TLDR: Ballymaloe Cookery School in East Cork reported post-tax profits soaring to €326,672 in 2025, marking a 140% increase from €135,952 the previous year. Featuring in the Netflix series Being Gordon Ramsay, along with notable alumni like Kate Winslet, has amplified the school’s global visibility and demand for its 12-week culinary course.
Ballymaloe Cookery School, renowned for its commitment to quality culinary education, has experienced a remarkable leap in profits, doubling to €326,672 last year. The school’s success can largely be attributed to its recent appearances, most notably in the Netflix series Being Gordon Ramsay. The series featured celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay and his daughter Tilly, who enrolled in the prestigious 12-week certificate course. This newfound global exposure follows previous high-profile attention when Oscar-winning actress Kate Winslet participated in a short course at Ballymaloe in April 2024.
The financial figures reveal that last year’s profits represent a robust 140% increase from the €135,952 recorded in 2024. Darina Allen, a celebrated chef and a key figure at Ballymaloe, retains majority ownership of the business, which has accumulated profits of €3.37 million as of December. This financial stability allows the school to invest in future growth and maintain its high standard of culinary education.
Director Toby Allen noted that the 12-week course has “continued to be very popular and thankfully completely full,” with waiting lists now a common occurrence given the surge in interest. This popularity has been enhanced by recent media attention that has spotlighted what Ballymaloe offers. Billed at €17,495 for its upcoming sessions (with a subsequent price increase to €17,850 in April), every course starting in September, January, and the following April has now sold out.
But let’s pause for a moment on what this frenzy means for culinary enthusiasts and aspiring chefs. Sure, a price tag that hefty throws one off at first glance; perhaps begrudgingly forking out the cash could also mean bartering with a chance at fame. Who wouldn’t want their culinary skills to shine with the potential of a Tilly Ramsey endorsement on Instagram? She shared her excitement with her 1.4 million followers about her immersive experience, which only fuels the appetite for such courses.
Ballymaloe isn’t just cashing in; they’re evolving. Staff numbers increased from 73 to 76, and operational costs are rising amid global economic pressures. The directors are acutely aware of these challenges but are committed to sourcing quality ingredients from Irish suppliers and maintaining the school’s reputation for excellence. With an increase in spent on staff from €2.6 million to €2.85 million, it’s clear that nurturing talent is as vital as keeping the kitchen running.
Interestingly, while Ballymaloe enjoys a robust financial outlook, there’s a hint of caution baked into their outlook. The accounts acknowledge potential global economic volatility due to geopolitical unrest and rising energy costs, highlighting that while current success is commendable, future operations may face headwinds.
It’s worth noting that culinary schools across the globe are vying for increased visibility and prestige. As new platforms like Netflix shine a spotlight on renowned institutions, perhaps we should brace ourselves for more star-studded culinary dramas. After all, who knew cooking could be as viral as the latest dance challenge?
Here’s a fun fact to chew on: the average American spends approximately 43 hours a year cooking, while in Ireland, it’s estimated that just over 26 hours per year are dedicated to meal preparation. However, with the popularity of cooking shows on streaming platforms like Netflix, those hours may very well be poised to increase!
