This was first visit back in over 15 years, check in was confusing as we arrived via shop side and had to drag bags across gravel to main house, apparently the barrier gate can open, but no indication you just need to drive up to it! We were given an "upgrade" (not many people staying) to a room which was... More

Without exaggeration, Ballymaloe House just has to be the most perfect country house hotel in the world. It has a long history of excellence from the time Myrtle Allen, the matriarch of a large extended family, started serving food there decades ago, and the excellence continues to this day, still looked after by Myrtle, who still lives in the house.... More

I just love this place, I wish I could pack my bags and go and live there! Every time I visit, be it for a coffee and a scone, for a meal, or a stay I leave rejuvenated. I spent twelve weeks in the cookery school many moons ago, and go back to visit as often as I can. We... More

Now I know why Ireland is called the Emerald Isle, but the intermittent rain did nt matter. Driving there on quiet rambling country roads with massed white bluebells all along the sides of the roads was a gentle start to a peaceful interlude. I don't believe I have ever received such a warm natural welcome, every member of staff that... More

I recently stayed for one night to celebrate a special birthday. Having attended a cookery course in the cookery school the same time last year I wanted to return and stay at the hotel this time. I was not disappointed. We arrived and checked into our room which was the river room which was beautiful. Our dinner that night was... More

My second trip to this wonderful country hotel was even more enjoyable than the first. This was because I had the absolute pleasure of the anticipation as well as the experience. Lovely, comfortable rooms, good beds, great bathroom products(Voya), welcoming public areas with roaring fires, interesting gardens and such pleasant staff. The food was just perfect, great portion size, seconds... More

What can one say about this iconic East Cork establishment that is in anyway new? And is this even necessary? I have been coming to Ballymaloe House now for a number of years and unfortunately for me the visits are becoming even more sporadic because of the changing pattern of my travels. However I had the pleasure recently of paying... More

A private function. Total lack of service...the food was way below par...2 star would be generous. Having stayed in the same Month at another Hotel - I can measure the quality/service/meals against both. I would not recommend Ballymaloe House because it lacked all of the above.

We stayed for two nights in early April. We had been prewarned by email that the Sunday night would offer a buffet and the following night a full menu. Our room in the main house was smallish, country house style and looking just a bit like it is due for a revamp. We knew about the tv issue an d... More