I would like to report that my fly-fishing expedition at the Mount Falcon Estate in Mayo bore ample rewards. That I came away with an impressive haul of trout – so big that there was nothing left for the other guests to catch.
That is what I would like to report. However Michael, the Mount Falcon fly-fishing instructor, looks like the sort of gentlemen with great taste in newspapers. So, I can’t run the risk of him reading of my blatant deception.
In truth, on the crisp January afternoon on which I took to the lake, which cuts through the 100- acre Ballina estate, my complete inability to grasp the concept of fly-fishing became very apparent, very quickly.
But while my attempt to catch anything was largely fruitless, as with all of the outdoor pursuits this Mayo resort has to offer, giving it a go is half the fun.
I did cut myself some slack, however, because not only was this my first time fly-fishing, it was my first time fishing, period.
And it would transpire that this two-day getaway would go on to offer many firsts.
The next of which was: clay pigeon shooting. Something for which thankfully I showed more of an aptitude.
It turned out to be among my favorite activities from the weekend. The experience was surprisingly cathartic. The inexplicable joy of striking a clay target as it rapidly launches into the air is unparalleled.
Irrational fears of shooting any actual pigeons that may be lurking overhead are soon dispelled.
After an action-packed first day, it was time to retire back to the elegant 19th-century Victorian, Gothic Manor. The rooms in Mount Falcon are spacious, comfortable and great value for money, but if you have organised your trip wisely – you won’t be spending very much time in your room at all.
For the ‘wow factor’ Mount Falcon offers two exquisite suites that will provide you with all of the luxury of Mayo’s Ashford Castle for a fraction of the price. A stay in the luxury Connors Gap or Wallpoll suites can be purchased for as little as €258 per night.
Complete with the original bathtubs, (which, I was shown, exhibit plastered-over bullet holes) these suites are the epitome of Victorian romance. And to ease your worries I am reliably informed that the bullet holes are from an era passed, (and not resulting from the frustration of some other poor soul equally useless at fly-fishing.)
Come evening, it was time to dine in Mount Falcon’s ‘The Kitchen Restaurant’ something The finedining restaurant served up plate after plate of excellence. Duck falling off the bone, brill cooked to perfection and a mouth-watering chocolate fondant I can only describe as a religious experience.
The charmingly attentive French maître d’ adds wonderfully to the ambiance. Complete with an extensive wine list and in an unmistakably romantic setting – equipped with two roaring fireplaces, exposed brick walls and dotted with candles – if you’re in the market, a last-minute Valentine’s Day booking, if you can get one, comes highly recommended.
Breakfast the next morning was also wonderful. And while the afternoon tea failed to blow me away, food from the bar menu the following evening was equally delicious as the previous night’s meal, if not considerably more casual.
For me, what makes this four-star resort truly special is the plethora of outdoor pursuits it has to offer and I saw to it that my final day would be spent once more, enjoying as many as possible.
On the agenda was a hawk walk with falconer Laura who greeted me ever so nonchalantly with a barn owl calmly perched on her arm. She escorted me to a pen which housed a parliament of owls along with some falcons. Laura, described in detail the traits of each of the birds as they flew past us in succession being fed, weighed and returned to their perches.
Phoenix the falcon however would go on to join us on a walk through the woods.
If you have never heard of a ‘hawk walk’ let me explain. While Phoenix resided in the trees overhead looking for prey – donning a large brown falconry glove, I was handed feed (the gory details of which I will not go into) for Phoenix to swoop down to and devour. This was a real treat.
Phoenix dwelt on the base of my arm, after the food was gone, allowing me to walk with her for several yards before she returned to a towering tree once more, for the process to repeat itself.
Shane Maloney, who owns Mount Falcon along with his family, told me it’s a place where he indulges all of the outdoor pursuits he so loved during his childhood – and that’s clear to see.
Mount Falcon is so much more than the stunning 32-bed Victorian hotel. What makes it truly special is the nature that encircles it.
And while admittedly, I did indulge in some spa treatments in between my spate of adventures, the shooting, hawk-walking, biking, trekking and even my abysmal fishing, are the fondest memories I will take away from my weekend at Mount Falcon, Co. Mayo.
Travel facts:
Set on a private stretch of the River Moy, Mount Falcon offers fishing, clay-pigeon shooting, archery, golfing, bike hire and falconry.
It also has as pool, spa and gym. Mount Falcon is part of the Manor House Hotels group – a collection of 19 luxury Irish boutique hotels and castles.
There are 32 bedrooms and 45 luxury lodges. Rooms start at €75 per night pps. Three-bedroom lodges start at €250 per night while four-bedroom lodges start at €300. For more, see mountfalcon.com.
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