Driven by Adventure, inspired by Defender. In the latest instalment of our travel series, we head to Mayo seek out the spots that make the county well worth a road trip.
Where to stay
Ice House Hotel
Overlooking the River Moy, the Ice House Hotel’s tranquil setting matches the peaceful environment that has been created at the luxury hotel and spa. Outdoor baths provide a scenic retreat for a seaweed soak or mud bath at the Chill Spa, while the floor-to-ceiling glass walls of the indoor relaxation rooms offer a picturesque view of the surrounding countryside. The hotel’s rooms and suites bring old-world charm and contemporary design together to elegantly blend with the surrounding environment.
Mulranny Park Hotel
Further south, Mulranny Park Hotel is encompassed by the outstanding beauty that Mayo has to offer. A stone’s throw from Clew Bay and some of its spectacular beaches, the hotel provides a peaceful pit-stop for discovering the land, be it nearby Achill Island, a pilgrimage up Croagh Patrick, or just seeing where the windy roads take you.
Mount Falcon Estate
An elegant country estate set on 100 acres of woodland, Mount Falcon Hotel is luxury escapism in Mayo. Whether you’re treating yourself to an afternoon in the spa, a morning on the golf course, or fishing along the River Moy, you won’t be short of things to do. Although if none of these are to your liking, there are plenty of open fires and cosy corners to settle yourself in, so you’ll struggle to leave.
Where to eat
An Port Mor
Focusing on creating a menu that utilises the best of Irish produce, An Port Mór is a culinary masterclass in modern Irish cooking. The daily changing menu by chef/owner Frankie Mallon is inspired by local produce – the seafood comes from Clew Bay, meat from nearby Newport, as well as produce from other small producers across the country, creating mouthwatering dishes that are full of flavour without any of the added fuss.
The Tavern Bar and Restaurant
Arguably the most rewarding pint of Guinness and bowl of chowder you’ll have after a hike up Croagh Patrick, The Tavern Bar & Restaurant does ‘pub grub’ really well. Slightly outside of Westport, it’s worth a trip here for their chowder alone, but the menu is filled with local seafood dishes – think open crab sandwiches, seafood pie, Killary steamed mussels – as well as some pub classics for the non-fish lover.
Pure Magic, Achill
Serving up wood-fired pizzas in the beautiful surrounds of Achill Island, Pure Magic is a guaranteed crowd pleaser. The restaurant, set at the lodge where visitors to the watersports company can stay, is known for its fresh and tasty pizzas, each named after an area of Mayo – Dugort, Keem, the list goes on – but also offers delicious brunch throughout the day. Diners can expect good food in a lovely, relaxed environment, and live music most nights of the week.
Where to shop
Foxford
With over 130 years’ experience in Irish design, Foxford is a luxury brand that brings new life to Irish traditions through its textiles and homeware. Weaving their throws, blankets and scarves on site, visitors to Foxford can catch a glimpse into the design process and history of the beautiful products available to buy in the shop. This isn’t a quick stop shop, you’ll want to take your time enjoying the craftsmanship that goes into every product in the shop, not to mention enjoying the delicious food that the shop’s cafe is creating – freshly made salads, quiches, sweet treats and more; ample fuel for the road.
Rua
Having gained a reputation for great coffee and food in Castlebar, Rua expanded to a deli and shop on Spencer Street a couple of years ago, selling the finest artisan produce under one roof. Whether you’re picking up souvenirs for home, such as Valentia Island Vermouth or Achill Island Sea Salt, or getting some freshly baked treats for your day out, you won’t leave Rua empty-handed.
Redfox Press Artshop & Gallery
A quirky little cottage turned shop in Dugort, Achill Island, Redfox Press is filled with prints, vintage cameras and polaroids for sale, but the real reason to visit is for the silkscreen printing and artists’ books that are made on site. Visitors will be mesmerised by the creativity in one small space, a collection of works that owners Ham and Francis have created over the years, as well as the work of other artists.
The Defender is the best in class when it comes to road trips. A master of extreme performance and exploration that will take you anywhere (with plenty of storage space), it’s a car that was made for adventure.
Learn more at landrover.ie/defender.
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