Hotel Snapshot
Located about a three-and-a-half-hour drive west of Dublin in County Mayo, Ireland— one of the country’s most photogenic areas—Mount Falcon is a late 19th-century grand estate turned boutique hotel. Situated amid 100 acres of woodlands and along the banks of the Atlantic salmon replete River Moy, the property was built by the famed Irish architect James Franklin Fuller. The Maloney family owns and runs it today, and Alan Maloney is always around to welcome and socialize with guests.
Like any hotel with character, you feel like a friend of the family when you’re here and are remiss to leave when your stay comes to an end.
Design & Character
The 19th-century Baronial limestone manor house is transportive with its original features still intact. These include wood paneling, fireplaces, and stone walls. You could very well be a lord of that time period when you’re here, and the staff sure treats you that way with their obliging service and genuine care. The expansive woodlands and their trails add to the grandeur and time-travel setting.
The Rooms
Mount Falcon has 32 rooms. They’re all spacious and feature high ceilings, cornices, traditional furniture, and soft, tranquil colours, which mirror the scenic woodlands outside the windows. The bathrooms have double sinks, plus separate soaking tubs and showers. The White Company London toiletry products are top quality and smell divine.
Food & Drink
The Boathole Bar and Tom Doyle’s Kitchen Restaurant, offering Irish classics, are social hubs. During my visit, I found both filled with hotel guests and locals, who all want to chat up with you and are looking for a great time. They’re definitely in the mood to dine and imbibe. It’s a night in the country after all, so what else is there to do but eat and drink?
Come to Boathole Bar for a pint, whisky, or a glass of wine before dinner. Go again after your meal for another round, and linger until late. The scene here can stretch until the early morning hours.
When it comes to eating, Alan Maloney promises that the Kitchen Restaurant serves the best steak and seafood dishes on the western seaboard. The possibilities include a variety of prime beef cut dry-aged steaks, an aged beef fillet tartare, a delicate and delicious grilled local black bass with parsley butter, and a local cod with a chickpea ragout. I’m convinced the latter is the tastiest cod dish I’ve ever had.
Please don’t skip dessert. The sweet finishes on the menu include a caramelized apple tart with custard and a steamed ginger and orange sponge cake with clotted cream.
Amenities
Mount Falcon offers plenty of activities to keep you busy during your stay. Resident falconers guide guests on engaging Hawk Walks and can arrange for a falconery experience, where you interact and handle these majestic birds yourself. You can also take fly casting lessons on the property’s lake, try your hand at clay pigeon shooting, or go out for a day on the river to fish for Atlantic salmon.
If you’re looking to relax, head to the heated pool, soak in the hot tub, hit the steam room, or book a massage in the intimate spa.
Location & Neighbourhood Recs
Exploring North Mayo and the Wild Atlantic Way are a must, and Mount Falcon’s location, minutes from Ballina town with its thriving pub and music scene, makes it the perfect jumping off point. Other worthwhile attractions in the vicinity include Downpatrick Head, which is a scenic swath of coast with history and picture-taking opportunities galore, Enniscrone Beach, Black Sod Lighthouse, Wild Nephin National Park, and Achill Island.
Golfers take note: The hotel is near globally acclaimed courses, including Carne Golf Links, Enniscrone Golf Club, and Strandhill Golf Links.
Fast Facts
Location: Ballina, County Mayo, Ireland
Rating: Four-Star
The Vibe: Warm and welcoming home away from home in manor house luxury, set along the Wild Atlantic Way.
Room Count: 32 hotel rooms plus Lakeside and Woodland lodges
Starting Rate: From approximately Euro €290 per night, the equivalent of around $343
Dining: Lunch and dinner served in Tom Doyle’s Kitchen Restaurant, located in the original kitchen and storehouse. Drinks are in the Boathole Bar, and Afternoon Tea is served in the Morning Room.
Our Favorite Thing About the Hotel: The living in another era setting and the staff’s genuine hospitality and care.
Closest Airport: Around 40 minutes from Ireland West (Knock) Airport
