Hotel

Ballymaloe

Shanagarry, Cork, Ireland

With the Ballymaloe House, Ireland shows its most beautiful side. The venerable walls of the rural manor house made of gray sandstone are covered with green ivy and stand in the middle of lush meadows. Guests look out onto a quiet courtyard, and just a few meters away, the barley and rapeseed sway in the wind. At the back of the house there is a view of a lake with swans, from which the paths lead towards the forest and further farmland.

No cell phone bell or car noise is a problem here, but you can completely indulge in country life. In the truest sense of the word: the farmer is happy to help you collect eggs and feed pigs. Of course, you can also simply enjoy a walk through the grounds or visit the craft shop or the nearby art exhibition. In summer you can play tennis, ride a horse, enjoy a swim in the pool or play a game of cricket or golf with the family. In the area there are beautiful beaches and small fishing villages to visit. In winter you can browse through a good book or play Scrabble in the common room by the open fire. No matter what time of year: afternoon tea is of course mandatory!

In general, people like to indulge in the culinary delights here. When Myrtle Allen opened the restaurant in the 1960s, she tried to serve her daily menu only from her own seasonal farm products and from local producers. Nothing has changed in this philosophy to this day. Be it with a whiskey on the terrace, a delicious pastry for tea or the lovingly prepared dinner - gourmets get their money's worth. If you get up early enough, you can even help the chef to bake the crispy bread. Another very special thing is the delicious breakfast buffet, for example the traditional Irish porridge porridge with fresh fruit.

Whether in one of the cozy hotel rooms or in the farm cottages - at Ballymaloe House you can enjoy the beautiful side of country life with all your senses.

You can find the hosts' favourite recipe to try in the kitchen whispers.


Rooms + Rates

per night
Cottagefrom58 €
Single roomfrom130 €
Double roomfrom200 €

Sustainable

ArchitectureBallymaloe House was built on a 17th century Norman building. When renovating the farmhouse, attempts were made to retain the original shape as much as possible. The decor is rural, old-fashioned - not old-fashioned, but authentic. The atmosphere is accordingly warm and cozy. There are a total of 29 double rooms and four cottages with kitchenettes and some with wood stoves. The estate is surrounded by 300 acres of farmland. The grounds include a beautiful outdoor pool and numerous sunny terraces.

FoodAll products used either come from our own farm and garden or are purchased from local farmers and suppliers. The meat is certified organic, the fish comes from the local fishing village of Ballycotton. The menus are compiled according to the slow food ethos and only with daily fresh and seasonal products. There is always a vegetarian / vegan option and food intolerances of the guests are also taken into account by the cook. Traditional porridge porridge is served for breakfast and is refined with fresh fruit. The breakfast buffet also includes a selection of freshly baked bread and pastries and all kinds of specialties. It is not for nothing that the Conde Nast travel guide rated breakfast as “the best breakfast in Ireland”.

Ballymaloe House supports several local charities such as the local Bally Lifeboat with a gala dinner annually. The operators are happy if they can support further social projects, for example with prices for fundraising. Historic facilities are also promoted, such as the Bally Seafood & Shanty, Cloyne Round Tower and Midleton Chamber. The company strives to ensure the well-being of its employees, some of whom have been employed for 50 years. All employees receive a free dinner. Continuing education is offered on a variety of topics.

EnvironmentEnvironmental protection is very important for the operators of the Ballymaloe House. "From the farm to the fork" is the basic principle, so there is a very close relationship between garden, yard and house. The house's heat supply is based on bio-oil. The own well water is used for water supply. Only ecological cleaning agents are used. Waste is avoided wherever possible. The staff is trained accordingly.

Well-BeingYoga and Pilates classes are offered weekly. A “Good Living Day” is held every February. A special digital detox package combined with mindfulness training is offered. Massages and other treatments can be organized with advance notice if desired.


Characteristics

  • Irish country hotel in the countryside with a farm next door
  • Living in the hotel or in the nearby farm cottages possible
  • Elegant rooms in different sizes in a country house style
  • 120 ha property (arable land)
  • Food made from seasonal ingredients fresh from the farm
  • Special offers such as digital detox or whiskey seminar
  • Also very suitable for events and weddings

Hotel & cottages29 hotel rooms + 5 cottagesRestaurant + own cooking facilities (in the cottages)Children welcomeWi-FiDisabled accessPoolPets allowed

Features

  • Hotel room with breakfast (buffet) included in the price
  • Farm cottages with 1 to 2 bedrooms and their own cooking facilities
  • Slow food restaurant in the hotel
  • "Afternoon tea" in the studio
  • Tennis court, cricket lawn and 9-hole golf course
  • outdoor pool
  • Sandpit playground for toddlers
  • Bicycle rentals

Certificates + Awards

Best Hotel Restaurant

Ireland’s Restaurant Awards

Visit Website

Rooms + Rates

per night
Cottagefrom58 €
Single roomfrom130 €
Double roomfrom200 €

Location + Directions

By car

From Cork, where there is also an airport, it takes about 40 minutes to Ballymaloe. From the airport in Dublin it takes almost 3 hours to Ballymaloe (280 km).

With public transport

The nearest train station is in Midleton, which is about 15 minutes from Ballymaloe (12 km). From there you can take a taxi or a pick-up can be arranged.