History

History of the House 

Circa 1450 - Ballymaloe, A Norman Castle, is built by a branch of he Fitzgerald family, illegitimate descendants of the Knights of Kerry. Corn & Cattle on the land.

1578-1583 - Geraldine Wars rages in the vicinity. Cattle seized and the corn burnt.

March 1602 - The owner, John FitzEdmund Fitzgerald knighted at Ballymaloe by Lord Mountjoy for his neutrality at the Battle of Kinsale.

1611-1617 - Lady Hanoria Fitzgerald, mistree of Ballymaloe, hid monks fleeing from Youghal and protected holy relic now displayed in the Dominican Priory, Cork.

1620's - The owener, Sir John FitzEdmund Fitzgerald is said to be 'one of the best estate commoners in Ireland'. Ballymaloe becomes one of the last great Anglo-Norman households.

1641-1679 - House passes to Lord Broghill. Cromwell and William Penn visit Ballymaloe. The South Wing is built.

Circa 1700 - Ballymaloe passes to Edmund Corker. Elk horns are found on the farm and Chuff, the dwarf is part of the household.

Circa 1720 - Ballymaloe passes to Hugh Lumley. The buildings on the North side of the castle wall are added. Cider orchards are planted and a excellent strong cider is made. Lumley becomes godfather to Bishop Berkley's son, William.

Circa 1760 - Ballymaloe passes to Abraham Foster.

Circa 1820 - Clement John Foster knocked down the old buildings on the South side of the castle wall and the present dining and drawing room are built.

Circa 1835 - The portrait of Chuff leaves Ballymaloe and the house passes to the Lichfield family. The dairy and gardens are developed for supplying local communities.

1924 - James Simpson, nephew of the Lichfield's, takes over Ballymaloe.

1948 - Ballymaloe passes to Ivan Allen and the farm is modernised.

1964 - The dining room is opened as a restaurant called; 'The Yeat's Room'.

1967 - On Good Friday, the portraits of Chuff and Jester and returned to Ballymaloe. A few of the bedrooms are made ready to accommodate staying guests.

A Modern History

1968 - The stables and grain loft are converted into our courtyard bedrooms

1974 - The piggeries are converted into 'The Ballymaloe Shop'.

1977 - The first edition of the Ballymaloe Cookbook is published.

1982 - Ballymaloe takes on management of 'La Ferme Irlandaise', the Irish restaurant in Paris for four years.

1983 - Ballymaloe Cookery School starts in Kinoith

1986 - Five bedrooms downstairs, facing north are built.

1990 - The conservatory and the green dining room are built.

1991 - Ballymaloe Country Relish is launched.

1998 - Mr Ivan Allen passes away.

2000 - The long dining room is built.

2004 - The calf houses are converted to Farm Cottages.

2008 - The old Grain Store is converted into a venue to promote music and to hold functions.