Historic Mayo estate reopens for 150th anniversary celebrations

The historic Mount Falcon Estate will reopen its doors to the public tomorrow (Friday, March 13) after its annual winter break, marking the start of a special year as the landmark Mayo property celebrates 150 years since its construction.

Located just outside Ballina, the estate was originally built in 1876 by Utred Augustus Knox as a country manor house for his intended bride. 

Designed by renowned architect James Franklin Fuller—who also designed several residences for the Guinness family as well as what is now Kylemore Abbey—Mount Falcon has remained an enduring symbol of Victorian elegance in the west of Ireland.

To celebrate its sesquicentennial anniversary, the estate will host a year-long programme of special offers and events. The celebrations begin with seasonal hotel and lodge packages, including Mother’s Day gift experiences, a St. Patrick’s Day lodge promotion and a spring dinner, bed and breakfast package.

From its earliest days, Mount Falcon was a place of hospitality where family and guests gathered to enjoy traditional country pursuits such as fishing, hunting, horse riding and walking through the extensive estate grounds.

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The estate’s transformation into a hospitality destination began in the 1970s when Major Robert Aldridge and his wife, Constance Aldridge, converted the property into a guesthouse. Known affectionately as Connie, she continued running the estate after her husband’s death in 1976 and welcomed numerous high-profile visitors over the years.

Among the notable guests were actress Vivien Leigh, comedian and actor Peter Sellers, former President Patrick Hillery and former Taoiseach Jack Lynch.

In 2000, at the age of 91, Connie Aldridge sold the estate. Two years later, a major restoration project began when the Maloney family—Alan Maloney, Barry Maloney and Michael Maloney—purchased the property and transformed it into the luxury hotel and estate visitors know today.

Today, the estate spans 100 acres of woodland and landscaped grounds, offering walking trails, falconry experiences, clay pigeon shooting, a spa and leisure centre, a private lake and access to two miles of fishing along the famous River Moy, widely regarded as one of the world’s premier salmon fisheries.

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This year’s celebrations also mark 20 years since the Maloney family welcomed their first hotel guests, continuing a tradition of hospitality that has made Mount Falcon a renowned destination for visitors from Ireland and around the world.

As the estate reopens for the 2026 season, guests are invited to take part in the anniversary celebrations and experience the history, heritage and natural beauty that have defined this jewel of Mayo for a century and a half.