Darina is owner and founder of Ballymaloe Cookery School and author of over 19 books on food and cooking. She is involved in may organisations including Slow Food.

Rory O'Connell helped to establish the Ballymaloe Cookery School with his sister Darina in 1983. Rory has worked all over the world as a chef but his first love continues to be teaching.

Rachel has been teaching at Ballymaloe Cookery School for close to 30 years and is the author of over 15 Cookbooks and has been presenting television cookery shows in Ireland and the UK for almost 20 years.

Penny Allen runs the fermentation shed at Ballymaloe Cookery School. Penny has been teaching about fermentation for the last 4 years and is continually researching and experimenting with fermented food from all over the world.

J.R. Ryall is the head Pastry Chef at Ballymaloe House. The Ballymaloe House sweet trolley in 2019 won the World Restaurant Award for Best Sweet Trolley.

Debbie Shaw has been working as a Teacher at Ballymaloe Cookery School for over 15 Years and has been our resident expert in Gluten Free and Free From cooking for much of that time. Debbie has hosted a series of demonstrations at the cookery school entitled 'Feel Good Food'

Pam has worked with us here at the cookery school for almost 20 years and demonstrates on a regular basis for our 12 Week Certificate students. Pam has a particular speciality in Cakes Baking and Decorating.

Pat Browne has been teaching at Ballymaloe Cookery School for almost 10 years and is also our resident Forager.

Colm McCan is our wine lecturer here at Ballymaloe Cookery School. Colm was Awarded Sommelier of the Year during his time as Head Sommelier in Ballymaloe House. Colm also works with Le Caveau the specialist wine merchant.

Claire Ptak is an American pastry chef, formerly of legendary Chez Panisse restaurant in California. She founded Violet Cakes, her acclaimed bakery and café in Hackney, London in 2005. Violet has been featured in American Vogue, Red magazine, Timeout, the New York Times, and the Wall Street Journal.

Sometimes we are not sure exactly who will be lecturing for a demonstration. We will update as soon as we know.