Cookery Schools

Cookery Schools

Imagine escaping to a tiny island that hosts what may well be the smallest cookery school in the world. Or fishing for trout on a tranquil glassy lough and then learning how to cook it to perfection in a high-tech kitchen. At a cookery school on the island of Ireland, anything is possible. Here, some of Ireland’s top chefs will pass on their culinary secrets in an environment that’s enjoyable, relaxing and scenic, as well as being informative and instructive. You can learn techniques for creating the perfect soda bread, homemade sausage making (sausages from Ireland are famous the world over) and knocking up a super-tasty traditional boxty (potato cake).

There’s a good reason that Ireland’s cookery schools have a prestigious reputation. Not only can you enjoy tutoring from esteemed chefs, and not only do you pick your own fresh, seasonal ingredients from abundant organic gardens, but exquisite location of the some of the island’s schools really elevates the experience to a new level. And with stacks of warm hospitality and post-class socialising a feature of cookery schools, you’ll find learning to cook in Ireland an experience you’ll savour forever.

Where to go

  • BallyKnocken, County Wicklow
    In the green rolling hills of County Wicklow, well-known chef Catherine Fulvio’s family-run cookery school boasts a 350-acre farm, and a charming Victorian farmhouse.  
  • Ballymaloe Cookery, County Cork
    Ireland’s most famous cookery school run by top chef Darina Allen is a delight with everything from 12-week certificate courses to one-day courses. 
  • Belle Isle School of Cookery, County Fermanagh
    Top cooking, a relaxed atmosphere and a beautiful location make Belle Isle one of Ireland’s most popular cookery schools.
  • Berry Lodge, County Clare 
    Excellent food, accommodation and tuition in a charming Victorian house in the West of Ireland. The two-day courses cross a wide variety of subjects from Italian Cooking to Men in the Kitchen.
  • Dunbrody Country House Hotel and Restaurant Cookery School, County Wexford
    Set in 200 acres of stunning parkland, Dunbrody caters for all levels of cooking from the intrepid novice to the experienced gourmet. Tuition comes courtesy of Masterchef Kevin Dundon.  
  • Island Cottage Restaurant and Cookery School, West Cork
    This spot on Heir Island off the West Cork coast specialises in two-day cookery courses for two people with an overnight stay included. 
  • Pangur Bán, County Galway
    Cookery schools don’t get more picturesque than this – Pangur Bán is a 300-year-old thatched cottage set between the Atlantic Ocean and the stunning Twelve Bens Mountains. All levels catered for.
  • Ballyknocken Cookery School, County Wicklow
    Situated in the renovated Milking Parlour on the grounds of the stunning Ballyknocken House & Farm, you will cook simple country food, taking fresh local foods and turning them into mouth-watering Moorish dishes.
  • The Kitchen Academy, Enniskillen
    The Kitchen Academy is an exciting new cookery school based on the beautiful Island Town of Enniskillen. Join Chef Joe Kelly for day or evening cookery classes or why not book the The Kitchen Academy for a birthday party, hen party or your next fundraising event.
  • The Tannery, County Waterford
    Cookery School of the Year 2011, The Tannery is located in Ireland’s sunny south east and offers tuition in a state of the art kitchen under acclaimed chef Paul Flynn.
  • Good Food Ireland, offers a whole host of cookery schools that offer residential and non-residential courses. From the simplest of cooking to the aspiring gourmet the collection caters for all needs. Online booking available.
  • James Street South Cookery School, Belfast
    The Cookery School at James Street South opened its doors in 2011. Situated on the top floor of the newly renovated building also housing the Bar + Grill and Private Dining facilities the Cookery School offers a purpose built interactive space.
  • My Little Kitchen Cookery School, Greysteel, Derry-Londonderry
    Whether you are looking to improve your cookery skills, cook up a feast for family and friends or learn how to bake, we offer a range of contemporary cookery classes.
  • Mourne Seafood Cookery School,Kilkeel, Newry
    The state of the art Mourne Seafood Cookery School offers a range of cookery courses and demonstrations on local seafood.
  • Orchard Acre Farm, Irvinestown, Enniskillen
    Fermanagh's only “Eco Barn”. Creative craft, cookery, green living, gardening courses and activities all year round.