Things to do on the grounds, in the locality and in Cork.
Ballymaloe Grainstore, located on the grounds of Ballymaloe House, is a host to ongoing art exhibition featuring a diverse range of Irish Artists. The collection of art pieces changes every 6 weeks, offering a unique and fresh experience for visitors.
Several fine art pieces owned by Ballymaloe House are exhibited in the drawing room and throughout the dining rooms. To learn about the pieces, join the History Tour with Fern Allen on Thursdays and Saturdays at11am.
The Ballymaloe shop is located on the grounds of Ballymaloe House, selling Irish-made gifts, craft, knitwear and kitchenware, open 7 days per week from 9am to 6pm. Ballymaloe Café is located at the rear of the gift shop, serving homemade cakes and beverages, open daily 10am to 5pm.
Residents of Ballymaloe House can enjoy a classic game of croquet on the lush green lawn, located at the front of the house. With its traditional charm and relaxed pace, croquet is a fun activity for all ages and skill levels. A perfect way to unwind and enjoy a day in the sun. Mallets and balls are provided.
Residents of Ballymaloe House can enjoy scenic cycling on the grounds of the estate. The picturesque route takes you through the gardens, along the paths, and past lush fields. A perfect way to relax and stay active during your stay. Bikes of several sizes are available.
Outdoor swimming pool is opened once the weather gets warmer, normally from May to September. Although heated, the pool is only opened through the summer season. The rest of the year, we give the space to aquatic wildlife, and in the Spring a home to hundreds of tadpoles.
Residents of Ballymaloe House can enjoy the use of a private, outdoor tennis court surrounded by lush greenery, offering a serene setting for a friendly match. Equipment is provided and pre-bookings are not necessary, what a great way to stay active.
Ballymaloe Farm is a home to variety of animals such as free-range hens and pigs, cows, and sheep. A visit to the farm will allow you to interact with animals up close, learn about sustainable farming practices and enjoy the fresh air. Throughout the grounds you will see other examples of nature initiatives such as owl breeding boxes and our own beehives.
There are many nice walks around the Ballymaloe gardens, woodlands & farm, these are all marked on a detailed map which is available at reception.
Ballymaloe House is set on 300-acres of gardens, woodlands, and farmland. Our guests are provided with a pair of wellingtons, allowing to wonder effortlessly along the paths which are suitable for every fitness level. Walking maps are available from reception, detailing recommended walking trails and average times.
Ballymaloe Grainstore offers yoga classes for residents looking to unwind and rejuvenate. The classes are held 5 days a week, led by experienced instructors, catering for all levels. With peaceful atmosphere, and serene surroundings, yoga classes at Ballymaloe are a great way to connect with your mind, body and spirit.
Pre-bookings are needed, and classes are subject to charge.
The Ballycotton Sea Adventure’s team operates a passenger ferry to Ballycotton Lighthouse, where you’ll receive a guided tour from one of our local knowledgeable guides.
Tours run from April -September and are weather dependant. Please note that this adventure is not suitable for bikes or buggies.
The Cliff Walk is from Ballycotton village along a cliff track where you are flanked by meadows on one side and the ocean on the other. The Ballycotton Cliff Walk is one way, so you can choose how long you would like to walk.
6.8km from Ballymaloe House
The internationally renowned Ballymaloe Cookery School, run by Darina Allen, is located two miles from Ballymaloe House.
There is a cooking, gift and farm shop onsite & on Saturdays during the summer a Pizza restaurant for lunch-time only.
There are lots of lovely coves and beaches within a 15 minute drive of Ballymaloe, these vary from small rocky inlets that are perfect for a picnic and rock pooling to larger sandy beaches which are lovely for walking and building sandcastles on.
There is a choice of excellent golf courses nearby, please ask one of our receptionist if you need help to make a booking: Castlemartyr Resort and Fota Island Resort being the closest.
Knockadoon Head Looped Walk is a mixture of cliff, track and road walks.
Knockadoon also has a signal tower that is said to date back to 1803 to spot an incoming fleet of invaders
Please note that this walk is not suitable for children under 5 years old and would not be suitable for bikes or buggies.
11km from Ballymaloe House
Thursday Farmer’s Market, Mahon Point, 30km from Ballymaloe House
Saturday Farmer’s Market in Midleton, 12km from Ballymaloe House
A venture founded on a core appreciation of craftsmanship and enduring quality; the handmade craft as a skilled process of production by hand and machine. Shanagarry Potters curates, commissions and sells unique traditional and contemporary collections, collaborating with our fellow makers and keepers of cultural heritage.
At the Midleton Distillery, come face-to-face with the world's largest pot still on one of their Distillery Experience tours. Enjoy a premium whiskey tasting or draw and taste whiskey straight from a cask straight in their live Maturation Warehouse.
11km from Ballymaloe House
Within the medieval walls of the jewel, coastal town of Youghal lies the fascinating Youghal Clock Gate Tower. As the most visible landmark in the centre of Youghal Main Street, the tower is inextricably linked with the surrounding landscape and community across more than700 years of history.
22km from Ballymaloe House
CIT Blackrock Castle Observatory is home to Cosmos at the Castle, Cork’s fun and exciting locationto learn about the Universe. Cosmos at the Castle is an award winning exhibition highlighting recentdiscoveries of extreme life forms on Earth and their implications for life in outer space.
Built nearly six hundred years ago by one of Ireland's greatest chieftains, Cormac MacCarthy.
Climb the steps as the great and good have done before you to kiss the Blarney Stone and gain the gift of the gab (eloquence). Or take your time and visit the beautiful gardens.
42km from Ballymaloe House
The Butter Museum is a unique institution, celebrating one of the great success stories of Ireland, the butter trade. Located in the historic Shandon area of Cork city, the story begins with the central role of dairy culture in the Island of Saints and Scholars. The Museum goes on to describe the internationally important Butter Exchange in nineteenth century Cork.
32km from Ballymaloe House
“One of the finest remaining examples of a classical Coastal Artillery Fort in the world”. For almost 400years the fort played a key role as a strong strategic position for the defence of Ireland, the west coast ofEngland and Wales.
48km from Ballymaloe House
Whether you are interested in the Irish Emigration story, tracing your ancestors, learning more about the ill-fated Titanic and the Lusitania, or immersing yourself in our naval and military history, Cobh Heritage Centre has it all and lots more.
27km from Ballymaloe House
The origins of Collins Barracks lay in the threat posed to Britain and Ireland from RevolutionaryFrance. In response the British Government decided to increase the number of barracks throughout theBritish Isles. I n Cork the town land of Rath Mór was chosen as the site for a new barracks overlooking the city. Construction of the barracks commenced in 1801. It was completed and occupied byBritish troops in 1806.
31km from Ballymaloe House
Cork is a city with a very rich historical and archaeological heritage much of it still in evidence today.Part of this heritage, Cork City Gaol, is a magnificent castle-like building which once housed 19th century prisoners. Take a trip back in time and wander through the wings of the Gaol, accompanied by the shuffling feet of inmates and the jingle of the warders’ keys.
33km from Ballymaloe House
Cork Harbour Cruises is operated by Cape Clear Ferries who also operate to Cape Clear Island andTours around the Iconic Fastnet Rock Lighthouse. We have years of experience bringing thousands of happy customers to these destinations in comfort and safety.
33km from Ballymaloe House
Great for breakfast or lunch in the city centre.
32km from Ballymaloe House
Cork’s English Market has served the people of Cork in the face of famine, flood, war & multiple recessions.
The English Market is, above all else, a food market for essential fresh produce.
33km from Ballymaloe House
The Cork Food Trails are a relaxed, but highly-focused, 2.5/3 hour food stroll around Cork city with an engaging and experienced guide.
33km from Ballymaloe House
With the opportunity to walk amongst Cheetah’s, Flamingoes, Lemurs, Kangaroos and many more exotic animals, a visit to Fota Wildlife Park makes is a fabulous day out for both children and animal lovers.
21km from Ballymaloe House
Nano Nagle Place is an unexpected oasis in the centre of bustling Cork City, a place that celebrates Nano Nagle’s vision of empowerment through education, community inclusion and spiritual engagement for a contemporary world. The complex houses a museum, heritage rooms, gardens, the wonderful Good Day Deli, both a design and gift shop, and a Cork focussed book shop in the museum.
33km from Ballymaloe House
Titanic Experience Cobh is located in Casement Square in the heart of Cobh Town. Our home is the original White Star Line Ticket Office, a building steeped in history dating back to the early 19th century and the departure point for many thousands of White Star Line passengers. When you arrive, check-in with us at reception and let us tell you the story of those 123 passengers.
27km from Ballymaloe House
University College Cork recognises the importance of the creative spirit and the value of the Glucksman as an internationally significant space for the exploration, understanding and enjoyment of contemporary art on our historic campus.
33km from Ballymaloe House
We are about a 40 minute drive from Cork city which has good shopping, restaurants, art galleries, music, theatre and night life.
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