Sustainability

At The Ice House Hotel we make an effort to do better for our people and the environment around us, our team, and our suppliers. 

 

Energy efficiency

All of our lighting is powered by LED efficient fittings to minimise energy usage. A sensor lighting programme is being rolled out in Winter 2023.

We are working closely with the SEAI team and will be rolling out a whole energy efficiency program over 2024/2025 which will involve the installation of three heat pumps and solar panelling to operate all lighting and power in the hotel.

 

Water

We have removed single-use plastic water bottles from our bedrooms and offer filtered water to all guest rooms in reusable glass bottles. We offer guests in the restaurant filtered water rather than promoting bottled water. We offer water filter stations with compostable cups or guests are encouraged to bring their own sustainable flasks or bottles. 

 

Sustainable food menu

We buy as much as we can locally or from the region which is locally sourced produce.

The menu features items all in season.

Beef:                Mc Hale Butchers in Castlebar, a family butchers that source meats from the region.

Breakfast Items: Kelly’s in Newport, we source all our bacon, sausage and puddings from them where they have their own farm that produces these items.

Vegetables:       Falcon Fruits is a local vegetable shop in Ballina.

Lamb:               Calveys of Achill, all Lamb is sourced from Achill the home of our Head Chef Anthony Holland who grew up with this Lamb producer.

Fish:                   Joe Garvin in Killala which is all caught off the west coast of Ireland.

 

We have a relationship with Enniscoe House Heritage Centre and Gardens and use their organic-grown vegetable and fruits that are in season. Enniscoe House is also an Ireland’s Blue Book property.

 

Products

Our Room and spa amenities are organic and from local Irish supplier VOYA which is based in Co. Sligo.

We have removed all single-use amenity bottles from our rooms and have replaced them with larger multi-use products.

We encourage all our guests to reuse towels and robes during their stay.

 

Community

The Ice House is a significant donor to Jackie Clarke Library.

We are the main sponsor of the Ballina Fringe Festival which happens every year.

The owner is deeply passionate about Irish Art and the Hotel is filled with well-established and emerging Irish Artists. From Hughie O’Donoghue, Mick O’Dea, Martin Gale, Charles Tyrell, Michael Farrell and John Devlin. All these artists have their paintings on display throughout the hotel. The owners like to work with IMMA and source new paintings that can be showcased in the hotel so our guests have the joy of seeing these wonderful creations.

 

Giving Back

Since 2010, we have donated over €250,000 to charity.

 

Our Suppliers

We prioritise local suppliers and produce from within Ireland and our local region, e.g.  Foxford Woollen Mills, Archers, Trevor Morrows Furniture, Darren Beattie Electrical, and Hallquar Builders to name a few.

 

Local Employment

70% of our team live within 20 miles/locally.

 

Our People

We are dedicated to the support of our teams and value their contributions.

We provide ongoing training and development to our team here throughout the year so they can evolve and provide the best customer service and quality of product while thinking of the environment.

With the SEAI program coming online next year we will be training our team on more ways to be sustainable in the workplace and home life.

 

Waste

We recycle 50% of all our waste.

 

Sustainable experiences we promote to our guests:

Rachel’s Outdoor Adventures

Simply Sup on The Moy

The Mary Robinson Centre, opening in 2024

Connacht Distillery

Ceide Fields

Irish Country Life Museum   

Harbour Sup & Sail Enniscrone

Belleek Woods

Enniscrone Beach

Wild Atlantic Way