GM thefrontnine Golfing Getaways
Downhill House Hotel True Irish Hospitality in County Mayo
LaurenShiraka
Poised at the banks of the Brosna River, a tributary of the salmon-filled River Moy, the Downhill House Hotel offers a sense of historical integrity coupled with modern amenity. Not often can a toptier hotel claim to be run by three generations of the same family. However, the Moylett family has lovingly safeguarded the Downhill House in Ballina, County Mayo since 1936. Embodying the ideals of both family and Irish hospitality, the Moyletts have successfully run the hotel for 72 years with the resounding motto: “Let our family look after yours.” Under the family’s careful guidance, the Downhill House has tastefully matured from a charming private residence to one of the finest hotels in all of Ireland. Basking in the shade of Copper Beech and Cherry Blossom trees, the Downhill estate is impressive from first glance. Keeping to its original design, the Downhill House has retained the architecture of a genuine country home despite contemporary additions and renovations. Pastoral elegance sweeps across the estate’s rich, surrounding greens into a stylishly open lobby, and up into the hotel’s 60 attractively adorned bedrooms. A soothing stay waits in the Downhill’s supremely styled guest rooms. Deep-coloured woods, Forest Green and Burgundy tapestries, and plush furniture create a rustic, woodland feel to accentuate an already quaint countryside retreat. While all rooms are unique, they all share breathtaking views of the Ballina countryside and Brosna waterfalls. Aside from aesthetic appeal, all guest rooms come dressed with an en-suite bath and shower, cable television, Wi-Fi Internet access, complimentary tea and coffee facilities as well as top-quality room service. In addition to its deluxe bedrooms, Downhill offers both master and family suites. The master suite is ideal for anyone craving a little extra extravagance. The suite’s lavish, antique furnishings, floor-to-ceiling windows, king-sized canopy bed and Jacuzzi bath are sure to whet any appetite for luxury. For those seeking a family-friendly stay, larger family suites are the perfect option. These suites afford spacious bedrooms furnished with a double and two single beds.
With many excellent courses just minutes away, Downhill House is a veritable haven for the golf enthusiast. The nearby Enniscrone Golf Club is home to a 2008 IGTOA Irish Golf Course, composed of 6,228 metres, 18 holes and a par of 73. Surrounded by five kilometres of beach in the north and the River Moy Estuary in the south, Enniscrone Links is shaped from natural dunes extending all the way into the picturesque Killala Bay. A short drive away, the Ballina Golf Club affords equally stunning surrounds. With views of both Ox and Nephin mountains forming a beautiful backdrop, Ballina is an idyllic parkland course. However, water hazards and bunkers ensure that Ballina’s 18-hole, par-71 course is not just a scenic play but intensely challenging as well. For a bit of relaxation after a trying game on the course, tired golfers may recharge at the Eagles Health and Leisure Centre. The state-of-the-art Leisure Centre boasts only the highest quality equipment and services-including a fully equipped gymnasium, Jacuzzi, 18-metre deck-level swimming pool, steam room and sauna, in addition to a variety of vigorous workout classes. Serving up warm hospitality and individual attention, the Downhill’s own Brosna Restaurant and Frog Pavilion Bar are renowned for amazing customer service. On top of its accommodating staff, the Brosna Restaurant is noted for its wholesome menu and knack for meticulous presentation. All dishes are assuredly made from the freshest of locally sourced ingredients, to inspire a wholeheartedly homemade quality and taste. For lighter fare, the Frogs Pavilion Bar serves classic comfort foods such as garlic mushrooms and fish and chips. Named for the black Andalucian marble frog at its entrance, the split level bar offers a comfortable environment, perfect for socializing, enjoying a drink or catching a performance. Whether it’s a golf weekend, fishing excursion, countryside retreat or family getaway you seek Downhill House Hotel can provide it all. And like so many others who have walked through the Downhill House doors over the past 72 years, you will be greeted by a warm, Moylett family smile.
16 GOLFING MAGAZINE THE CLUBHOUSE LEADER
GOLFING ISSUE 36 16-32 16
23/12/2008 18:34:37