THE FACTS ABOUT BALLYMALOE

Ireland

WHAT'S COOKING? Darina Allen is an Irish and international phenomenon. Budding gourmands will be guided through tasty Australian, Thai and Spanish cooking using a wood-burning oven. MENU Hands-on cooking classes before lunch plus afternoon demonstrations shape the pattern of most courses longer than one day. ADDED INGREDIENTS Free run of the organic farm which supplies the school, and the herb and kitchen gardens. WHERE AND WHEN Courses take place throughout the year. Self-catering cottages in converted farm buildings form part of the school complex. CONTACT Ballymaloe Cookery School, Midleton, Co Cork, Ireland (00 353 214 646785; www.ballymaloe-cookery-school.ie).