Residents of Ballymaloe House can join the walking tours complimentary, although we ask to pre-book your place on the tour in advance.
Seasonal, homemade cake and freshly brewed tea or coffee on arrival.
Upon arrival, all our guests ae welcomed with a slice of seasonal, homemade cake and freshly brewed tea or coffee. The refreshments can be enjoyed beside the log fire, in the Drawing Room or in the Conservatory. A delightful break after a journey, setting the tone for a relaxing and enjoyable stay.
Arrival tea is served from 3pm to 5pm, a warm and welcoming tradition.
Fern Allen will take you on a very personal behind the scenes tour of Ballymaloe House.
A deeply informative and personal tour with Fern Allen, the youngest child of Myrtle and Ivan Allen. Fern will take you through ancient and modern history of Ballymaloe House, tell you about the impressive art and artefacts collection, give you insight into Allen family story, and the history of house and the farm.
Thursdays and Saturdays, 11.00am, 1 hour
Learn about the importance of biodiversity and the efforts we make to preserve it.
Learn about the importance of biodiversity and efforts Ballymaloe House is making to preserve it. Our Head Groundskeeper Tobias Pedersen is an expert in sustainable land management. Tobias will take you on a journey through different Eco Systems and show you examples of sensitive initiatives such as wilding plantations, pollinator planting, owl breeding boxes, and a visit to our own beehives.
Mondays & Fridays, 11:00, 1 hour.
A memorable visit to our historic wine cellar with the Head Sommelier Samuel Chantoiseau.
Visit our historic wine cellar located deep in the rocky foundations of the castle at Ballymaloe House; a delightful experience for the wine enthusiasts. With the guidance of Head Sommelier Samuel Chantoiseau, guests can explore the cellar, learn about different varieties of wine on the award-winning wine list and enjoy a sample at the end of the tour.
Thursdays & Fridays, 16:00, 40 minutes.
Guided tour with Richie Scott, the curator of the Summer Sculpture Exhibition.
Relaxed, informative and light-hearted experience with Richie Scott, the art curator of the annual Ballymaloe Sculpture Exhibition and the owner of Richard Scott Sculpture. Weekly guided tours take place on Thursdays in June and July and will give you an opportunity to view and to learn about 47 pieces created by 27 Irish artists exhibiting this year. The 9th annual sculpture exhibition runs from June 1st to August 31st, 2023.
Thursdays at 17:30, 1 hour, available from June 8th to July 27th (bookings are not necessary)
A fascinating tour of the walled garden with the head gardener Mags Coughlan.
A tour of the walled garden with the Head Gardener Mags Coughlan is a fascinating experience for anyone interested in gardening and seasonal planting. Mags will guide you through the different sections of the garden, explain about the planting techniques, variety of seasonal vegetables, herbs, and salads we grow and how we harvest them.
Wednesdays, 11:00, 40 minutes, April to October.