Sam Maguire is back in Mayo: 6 hotel stays for your next escape to the maritime county
A large county of lush green landscapes, mountains, lakes, coastal walks, and even its own fjord - there is much to do in Mayo.
Mayo is somewhat of a hot topic after last Sunday’s All-Ireland senior football final, which saw the maritime county secure its first All-Ireland win in 75 years.
From Castlebar to Westport, Louisburgh to Ballina, and Blacksod to Achill Island, the whole county was behind their winning team on Sunday, with homecoming celebrations continuing this week.
A large county of lush green landscapes, mountains, lakes, coastal walks, and even its own fjord – Ireland’s only true glacial fjord, stretching 16km – there is much to do in Mayo.
And while Mayo has always been well-known for its beauty, it’s fair to say that last Sunday’s All-Ireland win has put the county back on people’s radar.
Here, we have rounded up six hotels for a getaway to the current home of the Sam Maguire Cup.
Perched on an elevated site overlooking Croagh Patrick, one of Knockranny House Hotel’s biggest draws is the view of the mountain and Clew Bay islands on a clear day.
The hotel is a short 10-minute walk from Westport town centre, making it an ideal location to base yourself for exploring the bustling town of Westport.
While there are plenty of options for dining out in Westport, Knockranny House Hotel’s restaurant, La Fougère/The Fern Grill, serves up everything from roast crown of pigeon and Irish venison to smash burgers and seafood linguini.
The hotel also has its own pool and spa – Spa Salveo – which offers a thermal suite with a brine inhalation room, aromatherapy grotto, herbal sauna, scented steam room, monsoon shower, and hydrotherapy body massage stations.
Contemporary style meets exceptional comfort at The Ellison Hotel, centrally located in Castlebar.
Just steps from Castlebar’s shopping, nightlife, and culture, the hotel is also well-placed to explore the Wild Atlantic Way.
The four-star hotel offers creative cocktails and drinks in the Sian Bar and chef-created meals from breakfast to à la carte dinner in the hotel restaurant.
Those who like to keep fit while away can visit the Fitness Suite featuring a state-of-the-art selection of cardiovascular and strength and conditioning equipment or opt to get some fresh air at the nearby Lough Lannagh or Castlebar Greenway Network.
Arguably one of the most iconic hotels in the maritime county, Ice House in Ballina is well-known for its prime setting overlooking the River Moy estuary.
The hotel’s waterside setting offers unspoilt views across to Belleek Woods and of the River Moy estuary, which guests of the Chill Spa, which offers al fresco hot tubs and seaweed bath treatments, can especially enjoy.
The hotel’s location in North Mayo also means you are within a short distance of some of the most popular attractions Mayo has to offer, including Foxford Woolen Mills, Downpatrick Head and the Céide Fields.
And if you prefer not to venture too far and take in everything the hotel has to offer, dinner is served at 54° 9° Restaurant, offering a menu full of imaginative dishes with local colour.
Ashford Castle is renowned for the VIP treatment of its guests, exceptional staff, superb food and lavish surroundings.
Located on the shores of Lough Corrib and tucked into a 350-acre estate of woodlands, the fairytale-like Irish castle is in a class of its own.
The 800-year-old castle, full of character, charm and luxury, allows guests to fully immerse themselves in the surroundings by taking a walk in the woodland, relaxing with a treatment in the spa, enjoying a workout, swim, sauna or steam in the Éalú health and fitness centre set in the woods, or even taking an afternoon hawk walk with Ireland’s School of Falconry.
There is so much to do, you won’t need to leave the grounds of Ashford Castle. Plan to soak up everything the property has to offer.
For memorable four-star luxury, look no further than the peaceful setting of the Mount Falcon Estate in Ballina.
The hotel boasts tastefully furnished superior rooms, suites and Lakeside Lodges to suit every visitor.
Guests can relax with a full range of beauty therapies in the spa or join in the hawk walk, clay shooting, salmon fishing and birds of prey experiences on offer.
Foodies will also be left satisfied by the focal point of dining at Mount Falcon – The Kitchen Restaurant, keeping with the traditions of the world-renowned Mount Falcon Fishing and Country Estate with dishes that are Irish through and through, and prepared using fresh local produce.
Breaffy Woods Hotel combines old world charm and impressive facilities on over 100 acres of Mayo countryside, The hotel, known for its state-of-the-art spa, leisure centre and sports arena, is one of the few notably family-friendly spa hotels in Mayo, and has its own Kids Club activities during school holidays.
The hotel also boasts ample choice when it comes to dining so you don’t have to head out to eat.
Guests can enjoy a meal at the Mulberry Restaurant, which was recently awarded Good Food Ireland Membership, or tuck into pub grub at Healy Mac’s Irish Bar.
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