Our Room with a View at the Ballina Manor Hotel
as the name suggests, this lovely establishment of the ballina manor hotel can be found in ballina, county mayo - and i’m certain our room is the best in the place. there’s just enough space for a table for two looking out over the river moy, a king sized bed fashioned from two twins pushed together (both a common practice and brilliant idea actually) a dressing table with hairdryer conveniently perched and plugged in, a bathroom that looks to be old yet made with everything new, a cozy patio with a potted plant tryin’ desperately to bloom AND a sitting area that lets the light NOT shine in the eyes of whomever (ralph aka r) is sleeping while the other person is awake —- it’s been more than great. staff are far beyond friendly, they really look after you, especially in r’s case as he’s been coming and going now for almost 2 years. having spent the better part of nov, dec and now the full month of jan here — he’s ready for a change of scene and also the opportunity to cook. which is why we are moving away from what’s been our home away from home. today is our last day here as stay over guests — but this place is a BIG part of this town — the restaurants and bar a few floors below also share the same look out — so i will be back for sure. mostly because the first friends i’ve made work here and also because i want a place to perch to observe the gentleman fishermen i’ve been assured are both real and about to descend on this location. turns out the river moy is a fairly famous destination if you are a salmon. which also attracts folks who like to eat them. ever so grateful that this is the best place in the world to catch them — in suit coat, tie and waders. (stay tuned for more about all that)
this place is only 20ish years old but was designed by intent or default to mimic the eccentricities of a building that’s been here for hundreds of years. there’s lovely nooks in every part of the place and the floor boards both tilt and creak. we are here for the off season and so have been privy to their gussying up. to be fair, they offered to move us multiple times, but while others might be annoyed, it’s made us feel even more at home as we’ve just spent the past year(s) immersed in home improvement projects, having signed up to do more of the same once we return. besides, these guys are quite good…as the wall paper is a bit fragile, their free handing on painting the chair rail trim was most impressive.
IF you are looking to come this way — the location of the manor is right in the middle of town along the main thoroughfare (aka bustling two way street) which makes for ideal navigation within and beyond ballina. their garage is part of the deal so its also economical in terms of tucking the car away — just be very attentive as it’s all a tight fit.
