Irish Cookery Schools

• Ballymaloe Cookery School

A great mix of 12-week certificate courses along with guest chefs, gardening courses and many others. Without doubt, the pre-eminent school of cookery in Ireland. (Shanagarry, Co Cork, Tel: (021) 464 6785, info@cookingisfun.ie, cookingisfun.ie)

• Berry Lodge

Rita Meade specialises in bespoke classes for small groups, in her house which is also a restaurant and B&B (Miltown Malbay, Co Clare, Tel: (065) 708 7022, berrylodge.com)

• Ghan House

Guest chefs are a major attraction in Joyce Carroll's well-regarded school, and Carlingford is a darling place to visit. (Carlingford, Co Louth, Tel: (042) 937 3682)

• Otto's Creative Cuisine

Weekend courses by the inspired Mr Kunze, using the finest ingredients from his tunnels. Beautiful location, outstanding teaching. (Dunworley, Co Cork, Tel: (023) 40461 ottos-creative-catering.com)

• Pangur Ban

John Walsh opened the school just over two years ago. Fusion cooking has been the big hit, but they will happily teach anything, right from the proper way to boil an egg to goat's cheese wontons with green ratatouille. (Letterfrack, Co Galway, Tel: (095) 41243 pangurban.com)

• Valentia Cookery

Linda Booth's classes showcase both her own skills as well as those of very popular guest chefs. Young Neven Maguire (did you see him on the telly!?) is back time after time to wow! everyone. (25 Avoca Park, Blackrock, Co Dublin, Tel: (01) 278 2365)