Ballymaloe House sees profits increase in 2015

The company behind Ballymaloe House, the country house hotel and restaurant run by the Allen family, continued to bounce back last year after recording a loss in 2013.

Newly-filed abridged accounts show Yeats Room Limited recorded a €24,238 profit for the 12 months ending October 31st, 2015, as accumulated profits rose from €2.14 million in 2014 to €2.16 million last year. This comes after the company, which celebrated its 50th year in business in 2014, recorded a €185,933 loss in 2013.

Ballymaloe House is located in Shanagarry, near Midleton in Co Cork. Originally a Michelin-starred restaurant, which was opened by Myrtle Allen in 1964, it subsequently expanded into a country house hotel. Parts of the building date from the 15th century.

The company is controlled by members of the Allen family, including renowned chef Darina Allen.

Employee numbers at Ballymaloe House remained unchanged at 45 last year with employment costs stable at €1.6 million. Directors’ remuneration totalled €573,881.

The firm’s cash pile declined slightly last year, falling from €509,214 to €426,582.

Conde Nast Traveler magazine included Ballymaloe House on their 2015 Gold List – the only Irish venue on the list of the World's top 100 hotels.

Recent accounts filed earlier this year by the company's sister business, Ballymaloe Cookery School, show accumulated profits that increased to €2.58 million last year. The school has recorded profits that have jumped by 68 per cent since 2010.