Des and Lisa McGahan's beautiful and immaculately presented country house estate is renowned as a luxurious venue, available for private parties, small weddings, golfing groups and corporate events. Set within a walled garden with 10 foot-high stone walls, and surrounded by 40 acres of woodland and lawns, this elegant country mansion brings back old-world opulence and personal service.
Since autumn 2014 it has also been home to the Kinsale Gourmet Academy cookery school, where David Rice - the Head Chef who creates such memorable meals for the weddings and special events at Ballinacurra House - and his team of chefs teach students how to 'cook like a pro' through unusual teambuilding events for groups of about 8-60 corporate participants, as well as traditional cookery classes.
While small enough to be intimate, the school's modern industrial style gives it a very professional ambience and the hands-on courses are designed to be highly interactive - so, whatever your particular interest in food, David is sure to offer a course that will help you to gain confidence and achieve real results in the kitchen. While not in any way fashion-led, the courses and cooking style are up to the minute and there is even a Cuban Cocktail Lounge available for group cocktail classes.
David is no stranger to the Guide, having won two of our awards when he was head chef at The Mustard Seed restaurant near Adare, Co. Limerick and - as well as working in a number of other illustrious restaurants, including Dublin's Chapter One - he was head tutor at Dublin's premier cookery school, Cooks Academy, for two years before joining the team at Ballinacurra. A devotee of local seasonal foods, he has an exceptional range of outstanding ingredients to call on in the area and students get the full benefit of this bounty, both during classes, when learning the benefits of cooking with the best fresh produce, and afterwards when relaxing with the chef and enjoying the dishes they have prepared.
The range offered includes a number of options from half day and evening classes (Food from the Soil; Food from the Sea; Sushi Masterclass; Fast, Easy & Heathy Meals; and Pizza Club are alll typical), also full day and short residential courses of up to five days. In 2016, a 6-week residential Certificate Course will also be introduced.
