As you can see, it was raining this day. I didn’t stay over as I did the previous year as I was coming to the end of my time in Ireland; but I stopped in for lunch and a quick look in the shop, which is a real treasure trove of cooking, baking and household goods and foods.
Another view of Ballymaloe House below.
Click on the image for a larger view.
This wonderful old house is actually all too rare in Ireland. A house of medieval origins (note the tower peeping above the roof) that has been in continuous habitation since it was built in the 16th century. It was the home of the Fitzgeralds, a branch of the Fitzgeralds of Imokilly in south-east County Cork. Parts of the 16th century fabric survives, but the house was substantially added to and improved in the 17th and 18th centuries by later owners. The Allens acquired it in the middle of the 20th century and turned it into a famous restaurant and hotel. Truly one of the gems of east Cork.
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By: Tony Harpur on July 27, 2015
at 1:45 am
I have noticed over the years that many of the “old” surviving houses are actually Victorian in age. There is a short history of the house and grounds in the guest information when you stay at Ballymaloe House and the grounds are beautiful.
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By: marthabernie on July 27, 2015
at 1:49 pm