Enchanting, magical, tranquil, perfect, dreamy, romantic… Ballymaloe is tucked into rolling hills and lush farmland in Ireland’s County Cork. It is home to an inn, restaurant, shop, gardens and cooking school.
We got there just in time for our Sunday evening dinner buffet reservation. Friendly Seamus greeted us at check-in and told us to take our time in getting there, so we were able to freshen up in our beautiful room before dinner.
Multiple charming buildings lived on the property. Our room was upstairs in this ancient pink stuccoed house.
It had been mentioned to them that we were celebrating our 35th anniversary so this plate of cherries was waiting for us: how sweet!
So much beauty was visible within and without. We changed quickly with anticipation of what delicacies might be featured in their Sunday night buffet. But first, drinks on the patio…
We sat for a while with our traveling companions just drinking in the view, the peaceful surroundings– and our delicious beverages. It was one of those “it doesn’t get any better than this” kind of moments. Rural Ireland had exceeded every expectation.
“Follow me to your table…” Yes, please!
The picture below is from just one of various dining rooms located throughout the main wisteria-covered building.
The food, including the desserts was just extraordinary. This is where my fascination with a fluffy meringue dessert called pavlova began.
But, enough about the food, you’ve got to see the rest of the grounds. That’s where the true enchantment lives.
Well, it’s time to have breakfast, then say goodbye to our new friend, Chuff.
Farewell dear Ballymaloe! May the sun shine warm upon your face, and the rain fall softly on your fields… always.
Liza Jane Lane 