Out and About

Make the Ice House your springboard to experiencing Mayo and more…

Yes, it’s tempting to simply relax in the serenity of the Ice House. But exploring our wider surroundings will add another dimension of enjoyment to your time here…

Ballina lies at the heart of Mayo. Across the county, untamed landscapes and centuries of history and culture cohabit with high-octane surfing, sedate strolls, blissful beaches and some of Ireland’s finest fishing.

Whether you fish or cruise the magnificent River Moy, its beauty is inescapable. Equally striking are coastline features like the Dun Briste Sea Stack off Downpatrick Head and the 806m, Nephin, a mountain which dominates the inland landscape, 25km southwest from the Ice House.

At the awe-inspiring Céide Fields, trace the footsteps of our neolithic ancestors who laid out these enclosures over 5000 years ago. Alternatively, follow in the tracks of golfers like Rory McIlroy, Padraig Harrington, Shane Lowry, Nick Faldo and Darren Clarke. These superstars, plus countless other players, have taken on nearby courses such as Enniscrone, Carne (Belmullet), Ballina, Strandhill and Sligo and Rosses Point.

Ballina sits at Mayo's heart, rich in history and culture

The River Moy offers unparalleled beauty for fishing and cruising

Noteworthy landmarks are the Dun Briste Sea Stack and Nephin mountain

The ancient Céide Fields showcase a 5,000-year-old legacy

Renowned golfers have graced nearby courses like Enniscrone and Strandhill

Cruising

Enjoy the fresh air and all the beauty surrounding the River Moy with a relaxing cruise.

Fishing

Fishing breaks in Ireland don’t get much better than this.

Surfing

Find the perfect swell and plan your surfing break in Mayo

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Rachel's Irish Adventure

Tailor-made & private tours for families and small groups.

Ballina Bike Hire

Enjoy the undulating and scenic West of Ireland by bike

Ballina Treasure Hunt

Do you want to spend a refreshing day outside?

The Wild Atlantic Way

Experience the Wild Atlantic Way your way with a stay at the Ice House in Ballina

Walks & Beaches

Mayo offers diverse walking trails, unspoiled landscapes, historical features, and scenic routes...

GOLF

For golfing in Mayo, the Ice House is placed to a tee. Within easy shooting distance of some of the country’s best links and parkland courses and with a team on hand happy to organise everything for you, it’s the perfect place to stay and play. Enniscrone, Carne (Belmullet), Ballina, Strandhill, Sligo and Rosses Point all offer different levels of difficulty yet all are just a short drive away.

THE CEIDE FIELDS

Just a short drive from the Ice House lie the Ceide Fields, one of Mayo’s most famous tourist attractions, this is the oldest known field system in the world. A unique Neolithic landscape with megalithic tombs preserved beneath a blanket of peat, it has changed our perception of our Stone Age ancestors. Visit the multi award winning visitor centre and let it change yours too.

Retrace the footsteps of Irish history at – Ceide Fields

FOXFORD WOOLLEN MILLS

Step back in time to experience Irish life as it was in the 1800’s at the award winning Foxford Woollen Mills Visitor Centre, just a short drive from the Ice House. Enjoy a multimedia tour, see a working mill as it runs today, get a taste for the tradition, design and craftsmanship that has been passed down for generations. And best of all… Ice House guests enjoy a 10% discount at Foxford Woollen Mills.

Find out more about this wonderful woven world – HERE

CONNACHT WHISKEY DISTILLERY

The Connacht Distillery sits on the banks of the beautiful River Moy in Ballina, County Mayo. It was set-up to bring pure pot still Irish whiskey back to the West of Ireland after an absence of over 100 years. They distill and barrel spirits on site and offer small interactive tours including a chance to sample their Whiskey and spirits.

Book Distillery tours – HERE

JACKIE CLARKE MUSEUM

Located in Ballina, this is the most important private collection of Irish history material in public hands, comprising over 100,000 items spanning 400 years. It includes artifacts associated with Theobald Wolfe Tone; letters from Michael Collins, Douglas Hyde, Michael Davitt and O’Donovan Rossa. It also contains rare books, proclamations, posters, political cartoons, pamphlets, handbills, works by Sir John Lavery, maps, hunger strike material and personal items from Leaders of the 1916 Rising. Thousands of items can be seen on display in the Jackie Clarke Collection.

Take a look at more information about the collection – HERE

BROADHAVEN IRISH TOURS

Broadhaven Irish Tours explores Mayo’s ancient Neolithic history and stunning scenery. From fishing to dining in beautiful restaurants, which sell locally caught seafood, it’s an experience you’ll never forget and an uniquely amazing way of seeing the best of Mayo.

SIMPLY SUP – STAND UP PADDLING

Whether you’ve tried Stand Up Paddling before or fancy trying something new, Dianne and the team at Simply SUP will give you a unique view of Lough Conn and River Moy from a stand-up paddleboard. Immerse yourself in an amazing gentle, low-impact, all-over workout all whilst taking in the stunning scenery and having great fun.

Simply SUP offers everything from Beginners lessons to Improver stand-up paddling sessions. To find out more, check out their website – HERE

Take a look at 50 things to do in North Mayo – a handy guide with lots of ideas and activities to enjoy – HERE