Three Mayo hotels make prestigious Top 100 list
Three Mayo hotel have been named on the list of Top 100 hotel in Ireland compiled by the Irish Independent.
They are Ice House, Ballina (58th), Mulranny Park Hotel (70th) and Knockranny Hotel, Westport (100th).
Travel writer Pól Ó Conghaile explained the rationale behind his selections.
He stated: "It’s subjective, based on my own experience, tastes and travels. It focuses on the island’s hotels through one filter: me.
"I respect big chains and brands. But I love stays with minds of their own, that combine business smarts with creativity, that reflect and support their communities – be it fish battered with a local beer, or spaces brought to life by happy, engaged staff.
"As a reminder, each year, the number one moves to the Irish Independent’s Hotel Hall of Fame, and is retired from future lists. That means Harvey’s Point (2025) now joins Ashford Castle (2024), Kelly’s (2023) and Adare Manor (2022) in our honour roll."
His comments on the three selected Mayo hotels are as follows
ICE HOUSE, BALLINA
This luxury layover is as close to its watery landscape as is possible to be.
Practically paddling in the River Moy, with views over Belleek Woods on the opposite bank, it takes full advantage with its Chill Spa, river-view rooms and waterside terrace.
The four-star Blue Book stay is a reimagination of a former ice house on the site, with an eye-catching mix of history and contemporary notes – in outdoor baths, or whitewashed stone of its barrel-vaulted 54° 9° Restaurant.
MULRANNY PARK HOTEL
Set between Nephin mountains and Clew Bay (with the Great Western Greenway running by) this quirky old hotel is now open year-round and has a spa to go with its 20-metre pool and stellar views.
Indulgences at Ériu Spa, named for the Celtic goddess of land and sea, include peat, salt and seaweed baths (a relaxation room will follow soon), and its 2AA Rosette restaurant is loaded with local goodies – a starter of ‘wild Atlantic seafood variations’, for example, is stocked with baked Newport oyster, battered calamari, prawn tempura and Keem Bay oak-smoked salmon.
Autumn is a good time for midweek offers, some with yoga.
KNOCKRANNY HOUSE HOTEL, WESTPORT
Adrian and Geraldine Noonan’s hotel brings stunning Croagh Patrick and Clew Bay views, Salveo Spa (note that children’s pool hours are quite restricted) and generous room sizes.
It’s dating in places, but has some charming local notes – a Rhuby Jim gin cocktail, for example, honours Adrian’s father using rhubarb from his land, and guests can avail of hotel discounts on experiences like Kylemore Abbey or Clew Bay cruises.
Long-time head chef Seamus Commons helms the kitchen at The Fern Grill (beef is cooked on a Basque charcoal grill). There’s an organic garden, too