Tim Allen conviction Tim Allen, husband of Darina, was convicted of possessing pornographic images of children in 2003. There were almost 1000 images, some of children as young as five in sexual poses. The images were recovered from his home computer as well as computers at the school. Some people phoned Ballymaloe to say they would never dine there again. The family also stated their abhorrence of any material containing child abuse and expressed regret at anyone who had been hurt by it. As of 2025, however, Tim Allen was still reported to be an active instructor at Ballymaloe Cookery School. The grounds of Ballymaloe House are home to a preschool, ECO Preschool.
Joshua Allen convictions Joshua Allen, eldest son of Rachel Allen, was found to be in possession of over €22,000 worth of cannabis at the cooking school in August 2018. Customs officers intercepted a package containing cannabis on 27 August 2018.
COVID-19 lockdown In February 2021, the cookery school was criticised after it was revealed that an in-person cookery course had been held during
Level 5 lockdown – in apparent conflict with the banning of organised gatherings and closure of restaurants and training events. An Garda Síochána announced that they had visited the school in February. Darina Allen defended the school, saying the students in question had arrived in Ireland by late December and the lockdown had been announced on 30 December, starting the next day. The course began after students self-isolated for 14 days, and was modified after the lockdown was extended in late January. ==Further reading==