Luxury Self Catering at Mount Falcon Estate in County Mayo
If the owners of Mount Falcon Estate would let me live in one of their Woodland Lodges I would move in tomorrow.
My family arrived after a day spent in the tight quarters of our rental car. From Westport we drove Mayo's untamed portion of the Wild Atlantic Way, wind and rain alternating their battering of us as we drove the cliffs of Achill Island and explored castles once inhabited by Ireland's most famous Pirate Queen, Grace (Gráinne) O'Malley.
I dodged marble sized rain drops as I dashed from the car to the door, protected by the overhanging eaves. Unlocking the door I stepped into what felt like an Alpine cottage, open and airy, with a huge stone fireplace that stretched to the ceiling. Immediately I felt the confined car tension slip away as the spacious lodge welcomed me to its warmth.
The Woodland Lodges at Mount Falcon Estate
Perfect for family groups from 4 to 6 people, the Woodland Lodges feel like a luxury cabin in the forest. The large stone fireplace is definitely the ‘heart' of the lodge, made to be gathered around in the morning with a cuppa as you plan your day or in the evenings with a more adult beverage as you relax and relive your adventures.
Two large bedrooms are on the ground floor, one with an ensuite bath, the other with a bathroom with hallway entrance. Just behind the fireplace are steps that carry you to a spacious landing, complete with desk (in case you plan to do any work), and the huge Master Suite with king bed and ensuite bath.
A full kitchen on the lower level has everything you need (except the food!) to enjoy meals in. And the cleverly disguised washer/dryer is so nice if you've been traveling a while and your clothes need a refresher!
Enjoying Everything Mount Falcon Estate Has to Offer
Located just outside Ballina, in the far north-eastern part of Mayo, Mount Falcon Estate is perfectly situated for day trips along the Wild Atlantic Way, to the wonderful Museum of Country Life in Castlebar, or to Foxford Woolen Mills. But you don't have to leave the estate to have an amazing time.
Just exploring the grounds is wonderful. The stunning Manor House, built in 1876, overlooks an impeccable front lawn where you'll often find the lads from the falconry (read about our amazing incredible Hawk Walk) working with their hawks in the morning. Walks along pathways lead you past lakeside cottages, the family cemetery, a small megalith, and wooded trails that may be enchanted by faeries.
Bike hire, archery, clay pigeon shooting, and salmon fishing are all on offer. Of course you could just choose to relax in the spa.
Dining at Mount Falcon
Our lodge stay included breakfast in the Restaurant Kitchen. I could not get enough of the creamy Irish yogurts accompanied by breads and pastries in the Continental Breakfast selections while my husband enjoyed a daily hot breakfast, praising the Eggs Benedict and the Full Irish.
We splurged on a meal in the Kitchen Restaurant our first night which included a pre-starter, starter, middle course, main course, and petit fours. Though the menu wasn't large it was all so wonderfully described that choosing was difficult.
The girls had an easier time making choices from the kids' menu – which included a very artistic dessert plate!
As a fan of afternoon tea, I couldn't resist introducing my daughters to the sheer decadence of the ritual.
Mount Falcon's Afternoon Tea, served in the Boathole Bar, begins with your choice of tea, or a frothy hot chocolate if you're so inclined. Following your drinks are a selection of two-bite sandwiches, warm scones, and a selection of sweets filling enough to replace your evening meal.
Stay At Mount Falcon
Our stay at Mount Falcon was far too short- only 2 nights- and we never felt the need to leave the estate to keep ourselves amused and occupied.
See what others have to say about their stay at Mount Falcon Estate.
In addition to the wonderful Woodland Lodges, Mount Falcon Estate also offers rooms in the beautiful manor house as well as Lakeside and Courtyard Lodges.
Be sure to check the Activities page on the Mount Falcon website for activity deals and multi-day package stays.
Our many thanks to Mount Falcon Estate for hosting our Woodlands Lodge stay.
Dining costs – our dinner in the Kitchen Restaurant and Afternoon Tea – were paid for by us.
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