Overview
Nestled on the sprawling Westport Estate beside the historic Westport House, Pirate Adventure Park offered a whimsical, pirate‑themed playground for families visiting County Mayo. Developed by the 11th Marquess of Sligo, the park capitalised on the estate’s connection to the 16th‑century pirate queen Grace O’Malley, weaving local folklore into rides, soft‑play areas and water attractions. Though the park closed its doors permanently in September 2023 after roughly five decades of operation, its legacy lives on as part of the newer Westport Adventure Park, which opened in 2024 on the same site.
History
The origins of Pirate Adventure Park date back to the mid‑1970s when the Marquess of Sligo sought to complement Westport House with a family‑oriented leisure facility. The park’s flagship attraction, Pirates Plunge, was Ireland’s first flume ride, sending riders on a splash‑filled descent through a series of pirate‑themed tunnels. Over the years, the park expanded to include a variety of rides and activities, each echoing the swash‑buckling narrative of Grace O’Malley’s legacy.
In September 2023, after more than 50 years of entertaining locals and tourists, the park closed for redevelopment. The €5 million investment that followed transformed the site into Westport Adventure Park, an outdoor adventure hub featuring zip lines, a giant swing and Ireland’s largest Net Park. While the new park focuses on high‑adrenaline experiences, it retains nods to its pirate past, and the former attractions are documented for posterity.
What to See & Do
Former Attractions (Pirate Adventure Park)
| Attraction | Type | Notable Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Pirates Plunge | Flume ride | Ireland’s first water flume ride |
| The Pirate Ship | Ride | Classic swinging ship with pirate décor |
| Pirates Den | Indoor soft‑play | Themed play area for younger children |
| Treasure Island Express | Mini‑train | Scenic ride around the estate |
| Pitch n’Putt | Mini‑golf | Pirate‑styled course |
| The White Swan | Pedal boats | Lake‑side boating with pirate flags |
| Tennis | Sports | Outdoor courts within the park grounds |
These attractions provided a blend of gentle thrills for toddlers and more adventurous rides for older children, all set against the backdrop of Westport House’s historic gardens and the estate’s 400‑acre landscape.
Modern Successor – Westport Adventure Park
While the pirate‑themed rides have been retired, visitors can still enjoy the spirit of adventure at the new park. Highlights include:
- Giant Swing – a towering swing that offers panoramic views of the quarry and the Atlantic horizon.
- Twin Zipwire – a high‑speed zip line that darts across the quarry’s edge.
- Multi‑wall Climbing Zone – challenging climbs for all skill levels.
- Interactive Gaming Zone – a life‑sized video‑game arena where participants become the joystick.
- Aerial Trekking – rope‑based courses that test balance and courage.
The park also offers specialised combo tickets that bundle activities such as the Net Park, climbing tower, giant slides and foot‑disc golf, catering to families, school groups and corporate outings.
Practical Information
Pirate Adventure Park’s original site is located at the western edge of Westport town, directly adjacent to Westport House (address: Westport, F28 TY45, Co. Mayo). The coordinates for the estate are 53.800539, ‑9.535667, which can be entered into any GPS device for easy navigation.
Although the pirate park itself no longer operates, the current Westport Adventure Park welcomes visitors daily, with seasonal opening hours that typically run from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm during the high summer season. Detailed timetables are available on the official website.
Contact: For enquiries about the legacy of Pirate Adventure Park or to arrange a visit to the surrounding attractions, call +353 98 27766 or email info@westportadventure.ie. More information, including ticket booking and group packages, can be found on the official site: Westport Adventure Park.
Accessibility: The modern adventure park provides wheelchair‑friendly pathways and accessible facilities throughout the quarry floor and lower zones. While the original pirate‑themed structures pre‑date contemporary accessibility standards, the new development ensures that all visitors can enjoy the outdoor activities.
Heritage Connection: A visit to the site also offers the chance to explore Westport House, where exhibitions detail Grace O’Malley’s life and the Marquess family’s stewardship of the estate. The house’s guided tours are a perfect complement to a day of adventure, allowing guests to step back into the era that inspired the original pirate theme.
Getting There: Westport is a 1‑hour‑15‑minute drive from Galway city via the N5, with ample parking available on the estate grounds. Public transport options include Bus Éireann services to Westport town centre, followed by a short walk or taxi ride to the park entrance.
Seasonal Offers: The park frequently runs promotional codes (e.g., ADVENTURE10 for 10 % off online bookings) and offers annual memberships that provide unlimited access to the adventure zones throughout the year.