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Bubbles n' Bliss: A chilled out Blue Book break in Ballina
Independent.ie
Our break got off to a great start when we ditched rain sodden Dublin for beautiful spring sunshine in Ballina, Co Mayo.
https://www.independent.ie/life/travel/ireland/bubbles-n-bliss-a-chilled-out-blue-book-break-in-ballina-37996742.html
https://www.independent.ie/life/travel/article36384359.ece/6d7ee/AUTOCROP/h342/ice%20house.jpg
Our break got off to a great start when we ditched rain sodden Dublin for beautiful spring sunshine in Ballina, Co Mayo.
After three hours on the road, we arrived at the Ice House… and what a welcome. The historic building, originally known as the Iceland Cottage, is nestled into the banks of the River Moy and effortlessly blends the old and new.
The hotel makes the absolute most of its natural landscape and when you step in to the lobby everything seems to just melt away. Checking into our spacious room we were greeted by a dessert of macaroons… I was won over already.
A trip to the luxurious Chill Spa and all is right with the world. There's plenty of beauty to explore beyond the hotels door, but there's just as much to keep you right where you are.
Guilty pleasure
While it may seem a tad lazy, getting breakfast sent to your room in the Ice House is a real treat. What could be better than tucking into a hearty brekkie with the River Moy sweeping past your window? The views from the rooms are so good you will want to soak them up as much as you can.
Cheap kick
Enniscrone Beach is one of the countrys most majestic natural beauty spots. Crossing the Sligo border it is just a 15 minute drive from the Ice House and a great place to go for a stroll.
Bordered on one side by towering dunes, the beach seems to extend as far as the eye can see. Enniscrone is popular with surfers and also boasts one of the countrys most revered links golf courses.
If you are feeling brave enough a bracing dip in the Atlantic will certainly get rid of any cobwebs. Sometimes the best things in life really are free.
Top tip
Afternoon tea is a great way to lazily spend a day.
The Ice House dedicates a space for guests to indulge their taste buds with Head Chef Anthony Hollands creations. Neat but hearty sandwiches followed by an array of desserts will leave you battling to make room for dinner, and the Connemara smoked salmon perched on treacle bread was a real winner.
The views of the Moy are almost as delectable as the food. Afternoon tea is on the menu between 2pm and 5pm and starts at €25 per person. Advanced booking is advised.
Insider intel
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