How do you review an institution? Whatever I say, the place will continue to be revered with quasi religious fervour by its many devotees.
The good news is that the ship continues to sail majestically on. Not with fiddly faddy food but with simple fresh seasonal ingredients cooked superbly. I can't drag my wife away from the roast chicken on the menu which always features a mound of plump freshly carved breast meat which conceals a hidden treasure of brown meat below. The gravy is just like Mum used to make it. I had glazed bacon with sozzled prunes which was a handsome portion but left me wanting more. The knowledgable wine waiter told us we had ordered his last bottle of Meerlust ( or was it Kanonkop?) before he went to the cellar to collect it.
All the staff seem ridiculously happy in their work which creates an atmosphere which permeates the whole building.
It is impossible to leave after dining without sharing that same sense of wellbeing.
Go soon.
Very friendly staff, extremely accommodating as both ourselves and our friends had babies under 1 with us, menu surprised us as very traditional...roast chicken/bacon and cabbage but it was delicious and the dessert trolley...well you could have a little bit of everything, very very enjoyable and something I'd looked forward to for a long time. Reasonably priced also, highly recommend.
Just been to a fantastic wedding in the Grainstore followed by the reception in the big barn and what a wedding it was! Absolutely gorgeous venue! The staff were amazing and the food was excellent! Couldn't recommend it enough! Xx
Such a delight to return to Ballymaloe last weekend to attend Gardenfest and have dinner at the hotel with fellow speakers on the Saturday night. From start to finish STUNNING! The best of local ingredients...fresh from the garden, fresh from the pier in Ballycotton, the girrolles from West Cork, the spuds....they deserve a review all of their own...a la AA Gill.
Thankyou Ballymaloe; Thankyou Hazel for the invite to Gardenfest; the Amazing garden team...Susan, Mags, Melissa; the Kitchen...Jason, Scott, JR and all the behind the scenes staff that make Ballymaloe so special. Best meal this year, by an Irish mile!
Had a truly amazing night! Food and wine excellent!! Staff very friendly and nice. Great entertainment in the parlour after our meal. Truly memorable!! Anyone thinking of going there, do it!! You won't regret it!!
My daughter and I stayed at Ballymaloe to attend a wedding. From the lovely grounds to the amazing staff and absolutely incredible food this was the most wonderful experience!!
Darina Allen's organic farm and cooking school is a perfect model of how we all should live. Food grown locally, sourced locally and what's not used then put back through the farm this is the prime example of a real Circular Economy.
Excellent food, staff, and service paired with an extensive wine list and an exceptional sommelier. Add to that a healthy dose of Christmas cheer, and I'm not sure what more one could ask for.
An absolute gem!
Best place in the world! � we’re having our wedding there, and we can’t wait!
Amazing food, unreal starter buffet and had beautiful lamb for main. The desert trolley is my fave ��
Just back from 2 weeks spent at Ballymaloe, myself husband and 3 kids, wonderful place to holiday with kids, so much for the kids to do, we talk about Ballymaloe all year long till it’s time to holiday there again, can’t wait for our stay in 2019
The hotel is wonderful, quaint and very charming. The grounds are extensive and well kept. The food and the service were 5 star. This was the hotel our Shamrock And Peach tour had for us. Exceptional!
Exceptional place, amazing tastes, friendly staff 👌🏼👌🏼
A second visit - this time as part of a touring honeymoon - and just as good as the last. The rooms are sumptuous, the lounge is comfortable, the staff are lovely, the dinner was superb and the breakfast is out of this world! A real oasis of foodie brilliance!
We loved all the personal attention and friendly help with transportation to and from the Cookery School and Ballycotton. The house and gardens are spectacular, all the food freshly made from their gardens and the school, including the butter! Fresh eggs from their huge chicken coop. A wonderful evening of entertainment and the best Irish coffee!! I wish I were back there now!☘
I had a light lunch there in the cafe yesterday. The menu was on trend and the food so fresh. I enjoyed a bowl of butternut squash and sweet potato soup with a combination of homemade brown and white bread. The coffee afterwards was really good, always for me a good sign. I can't resist a macaroon and the pistachio macroon that I ordered with the coffee was sumptuous. The staff were very welcoming. It is always a special experience to call in there.
Amazing place,amazing people and amazing food � All organic,home grown,locally sourced and. VERY SPECIAL PLACE. Enjoy a wonderful Cookery Course too. I can’t wait to return.
Lorraine Dumpleton Kennedy
+5
Amazing experience a wonderful ambience and the food superb highly recommended
If you are going to Ballymaloe be sure to include a Sunday night. Sunday is buffet night and always absolutely fabulous. The breakfast this morning, with freshly made white bread, instead of the usual hotel toast, was another triumph. Staff as usual were all very pleasant and helpful. Probably my favourite place to visit in Ireland.
The customer service was class. We went to Jack l with a wheelchair user and they made him feel like royalty �
Food quality is exceptional. In a beautiful location and just a great place to chill. This is reflected in the price, but you get what you pay for.
One of my favorite places in the entire world! I had the absolute best time here on a girls' trip. The food and service was exceptional. Would go back in a heartbeat!
Fantastic ambience, food, and hospitality. Would unreservedly recommend to anyone who appreciates great locally produced fresh food and a luxurious yet cosy country boutique hotel experience.
Superb food , superb surroundings and superb staff!
Enjoyed lovely lunch in Ballymaloe yesterday! Went for long walk in the grounds which are enjoyable! Will definitely go back!
A beautiful location to enjoy a simple but delicious lunch. Impeccable service. A wonderful experience.
Kathy Lawlor Mac Mahon
+5
Wonderful welcome to a fabulous cosy house,amazing food and great breakfast. Lovely frosty Morning,Got lots of Christmas presents in shop.
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