Set at the mouth of the River Moy, near Killala Bay, Ballina is County Mayo’s largest urban area. With a population of 10,000+ residents, this town in the Republic of Ireland is authentic and ripe for exploring. Located on River Moy, Ice House Hotel and Chill Spa is, indeed, a great place to relax and chill on holiday.
My husband and I had been traveling by car through Ireland, staying at fabulous castles and manor houses. Ice House was the complete opposite of Mount Juliet Estate in Kilkenny or Cashel House with it’s historic roots in Connemara on the Wild Atlantic Way. While Ice House also sits on the path of the Wild Atlantic Way, this modern glass jewel, a former fish storage house, offers serenity and relaxation on the water’s edge. In fact, I wish I’d had more time to explore this area in the Moy valley with the Ox Mountains to the east and the beach town of Sligo nearby.
With 32 rooms and suites, 4 heritage rooms honor the Ice House historic past, while the others have a modern and sleek architectural focus. Other room options are deluxe rooms and heritage rooms. We were fortunate to stay in one of the 8 spa suites that look out to the River Moy. The riverside suites offer a large living area, bedroom and spacious balcony next to the water. The suite are located on the same level, near Chill Spa.
Bathrooms in the suites include heated floors, separate bath and walk in shower. Whether you stay in a spa suite or deluxe room, all guests receive in room bath amenities from the Voya Spa product line. Additionally, all Ice House hotel guests have access to the garden and thermal area at Chill Spa. You’ll pay a separate fee for a spa treatment, I recommend the deep tissue massage.
If I lived closer, I’d arrange a spa day with girlfriends and eat at the on-site Pier Restaurant. Their seafood and produce is sourced locally and the desserts are delicious – try the chocolate brownie.
Breakfast is served daily in the restaurant or room service is available. The Ice House breakfast menu includes Continental Breakfast Buffet, as well as full traditional Irish Breakfast with Chef Kelly’s award winning sausages, black & white pudding, Irish bacon, grilled tomato, sauteed mushrooms and is served with free range eggs cooked any way.
- Get a universal plug adapter
- Get an eSim to be able to use your smartphone abroad.
- Get a Car Rental
- Search for Great Tours HERE
- Buy Travel Insurance
Room rates start at $150 -$318, plus tax, depending on availability. As always, check the website for current prices. You can also check prices on Booking.com. Ice House Hotel & Chill Spa is a member of Ireland’s Blue Book.
Review and photos by Nancy D. Brown, Bay Area Travel Writer and spa aficionado. Her stay was a hosted by Ice House Hotel will exploring County Mayo, but as always, her thoughts and opinions are her own.
