Discover the flavors, traditions, and stories behind Ireland's most beloved recipes on an intimate journey across the country, designed for passionate bakers, food lovers, and joy seekers. This retreat blends traditional Irish baking with exclusive culinary experiences, elegant accommodations, and the warmth of the Irish countryside.

The journey opens in Dublin with a hands-on baking class led by cookbook author Shane Smith at the historic Howth Castle. From there, we travel south to Ballyknocken Cookery School for a rustic, farm-rooted class built on time-honored family recipes, before settling in at the celebrated Ballymaloe House. There, JR Ryall — award-winning head pastry chef and custodian of Ballymaloe's famed dessert trolley — welcomes small groups into his own east Cork home for a bespoke workshop, followed by an afternoon in the classroom kitchens of Ballymaloe Cookery School.

Heading west, we stop for afternoon tea at Adare Manor en route to our final home for the retreat: the storied Ashford Castle, a 13th-century estate on the shores of Lough Corrib where turreted stone walls, roaring fireplaces, and manicured grounds set the stage for the trip's grand finale. From this fairytale base, we'll journey into Connemara for a private tour of the centuries-old Kylemore Abbey, and return to Ashford for a chocolate bar-making experience with Paula Stakelum — known to many as Paula Pastry — using her signature Valrhona chocolate blend.

Each day offers a thoughtful balance of learning, indulgence, and discovery, from castle kitchens to cookery schools to candlelit dinners, and connects guests with fellow bakers across some of Ireland’s most beautiful and historic properties.

Throughout the retreat, guests will stay at three exceptional properties: The Westbury in the heart of Dublin, the historic Ballymaloe House in County Cork, and the opulent Ashford Castle in County Mayo.

This retreat is limited to 16 bakers and is designed for those who love baking, beauty, and thoughtful travel.

Each registered baking participant will receive a one-year subscription to Bake from Scratch. If you’re already a subscriber, you may extend your subscription or gift it to someone who loves baking.

The Westbury

Located in the heart of Dublin just steps from Grafton Street, The Westbury is a celebrated five-star hotel known for its warm hospitality, elegant interiors, and central location, offering easy access to the city’s finest shopping, dining, and culture.

Ballymaloe House

Set on a working farm in County Cork, Ballymaloe House is one of Ireland’s most beloved country house hotels, founded by culinary legend Myrtle Allen. Its walled gardens, celebrated kitchen, and warm, unpretentious hospitality make it a destination for food lovers from around the world.

Ashford Castle

Set on the shores of Lough Corrib in County Mayo, Ashford Castle is a storied five-star castle resort that dates back to the 13th century and was once home to the Guiness family. You’ll find fairy-tale grandeur, gracious service, and sweeping estate grounds. Each guest will receive a 200 euro credit toward an estate activity of their choosing, such as the spa or falconry.

You’ll fly into Dublin Airport (DUB), which is serviced from most major hubs in the United States.

Private transportation is included throughout the retreat, along with transportation to and from Dublin Airport.

The Bake from Scratch team is available to assist with travel planning. Email events@bakefromscratch.com for guidance.

• A 50% deposit is due within 48 hours of confirmation, along with signed travel waiver and cancellation policy acknowledgment

• The remaining 50% balance is due November 1, 2026

• Payments accepted: American Express, Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, and Amazon Pay

• All prices are listed in U.S. dollars

A 3% discount is included for payments made via secure bank transfer (ACH).

A 1% discount applies when paying the full retreat cost at booking.

• 9 nights in five-star accommodations (3 nights at The Westbury, 3 nights at Ballymaloe House, 3 nights at Ashford Castle)

• 3 baking classes

• 1 private workshop with JR Ryall

• 1 chocolate-making experience with Paula Pastry

• Private tour of Kylemore Abbey

• Welcome wine reception, afternoon tea at Adare Manor, group dinners at Ballymaloe House and Ashford Castle, and breakfast daily

• 200 euro activity credit at Ashford Castle

• Transportation to and from all scheduled retreat activities

• Private round-trip airport transfers

• One-year Bake from Scratch or other Hoffman Media subscription of your choosing

• Gift bag with curated favorites

• Airfare to and from Ireland

• Some meals

What’s Included for Non-Baking Guest

• 9 nights in five-star accommodations (3 nights at The Westbury, 3 nights at Ballymaloe House, 3 nights at Ashford Castle)

• Class at Ballyknocken Cookery School

• Private tour of Kylemore Abbey

• 200 euro activity credit at Ashford Castle

• Welcome wine reception, afternoon tea at Adare Manor, group dinners at Ballymaloe House and Ashford Castle, and breakfast daily

• Private round-trip airport transfers

What’s Not Included for Non-Baking Guest:

• Airfare to and from Ireland

• Some meals

• Baking classes, workshops, and tasting experiences

• One-year Bake from Scratch subscription

• Gift bag with curated favorites

All bookings for this retreat are final and nonrefundable under all circumstances. For this reason, we strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance that covers trip cancellation, interruption, illness, and other unexpected events. You agree that you will not initiate a chargeback or payment dispute for amounts properly charged in accordance with this policy.

If you choose not to purchase travel insurance, you understand and agree that you are responsible for all costs or losses related to trip interruptions.

Changes, Cancellations & Unforeseen Events

We are not responsible for expenses related to travel delays, cancellations, illness, injury, or other events beyond our control, including but not limited to weather, government actions, and airline or transportation issues.

In the event that we must cancel this retreat due to circumstances beyond our control, our liability will be limited to a refund of amounts paid to us, or a credit toward a future retreat, at our discretion. We are not responsible for additional expenses such as airfare, lodging, or other travel costs.

Health & Travel Risks

Travel involves inherent risks, including the risk of exposure to communicable illnesses. By booking this retreat, you acknowledge these risks and agree to assume responsibility for your own health and safety during the trip.

If you become ill during the retreat, particularly with a suspected or confirmed contagious condition, the group leaders may require you to modify or end your participation if they reasonably believe your presence poses a health or safety risk to other participants. In such cases, no refund or credit will be provided. 

Program Changes

Due to circumstances beyond our control, certain activities, instructors, services, or amenities may be modified, substituted, or unavailable. Such changes do not constitute grounds for a refund, but we will work tirelessly to make sure you have the best experience possible. 

Acknowledgment

By booking this retreat, you acknowledge that you have read, understand, and agree to this Trip Cancellation & Travel Risk Policy.

Do single travelers attend your retreats?

We always have single travelers on our retreats, and many make plans in advance for dinners and free time. We will connect you with all travelers ahead of the retreat via WhatsApp.

What airport should I fly into?

You’ll fly into Dublin Airport (DUB). Private transfers are included to make your travel days stress-free and seamless.

Is breakfast included?

Yes, daily breakfast is included.

Are the baking classes hands-on?

Yes, all baking sessions are fully hands-on.

Are children allowed?

All participants must be 18 years or older.

What should I wear?

Smart casual attire is recommended. Comfortable walking shoes are essential.

Is this retreat suitable for beginners?

Absolutely. Retreats are designed for passionate home bakers of all skill levels.

Will we have free time?

Yes. Leisure time is thoughtfully built into the itinerary.

Can I extend my stay?

Email events@bakefromscratch.com if you’d like to extend your hotel stay before or after the retreat.