Ballymaloe House

Ballymaloe House is a rambling, 17th-century manor house built onto an old Norman keep surrounded by lawns, a small golf course, and 400 acres of farmland. Run by members of the extended Allen family, Ballymaloe has established a reputation for outstanding hospitality and superb food, yet everything is decidedly informal. Families are made especially welcome (play equipment, outdoor heated pool in summer, childrens' meals) and several of the rooms can be linked together to accommodate them. Guests gather before dinner in the lounge to make their selections from the set menu, which offers four or five choices for each course. The bedrooms in the main house come in all shapes and sizes, from large and airy to cozy. For peace and quiet opt for one of the lovely garden rooms several of which have little patios and direct access to the garden. Surrounding a courtyard, the smaller stable bedrooms offer country-cottage charm—and beamed ceilings for those on the upper floor. Blarney and Kinsale are within easy striking distance but allow time to play a game of croquet, go for a walk or a bike ride; and explore the coast with its small rocky inlets, fishing harbors, and lonely headlands. Need a gift there's no need to go further than the car park where the Ballymaloe shop offers the best of all-things Irish.