Darina Allen is the owner of the internationally renowned Ballymaloe Cookery School in Shanagarry, County Cork, Ireland. As well as running the school and teaching classes there, she writes newspaper columns, articles and cookbooks, most of which focus on Irish cuisine. The school is part of an organic farm that grows much of the food used at the school and the nearby Ballymaloe House bed and breakfast.

As well as an author and instructor, Darina has appeared on a number of television shows and series and as such is a culinary celebrity in Ireland.

Darina is a founder of first farmers markets in Ireland and involved on an ongoing basis in helping to set up new markets. She is very involved with the Midleton Farmers Market and the Slow Food Movement and is president of East Cork Convivium of Slow Food.

Darina is a member of the Taste Council of Irish Food Board; chair of Artisan Food Forum of Food Safety Authority of Ireland; Food Safety Consultative Council of Ireland; a trustee of Irish Organic Centre; and Patron of Irish Seedsavers. She is a member of Eurotoques (European Association of Chefs); IWF (International Womens Federation); Network Ireland; Guild of Foodwriters in UK and Ireland; International SLOW Movement; Bread Bakers Guild of America; and the IACP (International Association of Culinary Professionals).

Darina was named Cooking Teacher of the Year by the IACP in 2005, and was the recipient of an honorary degree from the University of Ulster in 2003. Darina was given the Waterford Wedgwood Hospitality Award and Langhe Ceretto Prize; and was named Laois Person of the Year. 

She lives in Ireland.