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.
Mondays and Fridays, 10:30, 1 hour - April to October.
Fern Allen will take you on a very personal tour of Ballymaloe House Hotel.
An informative and personal tour with Fern, the youngest daughter of Ivan & Myrtle Allen. Join Fern’s tour to learn about some of the art and artefacts in the house, and to hear the fascinating history and stories about Ballymaloe down through the years and up to the present day.
Thursdays and Saturdays, 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 10th annual sculpture exhibition took place from June to August 2024.
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, ending in late September.
Wednesdays, 10:45, 40 minutes, April to September.
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, 1 hour.