Overview
Westport House sits on the banks of the Carrowbeg River, just a short drive from the colourful town of Westport in County Mayo. The 18th‑century Georgian mansion is set within a 400‑acre demesne of woodlands, lakes and terraced gardens that command sweeping views of Clew Bay, Clare Island and the iconic silhouette of Croagh Patrick. Beyond the historic interiors, the estate boasts Ireland’s largest net‑park, a pirate‑themed adventure park, an interactive gaming zone and a fully equipped caravan‑and‑camping park, making it a year‑round attraction for families, history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
History
The story of Westport House begins on the ruins of an O’Malley castle – the ancestral stronghold of Grace O’Malley, the 16th‑century pirate queen of Connacht. In the early 18th century, Colonel John Browne’s grandson, the 1st Earl of Altamont, commissioned the architect Richard Cassels to design a Palladian‑style house on the site. Subsequent additions by Thomas Ivory (c. 1778) and James Wyatt (interior redesigns in 1781 and a greenhouse in 1796) gave the mansion its present grandeur.
The Browne family, later the Marquesses of Sligo, lived in the house for almost three centuries. Notable moments include the 1858 Sicilian‑marble staircase commissioned by the 3rd Marquess, the 2003 bronze statue of Grace O’Malley by Michael Cooper, and a €1.3 million Heritage Council grant for repairs in 2007. After the death of the 11th Marquess in 2014, the estate was sold to the local Hughes family in 2017, who have invested heavily in restoration and the expansion of visitor facilities.
What to See & Do
The House and Collections
The house opens over 30 rooms, many still furnished with original 18th‑century pieces. Highlights include a marble staircase with phosphor‑bronze balustrades, the Angel of Welcome sculpture by Charles Francis Fuller, and a library rebuilt after an 1826 fire. Art lovers can admire portraits by Sir Joshua Reynolds, William Beechey and John Singleton Copley, as well as a collection of Irish landscapes by James Arthur O’Connor. A 3,000‑year‑old Greek sarcophagus, repatriated in 1812, adds an unexpected classical touch.
Gardens and Grounds
The estate’s landscaped gardens are free to explore. A 3.5 km loop walk winds past ancient oak trees, terraced lawns and the lake, offering postcard‑perfect vistas of Clew Bay and Croagh Patrick. Seasonal flower beds, a restored boathouse and a bronze statue of Grace O’Malley provide photo‑worthy stops.
Pirate Adventure Park & Adventure Activities
The pirate‑themed adventure park is a magnet for families. Attractions include the “Quarry Edge Leap” – a three‑storey platform jump, Ireland’s longest zip‑line, a giant swing, water rides, a mini‑Ferris wheel and a dedicated playground. The park also houses Ireland’s first zorbing route, laser clay‑pigeon shooting, archery, stand‑up paddle‑boarding and a 270 m zip‑wire.
Interactive Gaming Zone
Located in the farmyard, the Interactive Gaming Zone offers life‑size video‑game walls with titles such as Heroes vs Invaders and Angry Birds Smash. Group packages cater to birthday parties, school trips and corporate team‑building.
Camping, Glamping & On‑Site Dining
The 3‑star Caravan & Camping Park provides hot showers, disabled facilities, free Wi‑Fi and a 20 m swimming pool. Options range from traditional pitches to luxury bell‑tents in the Glamping Village. On‑site eateries include the Farmyard Café, Gracy’s Pizzeria and the Oak Door bar, serving everything from toasties to wood‑fired pizza.
Practical Information
| Season | Days | Opening Hours |
|---|---|---|
| May – June | Daily | 10:00 – 16:00 |
| July – August | Daily | 10:00 – 17:00 |
| September – October | Daily | 10:00 – 16:00 |
| November – December | Weekends | 10:00 – 16:00 |
| Visitor Category | Price (€) |
|---|---|
| Adult | 14.50 |
| Concession | 11.50 |
| Student (ID) | 11.50 |
| Child (3‑12) | 7.00 |
| Child (under 2) | Free |
Tickets can be purchased online via the Westport House website. Guided tours are available throughout the day, and audio guides are offered for self‑paced exploration. A hop‑on‑hop‑off train circles the grounds, providing a convenient way to move between the house, adventure park and lakeside.
Parking is free on the estate, and the site is wheelchair‑accessible in the main house and most outdoor areas, though some of the adventure‑park rides have height restrictions.
For those staying overnight, the on‑site caravan and camping facilities are a short 15‑minute walk from Westport town, where you can enjoy additional dining, pubs and boutique shops. The estate also serves as a base for exploring nearby attractions such as Croagh Patrick, the Great Western Greenway and Achill Island.
Plan ahead – during the summer months the estate can be busy, especially on weekends, so booking accommodation or adventure‑park passes in advance ensures a smooth visit.
For the latest updates on opening times, special events and ticket prices, visit the official site or call +353 (0)98 27766.