Westport House

Find out how Westport House in Mayo keeps its product offering exciting for customers, with regular additions of new activities and special offers.

Background

Having celebrated 50 years in business in 2010, Westport House offers tourists, and families in particular, an experience rich in history, heritage, adventure and fun. Arguably whatever the family tourist – domestic or foreign – is looking for, they’ll find it just outside the town of Westport in the superb parkland setting of Westport House. From the bronze statues in the grounds to stories of piracy and royalty, Westport House’s connection with the 16th century Pirate Queen of Connaught, Grace O’Malley, thrills families and children of all ages.

But Westport House’s ability to meet the expectations and needs of all members of the family, from toddlers to grandparents, lies in its broad offering that makes full use of not just the house itself, but also its magnificent surroundings and natural resources, as well as its proximity to the popular family destination town of Westport.

Expanding our offering

Since opening to the public in 1960, Westport House has been actively targeting families with added attractions over the years. In 2008, the family-focused attractions were re-branded the Pirate Adventure Park, offering a genuine “treasure trove of family fun” that caters to all age groups with thrilling rides, miniature railway, boats and slides for those under twelve, alongside the more sedate options of child- and adult-focused guided tours, exhibitions and fishing. 

To ensure it stays at the top of the list of things-to-do west of the Shannon for families, more activities are added every year as the fun evolves and the attempt is made to cater for every need. Rain or shine, Westport House can entertain families with the addition in 2011 of an adventure activity centre offering the popular and exhilarating zorbing, laser combat games and water sports. In addition, we have more recently added a 'Paint your own Pottery' studio to the basement of the house and a Grainne Uaile Experience which includes a 30-minute guided tour explaining the infamous pirate queen and her connection to the house, and concludes in a newly renovated dungeon area that depicts her maritime life.

This year, visiting families and campers staying on-site can also join in a Summer Camp that makes full use of the site’s beautiful outdoor setting, includes children's activities and allows for a fun study of art, history and music inside the house itself. There are also plenty of dining options to suit various appetites and budgets, including new picnic areas which are proving popular with budget-conscious families. And, to keep families coming all year round, Westport House hosts a number of special events, like Father’s Day treasure hunts, car boot sales, Halloween Fests, a Winter Wonderland and summer camps.