Professional and amateur cooks flock here from all over the world to sit near the whisk of Darina Allen. It all started with Darina’s mother-in-law, Myrtle, whose evangelization of Ireland’s bounty of fresh produce at Ballymaloe House ★★★ restaurant elevated Irish “country house” cooking to gourmet status. The Allen family’s success led to the founding of this cooking school, the most famous in Ireland, which offers dozens of courses ranging in length from a half-day to 12 weeks. Prices start at about €50. The extensive gardens on the grounds are open to visitors all year. The Ballymaloe Shop, open 10am to 5pm daily, sells kitchen produce (including Ballymaloe’s own delicious brand of relish) and craft items, while the aptly-named Ballymaloe Café sells light lunches, afternoon tea, and lip-smackingly good cakes. Weather permitting, you can usually get a guided tour of the gardens for €5 per person.
East Cork
Travel Guide
East Cork› Attraction
Ballymaloe Cookery School
Shanagarry, Midleton, Co. Cork
Our Rating
Hours
Cookery school open year-round; schedule varies; Gardens and farm: June–Sept daily 11am–5:30pm; Oct–May Mon–Sat 11am–5:30pm (closed Sun)
Phone
021/464-6785
Prices
Half-day courses from €60–€195. Open year-round; schedule varies. Admission to gardens €6 adults; €4 seniors and students, €3 children; €15 families
Web site
Ballymaloe Cookery School
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Map
Shanagarry, Midleton, Co. Cork East CorkNote: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.