VISITOR ATTRACTION: what’s new and what’s cool at county Mayo’s Westport House

Westport House, located in County Mayo, is a historic 18th-century Palladian mansion set on a 400-acre estate along the Carrowbeg River, celebrated as one of Ireland’s most beautiful homes. Built on the foundations of a 16th-century castle once owned by the legendary Pirate Queen Grace O’Malley, this privately-owned estate, maintained by the Browne family since the 1500s, offers a blend of history, adventure, and natural beauty.

Guided House Tours: The 45-minute guided tours, led by passionate guides like Moirin, Ben, or John, explore the mansion’s opulent rooms, showcasing 300 years of history. Highlights include tales of Grace O’Malley, a 3,000-year-old Greek sarcophagus brought to the estate in 1812, and stories of pirates, kings, queens, and slave emancipators. The tours reveal the Browne family’s contributions to the estate and Westport, with artifacts, art, and dungeons adding intrigue. Visitors can explore at leisure post-tour. Tickets cost approximately €14.50 for adults, €7 for children, €9.50 for seniors/students, or €42 for a family (2 adults + 3 children), with audio guides in multiple languages.
Pirate Adventure Park: A family favourite, this park is ideal for children under 12, featuring carnival rides like swinging ships, a log flume, slides, swan pedalo boats, a miniature railway, and go-karts. The park’s setting amidst the estate’s woodlands ensures fun in a scenic environment.
Westport Adventure Park: Catering to older children and adults, this outdoor park includes Ireland’s largest Net Park, a 270m zip line (the longest in Ireland), archery, laser clay-pigeon shooting, zorbing (a unique inflatable downhill roll), stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, a climbing tower, giant slides, and foot/disk golf. The Net Park Combo-Pass offers all-day access for ages 4+, with free entry for supervising adults for kids aged 7–15. Activities are suited for various skill levels, with safety prioritized and enthusiastic staff ensuring a memorable experience.
Birds of Prey Centre: Managed by experienced falconer Jason Deasey, this centre features daily shows with white owls, gray owls, and peregrine falcons. Exclusive hawk walks through the estate grounds offer an up-close experience with these majestic birds, praised for being unforgettable.
Interactive Gaming Zone: A high-tech attraction where visitors can engage in life-sized video games combining sports and digital gaming, appealing to teens and adults seeking a modern twist.
Grounds and Gardens: The 400-acre estate boasts stunning parkland, woodlands, lakes, and restored garden pathways with views of Clew Bay, Croagh Patrick, and the Atlantic Ocean. Visitors can stroll through meadows, forests, and along the river, enjoying the natural beauty and historic terraces. The grounds are ideal for picnics and relaxation.
Dining and Amenities: Options include Gracy’s Pizzeria, Bar & Bistro for wood-fired pizza, fries, nachos, and wings, plus self-service drinks. The estate also has a café, food trucks, and craft ale or Asian cuisine options. The visitor center includes a gift shop with local crafts. Toilets are clean, and water stations are available. The estate is largely accessible, with ramps for wheelchairs, though some adventure activities have height/age restrictions (e.g., 1.3m for aerial trekking).
Accommodation: Extend your visit with stays at the 4-star Hotel Westport, the Glamping Village with bell tents, or the Caravan & Camping Park set among ancient trees with Clew Bay views. These options cater to various budgets and preferences. Expect a full day of adventure, history, and natural splendor. Reviews highlight the estate’s beauty, knowledgeable guides, and family-friendly activities, earning a Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice award (top 10% of attractions). Some note signage in Westport town can be confusing, and the house has undergone recent renovations, enhancing its appeal. The estate attracts over 100,000 visitors annually, yet the adventure park is rarely overcrowded, ensuring minimal queuing.
Getting There: Located at Quay Rd, Westport Demesne, F28 K6K6, the estate is a 5-minute drive or 20-minute walk from Westport town. It’s accessible via Dublin Airport (DUB) or Knock International Airport (NOC), with Westport’s DART station a short bus or taxi ride away. Free parking is ample, though main street parking in Westport is pay-and-display.

What’s New:

Ongoing Estate Transformation: Westport Estate is undergoing a significant development project, set for completion by 2027, aimed at enhancing its appeal as a premier destination for cultural history, adventure, and rejuvenation., visitors may notice new infrastructure, such as improved pathways, signage, or facilities, as part of this initiative to blend heritage with modern amenities. The project emphasizes the Wild Atlantic Way’s spirit, with updates shared via the estate’s website (www.westportestate.com).
Winter Wonderland Expansion: The 2025 Winter Wonderland, running from late November to December, will feature enhanced festive experiences, including Santa visits, elf-led activities, and sensory evenings for visitors with hidden disabilities (e.g., ASD teens). Building on 2024’s success, expect more interactive elements and decorations, with staff continuing to prioritise inclusivity and a “classy” atmosphere, distinct from typical pop-up events.
Seasonal Events: The vibrant Events Calendar will include new additions, such as expanded Easter egg hunts, Halloween festivities, and new cultural or adventure-themed events tied to the estate’s transformation. Check www.westporthouse.ie for updates closer to the season.
Adventure Park Enhancements: Following positive feedback on the team-building and resilience programmes (e.g., zip line, high ropes).

Practical Tips:

Best Time to Visit: Summer for warm weather and full activity access, or late November–December for Winter Wonderland. Spring (April) is ideal for garden blooms and fewer crowds.
Booking: Purchase tickets online at www.westportestate.com for house tours and adventure park passes to avoid sell-outs, especially for seasonal events. Contact marketing@westporthouse.ie for group bookings or inquiries.
Plan Ahead: Allow 4–6 hours for a full visit. Wear comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing (raincoats for Ireland’s unpredictable weather). Bring gloves for adventure activities like zip-lining.
Nearby Attractions: Combine with a hike up Croagh Patrick, a cycle on the Great Western Greenway, or a visit to Clew Bay’s islands for a full Mayo experience.

Westport House offers a rich mix of historical intrigue, family fun, and outdoor adventure, with new developments and festive enhancements making it a standout destination on the Wild Atlantic Way.