still maintains its old world charm with proper sitting rooms covered in floral wall paper and matching drapes, but the great surprise comes with unique pieces of contemporary artwork and sculptures mixed throughout. It all just works. There is a fully glazed, enclosed porch at the back of the house, with doors that lead out to a raised patio, overlooking the pool and nearby stream. Needless to say, there are many difference spaces and environments to choose to read a book, enjoy a cup of tea or a glass of wine (done, done & done!).
Outbuildings
There are many other structures on the property. The Grainstore displays local artists in residence works of art and also holds larger events, another building houses a unique gift shop filled with local Irish goods and the cafe which provides a delicious lunch. Also, there is a roastery on-site for freshly roasted coffee any time of the day. No Starbucks needed here.
Food & Drink !
The cuisine is the essence and true beginnings of Ballymaloe House. The story goes (or so we read), that the owner of Ballymaloe, placed an add in the local paper back in the 1950’s inviting the locals to come over for a home-cooked country dinner. And so the kitchen was open. They were cooking farm to table before farm to table was a thing, using locally grown and harvested food, because, well what else would you eat in the Irish country-side but what is nearby and easily available? Fish from the ocean near by, vegetables from the garden outside and goat cheese from the cheesemonger down the street. Ballymaloe is on the map because of their food, and after our first dinner, it’s clear to see (or rather taste!) why. Course after course was excellently prepared with the freshest of ingredients and variety of tastes. Dare I say that I may have had the best pasta of my life? Yes, in a country house in Ireland. Shhhh…don’t tell the Italians! There is a small, yet full bar in the main house with an extensive wine list. Also, there are local gins, whiskeys and ales to try if you aren’t in the mood for wine (although who is ever not in the mood for wine?).
After such a magnificent experience, I hope to return again one day to Ballymaloe House!
