Ballyknocken House & Cookery School

Summer is the perfect time to bring your team together ☀️👩‍🍳

Our hands-on team building experiences at Ballyknocken Cookery School combine great food, friendly competition and plenty of fun in the beautiful Wicklow countryside.

Perfect for summer corporate events, team away days, staff rewards and client entertainment, it’s a unique way to connect, collaborate and create lasting memories.

Planning a summer team building event? We’d love to help 👉 https://ballyknocken.ie/corporate-events/

A very Happy Father’s Day to all the dads, grandads and father figures celebrating today 🩵

Family has always been at the heart of life here at Ballyknocken, and there’s nothing quite like gathering around the table to enjoy good food and good company. Today is a lovely opportunity to celebrate the special men who have guided, encouraged and supported us through the years.

Wishing you a wonderful day filled with family, laughter and, of course, something delicious to share.

Catherine & all the team at Ballyknocken ✨

✨ A simple homemade treat that’s perfect for busy days!

These Date & Nut Energy Balls are one of our favourite no-bake recipes here at Ballyknocken. Naturally sweetened with dates, packed with wholesome nuts, and finished with a dusting of cocoa, they’re ideal for lunchboxes, afternoon pick-me-ups, or a post-walk snack.

With just a handful of ingredients and no baking required, they’re a wonderful example of how simple, nourishing food can be both delicious and satisfying.

🤎 Date & Nut Energy Balls
Makes approximately 12

Ingredients:
200g pitted Medjool or Segai dates
100g mixed nuts
2 tbsp cocoa powder
1 tsp vanilla extract
¼–½ tsp ground cardamom or cinnamon
A few teaspoons of water, if needed
Sifted cocoa powder, for coating

Method:

Place all ingredients, except the cocoa coating, into a food processor and blend until well combined.

Add a little water if needed to create a sticky mixture. With damp hands, roll into small balls. Roll each ball in sifted cocoa powder until evenly coated.

Chill in a parchment-lined container for at least 30 minutes before serving.

A perfect make-ahead snack to keep in the fridge throughout the week.

Would you make these at home? Let us know below 👇

NEW ✨ Paint, Sip & Cake – The Ultimate ‘Paint your own Cake’ Hen Party Experience 🎨🍰🥂

Looking for a unique hen party in Ireland? Gather your bride tribe and celebrate with our brand-new ‘Paint, Sip & Cake experience’ at Ballyknocken – the perfect blend of creativity, luxury and unforgettable memories in the heart of Wicklow.

Spend time together painting your own delicious cake, enjoying plenty of laughs and creating something beautiful (and edible!) to take pride in.

✨ Hands-on cake painting workshop
✨ All materials and cakes provided
✨ Expert Ballyknocken instruction
✨ Fun, relaxed and hen-friendly atmosphere
✨ Your own edible masterpiece to enjoy

After the workshop make the occasion even more special with a four-course private dining experience at Ballyknocken House or Tayberry Barn.

Create memories, share laughs and celebrate the bride-to-be with an experience that’s a little different.

To find out more about our Hen Party Experiences, simply visit our website 👉 https://ballyknocken.ie/hen-parties/

Hen Parties Ireland Hen Weekends Wicklow Hen

🔥 All about BBQ in my column in this week's RTÉ Guide recipes! Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with absolutely delicious BBQ honey lime chicken kebabs served with a sweet strawberry sauce and whipped feta. Plus, don't miss out on the mouthwatering maple glazed BBQ pork paired with juicy grapes.
Perfect for your next summer gathering !
Check out the full recipes and elevate your grilling game!

Give your Dad a gift he’ll truly savour this Father’s Day 👨‍🍳🎁

Skip the socks and treat him to an experience he’ll remember long after Father’s Day is over.

Whether he loves cooking, enjoys discovering new flavours, or simply appreciates great food, a Ballyknocken Cookery School Gift Voucher offers the perfect opportunity to learn, create and indulge in the beautiful surroundings of Ballyknocken.

Join Catherine Fulvio for a hands-on cookery experience filled with practical tips, seasonal inspiration and, of course, plenty of delicious food.

Our Autumn schedule is now live, giving your Dad something special to look forward to ✨

Simply visit our website to explore upcoming classes and purchase your gift voucher today 👉 https://ballyknocken.ie/gift-vouchers/

☀️ Summer has arrived, and there’s no better time to escape to the beautiful Wicklow countryside.

At Ballyknocken, we offer three unique accommodation options, giving you the freedom to choose the perfect setting for your summer getaway. Whether you’re planning a family break, a catch-up with friends, or a peaceful retreat surrounded by nature, there’s a stay to suit everyone.

🏡 The Farmhouse – a spacious and charming home-away-from-home, ideal for groups looking to relax, reconnect, and enjoy stunning views across the Wicklow landscape.

🥛 The Milking Parlour – a beautifully restored space full of character, where rustic charm meets modern comfort for a truly memorable countryside stay.

🌸 Ballyknocken Cottage – a cosy and private hideaway, perfect for those seeking a tranquil escape just moments from the heart of the farm.

Wake up to rolling green fields, embrace the slower pace of country life, and make your stay even more special with one of our hands-on cookery experiences 🍽️

This summer, discover the charm of Ballyknocken and choose from our three unique places to stay for your perfect countryside escape.

Find out more and book your stay 👉 https://ballyknocken.ie/stay-with-us/

☀️ Sunshine weather calls for simple seasonal desserts — and at Ballyknocken Cookery School, we love recipes that celebrate fresh Irish ingredients with minimal fuss.

This Crushed Strawberry & Cream is the perfect summer treat: sweet Irish strawberries, softly whipped cream, crunchy digestive biscuits and a delicate hint of lemon balm.

Easy to prepare, beautiful to serve, and ideal for sunny weekends, garden gatherings or effortless entertaining at home.

Crushed Strawberry & Cream�Serves 4

You’ll need:�🍓 8 sweet strawberries, hulled�🌿 3 lemon balm leaves, shredded�🥄 50ml whipped cream�🍪 4 crushed digestive biscuits�✨ Optional: a pinch of black pepper

Method:�Lightly crush the strawberries with the lemon balm and black pepper if using. Spoon into 4 small glasses or cups. Top with softly whipped cream and finish with crushed digestive biscuits.

Decorate with edible flowers and strawberry halves for a beautiful seasonal finish. Serve immediately.

Simple, fresh and full of flavour — the kind of easy homemade dessert we love sharing from Ballyknocken Cookery School.

Would you make this for a sunny weekend? Let us know in the comments below 👇