Residents of Ballymaloe House Hotel are welcome to join complimentary guided tours, although we ask to pre-book a place in advance.
A slice of seasonal cake with freshly brewed tea or coffee served on arrival.
Upon arrival, all our guests are 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 tour of Ballymaloe House Hotel.
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 Hotel, and tell you about the impressive art and artefacts collection, give you insights into Allen family story, and interesting history of the house and the farm.
Thursdays and Saturdays, 10.30am, 1 hour
Learn about the importance of biodiversity and the efforts we make to preserve it.
Learn about the importance of biodiversity and the efforts we take in preserving it. The Head Groundskeeper Tobias Pedersen, an expert in sustainable land management 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, 10:30, 1 hour
A memorable visit to our historic wine cellar with the Head Sommelier.
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, 17:00, 40 minutes.
Guided tour with Richie Scott, the curator of the annual outdoor 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.
An informative tour of our 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, explaining the planting techniques, the variety of seasonal vegetables, herbs, and salads we grow and how we harvest them.
Wednesdays, 10:30, 40 minutes, April to October.