Iconic Mayo hotel marks 150th anniversary
Mount Falcon was developed into one of Ireland's great hotels by the Aldridge family in the 1970s - and current owners, the Maloney family, have built on that tradition.
Join Mount Falcon as it celebrates its 150th anniversary this year.
Built in 1876, Mount Falcon will be celebrating its sesquicentennial anniversary all year long. It is kicking off the year with great hotel and lodge packages and promotions, including perfect gift ideas for Mother's Day, an unbeatable St Patrick's Day offer for its beautiful lodges and a Spring Dinner Bed and Breakfast deal not to be missed. Re-opening to the public on Friday, March 13th, after the annual winter break, the family and staff of Mount Falcon will be celebrating alongside their guests the history and legacy of this gem of the West.
When Utred Augustus Knox finished construction on his country manor house built as a gift for his would-be bride in 1876, he scarcely could have imagined what the world would become 150 years later. Mount Falcon stands today as a stately yet comfortable-in-its-surroundings reminder of a bygone era of Victorian ideals. The home has an elite pedigree having been designed by renowned architect James Franklin Fuller, designer of several Guinness-family retreats as well as what is today known as Kylemore Abbey.
While Mount Falcon began life as a family home, it has always been a place for visitors to escape their busy lives in a bucolic setting. From its earliest days, Mount Falcon welcomed extended family and friends to give its residents access to country pursuits like fishing, hunting, horseback riding, and even just spending time walking the estate to take in the fresh country air. But it was the Aldridge family who paved the way for Mount Falcon to eventually become one of Ireland’s great hotels.
Major Robert Aldridge and his wife Constance, affectionately known by later generations just as Connie, eventually turned Mount Falcon into a guesthouse in the 1970s. Though the Major died in the autumn of 1976, he and Connie played host to celebrities and dignitaries throughout their run as Mount Falcon’s first hoteliers. Among those who were able to enjoy Mount Falcon’s renowned hospitality were Vivien Leigh of and , Inspector Jaques Clouseau himself of the , Peter Sellers, former Irish president Dr Patrick Hillery and former Taoiseach Jack Lynch.
Connie ran the property on her own until 2000 when at the age of 91 she sold the estate. A massive renovation and construction project began in 2002 after Alan Maloney and his brothers, Barry and Michael purchased the property to create what we know today as the Mount Falcon hotel. The Maloney family was inspired by Connie’s reputation and the heritage that she, her husband and successive generations of the Knox family worked tirelessly to preserve. Today, Mount Falcon has 100-acres of wooded and manicured estate land, walking trails, a falconry, clay pigeon shooting range, luxurious spa and leisure centre, a fishing lake, and two miles of fishery on the River Moy, which is still known as one of Europe’s, if not the world’s, best salmon fisheries.
The Maloney family continues the tradition of welcoming guests from around the world and down the road to this country retreat. This year also marks 20 years since Mount Falcon welcomed its first hotel guest under the Maloney’s care. Join the team at Mount Falcon in 2026 as they celebrate this jewel in the West of Ireland and toast to the next 150 years to come.
