A deluxe riverside bedroom in the Ice House Hotel, Ballina.

Mayo hotel on the Wild Atlantic Way featured prominently in US newspapers

The Ice House Hotel in Ballina has been featured in a recent Chicago Tribune article all about exploring the Wild Atlantic Way.

The Chicago Tribune is considered one of the major newspapers in the US, and its website has a daily readership of 3,201,292.

The charming article follows writer John Carpenter as he travels with his family across the north west of Ireland, staying in the Ice House Hote, with its stunning views of the River Moy. Commenting on his decision to stay in the Ice House, John said: “I was sold on its riverside location and restaurant reviews.”

Having first appeared in the Chicago Tribune in early March, the article was quickly republished in over 50 newspapers across the USA, from New York to Hawaii. Readers of the Indiana Gazette, the Kansas City Star and the Arkansas Democrat Gazette followed John on his journey along 'the ocean road to the picturesque village of Westport'. The potential readership to date of the article is over 17 million readers.

Commenting on the article, Niall Kerins, general manager of the Ice House Hotel, said: “Mr. Carpenter’s article highlights the superb location and surroundings of the Ice House Hotel. When it is safe to travel again, we are looking forward to welcoming back visitors from the USA. It is my hope that this travel piece inspires them to make plans to visit Ireland and Mayo.”

According to Tourism Ireland, the United States is this country's second largest source market, after Great Britain, in terms of visitor numbers. US visitors tend to stay longer, spend more and tour more extensively around the island than some other visitors.

The Ice House is located in an iconic building overlooking the spectacular and ever-changing River Moy at the Quay in Ballina. It comprises 32 ultra-luxurious bedrooms and suites, featuring underfloor heating, goose down duvets and pillows, and Voya lotions and potions. The Ice House is a member of Ireland’s Blue Book, a unique collection of Irish country house hotels, manor houses, castles, luxury hotels and restaurants representing the finest of the country’s hospitality, accommodations and cuisine.