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Hotel review: This west of Ireland sanctuary should be on every spa lover's list

Seaweed baths and the magical waterside setting stand out at this Mayo hide-away

Sun, 18 Jan, 2026 - 17:29

Thom Breathnach

Ice House, Ballina, Co Mayo

Our rating: 8.75/10

Location

A prime setting befits what was originally “Iceland Cottage”: A former fishery manager’s house which ebbs and flows through states of drama and serenity overlooking the River Moy estuary, just outside Ballina.

It’s a magical waterside setting with views across to Belleek Woods and down the boat-dotted river as it meanders north to Killala Bay. Expect resident swans, herons, and cormorants to be some of your neighbours here too.

And while the property is very much a destination with park-up-and-stay appeal, being on the edge of North Mayo you’re also within radius of some very nice attractions, from Foxford Woolen Mills and Dunpatrick Head to the Céide Fields and the Sligo coastline.

9/10

Style & design

The Ice House represents quite a symbiotic transition from the storied to the contemporary.

The original building (perhaps a little unremarkable in its own right) is today impressively flanked with glazed extensions and a contemporary limestone wing with many of the hotel’s rooms sensitively concealed beneath the road-level car park.

Inside, there’s a mix of spaces, from a white-washed exposed brick reception lobby with log fire to a downstairs with floor-to-ceiling windows revealing the river setting’s serenity.

9/10

Service

The Ice House team is warm throughout, from check-in, to service as both dinner and breakfast. You get the sense many of the staff are seasoned pros here (always a good sign) and there’s a lot of personality here.

9/10

Guest rooms

This boutique property offers 32 rooms including four heritage rooms fashioned out of the original home, which are exceptionally polished period spaces.

The remaining rooms are all contemporary offerings; they are arguably just as impressive with floor-to-ceiling views of the estuary. I stayed in one of the more spacious spa suites, accessed via the soothing corridors of the wellness suites.

It’s an impressive space; some of the interiors do feel a little more business hotel but those vistas are dreamy, plus there’s a particularly impressive ensuite with stone sink, monsoon shower, and standalone tub. Nice low-season value too.

8.5/10

In-room perks

Rooms feature tea and Nespresso facilities, bottled water as well as Voya products.

7/10

On the menu

A cavernous underground lounge and cocktail bar lead to the hotel’s stylish 54° 9° Restaurant which is quite a vibrant contemporary space with an open kitchen and estuary views. Chef Anthony Holland’s menu features imaginative dishes with local colour.

I enjoy crispy tiger prawns with sweet and sour sauce and a tropical fruit salsa (€16) followed by a particularly excellent chicken supreme served with wild Wexford mushroom and risotto made with Dozio cheese from Mayo (€30). Factor in about €60 for three courses.

Afternoon tea is available from €35. Breakfast in the same setting is another pleasant affair. For a spa hotel, I’d have expected perhaps a more superior offering of juices or cleansing smoothies, but there are some welcome surprises on the hot menu option, like a breakfast burrito and patatas bravas served with wilted spinach and your choice of eggs.

8.5/10

Activities & amenities

The Ice House was well ahead of the wellness (and social media) curve with its Chill Spa, which has been offering al fresco hot tubs and seaweed bath treatments long before they were mainstream. I enjoyed the latter (€65) overlooking the Moy; a wonderful way to unwind and literally soak up the views.

I must say I did hear the frequent gurgle of those hot tubs and the chatter of guests speaking over them — a little incongruous with the setting, however. I was also treated to a wonderful massage and facial (€125) carried out by therapist Kateryna with aplomb.

And while many hotel spas feel a little deprived of natural light, Chill Spa feels so connected with its surroundings. Relaxing post-treatment on the ergonomic loungers, swaddled in my robe and woollen throw while tucking into a sorbet and watching the estuary at dusk was peak wellness pleasure. This may be one of Ireland’s more quintessential spa experiences.