THE WILD ATLANTIC WAY
Stretching for 2,500 km along Ireland’s Atlantic Coast from Donegal in the North to Cork in the South, experience the Wild Atlantic Way your way with a stay at The Ice House in Ballina. The perfect base to discover the unspoilt beauty of North Mayo's rugged Wild Atlantic Way coastline.
Lying at the mouth of the River Moy, renowned for its world class angling and salmon fishing, near Killala Bay and a stone’s throw from the stunning dunes and beach at Enniscrone, a renowned surfer’s paradise. With the Ox Mountains to the east and the Nephin Mountains to the west, The Ice House is close to many trails and hiking paths to suit even the most leisurely of strollers all the way up to the serious mountain trekkers.
Visit the historic Rosserk Friary, the beautiful woodlands of Belleek, the Neolithic clifftop settlement of the Céide Fields, or visit the world famous Foxford Woollen Mills as part of your Wild Atlantic Way route from The Ice House. Or catch the perfect swell at Enniscrone or Easkey and surf the wild Atlantic waves.
After your Wild Atlantic Way excursions, relax at the soothing Chill Spa and indulge in a signature Ice House Chill Spa treatment, soak in a bath of hot Atlantic-seawater and hand-harvested seaweed from the Atlantic Sea, a traditional marine cure therapy native to Ireland. Then chill in our steaming riverside hot tubs, bliss.
WILD NEPHIN/BALLYCROY NATIONAL PARK
One of Ireland’s six national parks, Ballycroy National Park stretches across 15,000 hectares and contains the largest expanse of active Atlantic blanket bog in Ireland and Western Europe. Situated in northwest Mayo, the Park is comprised of mountains, blanket bog, rivers, heathlands and forestry as well as being home to several protected species including Peregrine falcon, merlin, golden plover and the red grouse.
Wild Nephin National Park is also designated as the Mayo International Dark Sky Park and was awarded gold-tier status resulting from the lack of light pollution. This provides visitors with an unrivalled view of the night sky with opportunities for pristine stargazing on a clear night.
MAYO WALKS
Mayo’s largely unspoiled, clean countryside, unique scenery, rich heritage and folklore mark it as ideal walking destination. The variety of walks on offer may combine to offer an unrivaled and unforgettable experience for walking tourists.
BELLEEK WOODS
This trail comprises of a wooded area of the former Belleek estate. There are many historical features to be seen along the trail, including a hermitage, ice house and a wall built during the Irish Famine (1845).
ENNISCRONE BEACH
Enniscrone of the golden sunsets boasts a 3 mile uninterrupted sandy beach, suitable for a romantic stroll, or for the more energetic, a good power walk.
CROSSMOLINA LOOP WALKS
A series of Loop Walks were developed in the Crossmolina area. The Walking Trails consist of Local Town Walks, Woodland (Heritage) Walks and Mountain Walks.
SLIGO WAY
The Sligo Way is a marked walking trail starting at Lough Talt. Following the general line of the Ox Mountains this very scenic trail runs from Lough Talt on the Sligo/Mayo border to Dromahair at the south-east end of Lough Gill.
CROAGH PATRICK MOUNTAIN
It is the third highest mountain in County Mayo. Normally, it takes about two hours for the average person to reach the summit, and one and a half hours to descend.
KNOCKNAREA MOUNTAIN
The relatively easy walk will take approximately 45 to 60 minutes and leads to a mound of stones at the top known as Queen Meaves Grave – Connaughts legendary queen.