Come Away With Me: Ballymaloe

Thanks to a very generous Vicki Notaro, Ben and I were lucky enough to spend a few days down in Ballymaloe, Cork. We stayed in the beautiful Ballymaloe House, and took a two and a half day seafood cookery course at Darina Allen’s Cookery School.

I fell in love with the light; dappled and gorgeous. The hens, happily wandering freely around the grounds. The food – local, simple and delicious. The €75 tasting menu dinner was out of this world. Small, perfect portions with plenty of seconds. A heavenly dessert tray with a smiling, friendly waitress who encouraged you to try a bit of everything. The gorgeous blooms, absolutely EVERYWHERE. Lots of colour and so many different varieties.

I loved sitting down for breakfast and realising that everything on our table – from the scones to the butter, from the jam to the muesli, from the orange juice to the milk – had all come from just a few miles away.The atmosphere was something else too. Life slows down in Ballymaloe. It gives you a new appreciation for living fully and authentically. For quiet moments and long, lovely walks. I can’t wait to go back!