Myrtle Allen (b. 1924)

Track 1: Myrtle Allen, née Hill, recalls her childhood in Monkstown, Co Cork. Track 2: Her marriage to Ivan Allen at the age of nineteen. Track 3: The purchase of Ballymaloe House and lands by the couple in 1948 is recalled. Track 4: The inheritance by Ivan Allen of a farm at Shanagarry is explained by Myrtle Allen. Track 5: In 1964 Ballymaloe’s door were opened to the public as a country guesthouse. The troubles in the North in 1969 proved a disaster for the business and the facts around this are discussed. Track 6: The years which followed, and the involvement of the Allen family in the business. Track 7: Myrtle Allen discusses the traditions of the Quakers. Track 8: Myrtle Allen is still very much involved in the family business and the huge loyalty of the guests of the house and restaurant is discussed. Track 9: Her interest in politics, in art and her membership of Macra na Feirme in earlier days are discussed, as is her huge interest in food.