On 200 secluded hectares two miles from the coast, 17 miles southeast of Cork, this is one of Ireland's best country-house hotels, and it owes its status largely to the cheery hospitality of the Allen family who are the backbone and heartbeat of this establishment. In summer, guests can take advantage of the small golf course, tennis court and resortlike swimming pool. More farm than mansion, this hotel is much less formal than most and one of few hereabouts that genuinely welcomes children. There is even a sandbox, a wading pool and special menus.
This place's specialties are old-fashioned hospitality and hearty country cooking using the finest local ingredients. The house has generated a slew of successful spin-offs: a cooking school
with additional courses in gardening and personal improvement, a wine cellar with a shop and public tastings, a farm, and a crafts gallery selling pottery. The Allen family owns and runs them all.
The vine-covered facade of this historic house hints at the genteel atmosphere within. Art is on display throughout, and the drawing room looks out over a bucolic scene.
The restaurant, which actually preceded the hotel, is a destination unto itself. Its seven dining rooms, including a conservatory, are delightful places to sample the creative Irish cooking and seafood, and the cellar supplies many a distinguished bottle 
to accompany it all. Lunch is buffet-style, and equal care is given to the elaborate breakfast and dinner.
A modest golf course fronts the hotel, and to one side are a huge free-form pool (drained in winter), a croquet lawn, and a tennis court of moss-covered asphalt, a uniquely Irish surface. Rory Allen, who runs the farm, plays guitar and mandolin in the drawing room on Saturday in season. The Ballymaloe House occasionally hosts a special music week, featuring Rory Allen along with other Irish musicians, meals and a whisky tasting. Parking is free. The hotel's liberal pet policy is a rarity in Ireland, but only three rooms are set aside for small canines.
Most accommodations are in the main house, though the five newer rooms in the north building are worth requesting. The unique 16th-century gatehouse has one room upstairs. All units vary in size and orientation but are loaded with character, with pastel color schemes, locally woven fabrics, traditional furniture and older tiled baths. TVs are provided on request. (The big-screen TV in the new lounge gets 100 channels.)
Not surprisingly, this country manor is a big hit with children, and is one of the best family stays in Ireland. It closes for a few days at Christmas.
