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.
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 to preserve it. The Head Groundskeeper, Tobias Pedersen, an expert in sustainable land management, will take you on a journey through different ecosystems and show you examples of sensitive initiatives such as wilding plantations, pollinator planting, owl breeding boxes, and a visit to our beehives.
Monday and Thursday, 10:30, 1 hour - April to October.
Fern Allen will take you on a very personal tour of Ballymaloe House Hotel.
Take part in an informative and deeply personal tour with Fern Allen, House Manager and youngest daughter of Ivan and Myrtle Allen. As you explore, you will learn about some of the art and artefacts within the house and hear fascinating stories about Ballymaloe House, from its history to the present day.
Tuesday and Saturday, 10.30am, 1 hour
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 in the summer, while the exhibition is taking place, typically on Thursdays in June and July and will allow you to view and learn about sculptures by Irish artists exhibiting. The 11th annual sculpture exhibition will take place from June to August 2025.
A fascinating tour of the walled garden with the Head Gardener.
This informative 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, explaining the planting techniques, the variety of seasonal vegetables, herbs, and salads we grow and how we harvest them. This tour is available in the growing season, from April until late September.
Wednesday, 10:45, 40 minutes
A memorable visit to our historic wine cellar with the Head Sommelier.
A visit to our historic cellar, located in the rocky foundations of a Norman Castle is a delightful experience for any wine enthusiast. Guided by the head sommelier, Samuel Chantoiseau, you will get an opportunity to explore the cellar, learn about different varieties of natural, organic, and biodynamic wines on our award-winning wine list, and even enjoy a sample at the end of the tour.
Thursdays and Fridays, 17:00, 40 minutes.