Interview - Rory O'Connell
Saturday 15 August 2026
Sitting at the refectory table in Rory O’Connell’s glorious farmhouse in the hinterlands of Ballycotton, east Cork, and later in his Ballymaloe Cookery School in Shanagarry, it’s easy to see why his TV cookery shows are so popular.
Unlike some of the almost forced, frenzied cookery hosts out there, O’Connell, with his understated elegance, famous red trousers and attractive speaking voice, exudes a relaxed calm.
Looking out over his meticulous topiary-led gardens from the kitchen where his shows are filmed, every interior piece has been carefully chosen to reflect the joyful times on his travels, particularly around Morocco.
Ballymaloe Cookery School is one of Ireland’s great treasures. Founded back in 1983 by O’Connell and his sister Darina Allen, it has to be one of the longest running and most successful cookery schools in the world.
lucindaosullivan.com
First Published In The Sunday Independent