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 & Architecture
The estate’s story begins long before the Georgian façade. The house was built on the ruins of an O’Malley castle, the ancestral stronghold of Gráinne Mhaol (Grace O’Malley), the formidable 16th-century pirate queen of Connacht. In the early 1700s, Colonel John Browne’s grandson, the 1st Earl of Altamont, commissioned architect Richard Cassels to design a Palladian-style residence on the site.
Subsequent generations expanded and refined the building. Thomas Ivory added the distinctive front portico around 1778, while James Wyatt redesigned the interiors in 1781 and built a grand greenhouse in 1796. The Browne family, later the Marquesses of Sligo, called the house home for nearly three centuries. Key additions include the 1858 Sicilian-marble staircase commissioned by the 3rd Marquess and a 2003 bronze statue of Grace O’Malley by sculptor Michael Cooper, which now stands in the grounds. After the 11th Marquess passed away in 2014, the estate was purchased by the local Hughes family in 2017, who have since directed significant investment into restoration and visitor facilities.
What to See & Do
The Mansion & Collections
The house opens over 30 rooms, many still furnished with original 18th-century pieces and family heirlooms. The entrance hall is dominated by a sweeping marble staircase with phosphor-bronze balustrades. Inside, you’ll find the Angel of Welcome sculpture by Charles Francis Fuller, a library rebuilt after an 1826 fire, and an art collection featuring portraits by Sir Joshua Reynolds, William Beechey and John Singleton Copley. The estate also houses Irish landscapes by James Arthur O’Connor and a 3,000-year-old Greek sarcophagus repatriated in 1812, which adds an unexpected classical element to the Georgian setting.
Gardens & Grounds
The landscaped grounds are free to explore and offer a peaceful contrast to the adventure park. A 3.5 km loop walk winds past ancient oak trees, terraced lawns and the estate lake, delivering postcard-perfect vistas of Clew Bay and Croagh Patrick. Seasonal flower beds, a restored boathouse and the bronze Grace O’Malley statue provide natural resting points. The open layout makes it easy to pick your own pace, whether you’re after a quick stroll or a full afternoon among the trees.
Adventure Park & Activities
The pirate-themed adventure park is designed to keep children and adults entertained. Key features include:
- The “Quarry Edge Leap”, a three-storey platform jump
- Ireland’s longest zip-line and a 270 m secondary zip-wire
- A giant swing, water rides and a mini-Ferris wheel
- A dedicated playground for younger visitors
- Ireland’s first zorbing route, laser clay-pigeon shooting, archery and stand-up paddle-boarding
Interactive Gaming Zone
Located in the farmyard, the Interactive Gaming Zone brings video games into real life. Life-size motion-activated walls run titles like Heroes vs Invaders and Angry Birds Smash. The space is frequently booked for birthday parties, school trips and corporate team-building events, with staff available to run sessions.
Camping, Glamping & Dining
The 3-star Caravan & Camping Park offers hot showers, disabled facilities, free Wi-Fi and a 20 m swimming pool. Accommodation ranges from traditional grass pitches to luxury bell-tents in the Glamping Village. On-site dining options include the Farmyard Café, Gracy’s Pizzeria and the Oak Door bar, covering everything from quick toasties to wood-fired pizza and evening drinks.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
- May – June: 10:00–16:00 (daily)
- July – August: 10:00–17:00 (daily)
- September – October: 10:00–16:00 (daily)
- November – December: 10:00–16:00 (weekends only)
Admission
- Adult: €14.50
- Concession: €11.50
- Student (with ID): €11.50
- Child (3-12): €7.00
- Child (under 2): Free
Tickets can be purchased online via the Westport House website. Guided tours run throughout the day, and audio guides are available for self-paced visits. The hop-on-hop-off train circles the grounds, making it easy to move between the house, adventure park and lakeside without excessive walking. Parking is free on the estate.
Getting There & Accessibility
Westport House is located just a few kilometres north of Westport town. The estate is easily reached by car via the N5 and N59 routes. Public transport options include Bus Éireann services to Westport, from where a short taxi ride or seasonal local shuttle can bring you to the entrance. The nearest airport is Ireland West Airport Knock, approximately 60 km away, with regular connections to Dublin and regional destinations. The nearest train station is Westport railway station, a 15-minute drive from the estate.
The main house and most outdoor pathways are wheelchair-accessible, with ramps and level surfaces throughout the visitor areas. Some adventure-park rides have height and mobility restrictions, which are clearly sign-posted at each attraction. Clean public toilets, baby-changing facilities and free Wi-Fi are available across the site.
Nearby Attractions
Westport House makes an excellent base for exploring the wider Mayo region. The Great Western Greenway begins in Westport and offers a 42-km off-road cycling and walking route to Achill Island. The dramatic landscape of Achill Island is within easy reach, as are the coastal trails around Clew Bay and the pilgrimage routes up Croagh Patrick. If you’re planning a multi-day trip, booking adventure-park passes or camping pitches in advance is recommended, particularly during July and August when visitor numbers peak.