Training Example: Westport House – Review the Data, Give Your Score & Compare to the Real AI Evaluation

Westport HouseOpen Thursdays to Sundays. Guided tours available. Book A TourWestport AdventureFace challenging adventures, and immerse yourself in unforgettable outdoor activities. Conquer heights, seek adrenaline thrills, and take on Ireland’s largest Net Park.LEARN MOREWestport EstateWestport Estate, encompassing 400 acres of pristine landscape in County Mayo, is undergoing a significant transformation aimed at enhancing its appeal as a premier destination for cultural history, connecting people to the land, and rejuvenation.LEARN MORE

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[H3] Ready to explore Westport House?

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[H6] ABOUT WESTPORT HOUSE

[H2] ULTIMATE GUIDE TO WESTPORT HOUSE

Here’s a brief overview of the amazing things you can see and do at our beautiful historical Estate.

[H5]
TO DO

Discover the history and beauty of Westport House by booking a
Guided Tour
or exploring at your own pace with a
Self-Guided Tour.

[H5]
TO EAT

From tasty toasties to wood-fired pizza, we offer a wide range of on-site dining options.

[H5]
TO STAY

Embrace Irish adventure at our premier Caravan and Campsite, or elevate your stay with a touch of luxury in our beautiful Glamping Village.

[H6] WESTPORT HOUSE

[H2] THERE’S MORE TO WESTPORT HOUSE THAN MEETS THE EYE

With a restaurant, cafe, food trucks, acres of woodland, Caravan & Camping Sites, a Glamping Village, Adventure Park, Events & an Interactive Gaming Zone, Westport House is so much more than just a historic house.

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[H3]
Have a query? Call us Today

+353 (0)98 27766

[H2] Westport Adventure Annual Memberships

[H5] Exclusive Benefits, Endless Fun.

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[H6] DEALS, DISCOUNTS & MORE

[H2] THE WESTPORT HOUSE NEWSLETTER

[H5] Subscribe today and stay up to date with the Westport Estate project, receive special offers and exclusive discounts and be the first to know of upcoming events.

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[H1] History

[H2] 300 Years of Heritage & History
Westport House is one of the few remaining Irish historic homes – of national and international significance – that can make that claim. For over 300 years the Browne family, who built the house, lived here. Each generation ensuring its survival through good times and bad with hard work, enterprise and determination.In 2017, Westport House was bought by another local and historic family, the Hughes family, who hope to ensure its survival into the future.We have shared a brief history below. You are invited to visit to experience this 18th century Palladian mansion in person and learn more about its fascinating stories.Built in the 18th century, Westport House was designed by the famous architects, Richard Cassels, James Wyatt and Thomas Ivory. Westport House is located west of the Shannon and is considered to be one of Ireland’s most beautiful historic homes open to visitors – and is today often described as being one of Ireland’s National Treasures. It is situated in a superb parkland setting with lake, terraces, gardens and magnificent views overlooking Clew Bay, the Atlantic Ocean, Clare Island and Ireland’s Holy Mountain, Croagh Patrick right in the heart of the Wild Atlantic Way. It was built by the Browne family, who are direct descendants of the famous 16th century Pirate Queen – Grace O’Malley.After Grace O’Malley’s death, a report stated that for forty years she was the stay of all rebellions in the West. She was chief of the O’Malley Clan and ruled the seas around Mayo. Grace O’Malley had several castles in the West of Ireland and it was on the foundations of one of these that Westport House was actually built. There is still an area of her original castle in the basement of the House (now known as The Dungeons), which is on view to visitors.The original house which would have been smaller, was built by Colonel John Browne, a Jacobite, who was at the Siege of Limerick and his wife, Maude Burke in 1679-83. Maude Burke was Grace O’Malley’s great-great granddaughter. The house did not have the lake or a dam and the tide rose and fell against the walls.The east front of the House, as it is today, was built in 1730 by Colonel John Browne’s grandson, also John- 1st Earl of Altamont. He hired the famous German architect, Richard Cassels. It is built with the finest limestone taken from the quarry south of the estate farmyard and was executed by local craftsmen. Richard Cassels also designed Carton, Haselwood, Russborough and Leinster Houses.From the plans made in 1773, the ground floor contained:The Waiting Room – now The LibraryFront Staircase – now the Ante- libraryLiving Room – now The Front HallBack staircase – now part of the present Drawing RoomDressing Room – now the East end of The Long Gallery.It was only one room deep, built round an open courtyard.In 1778, Peter, the 2nd Earl Of Altamont built the south wing to the Thomas Ivory plans his father had commissioned but had not carried out. Ivory’s south façade has a delicacy quite unlike Cassel’s bolder work on the East. In the 1780’s Peter’s son John Denis, 3rd Earl of Altamont (who later became the 1st Marquess of Sligo), completed the square of the House. He engaged James Wyatt to decorate his new Long Gallery and Large Dining Room (one of the great English architects who is responsible for other significant buildings in the town of Westport and further afield).In 1816, Howe Peter (2nd Marquess of Sligo) began his alterations to the House. He built on the north wing for men servants and between 1819-1825, he built on the south wing. The south wing was built as a two-tiered library designed by Benjamin Wyatt. This was warmed by hot air and due to defects in the system, it was destroyed by fire almost immediately in 1826.In the 1830’s, the central open courtyard where the Marble Staircase now sits, was covered in and Howe Peter made a new library by running a gallery round the now enclosed wall. In 1858 his son George abolished his father’s Library, moving it to where it is today and replaced it with the Marble Staircase.On the west side of the house, the highly effective balustraded terraces’ above the lake and the landing places were put in by George Ulick (6th Marquess of Sligo). These were designed by the English architect, Romaine Walker, whose main Irish work was the remodelling of Waterford Castle.
[H2] The Browne Family
The story of the Browne Family is a microcosm for the wider and, at times, turbulent history of Ireland. Each generation has had to contend with and adapt to the prevailing social, political and religious changes encountered along the way. Despite revolution, invasion, plantation, famine and confiscation, the bond uniting Westport House and it’s family remained right up until 2017.The Browne Family originally arrived into Mayo from Sussex in the 16th century. Through marriage with daughters of native Irish landowners and by purchase, they built up a small estate near The Neale. As a Catholic family, they were fortunate that their lands were situated in Connaught thereby escaping the notorious confiscations of Cromwell. It was with John Browne III (1638-1711) with whom the connection with Westport House commenced. A successful lawyer, he married Maud Burke, daughter of Viscount Mayo and great-great granddaughter of the Pirate Queen Grace O’Malley (Granuaile 1530-1603).John Browne greatly increased his estate in Mayo and Galway including Cathair-na-mart (Stone-fort of the Beeves), a ruinous O’Malley fortress on the shores of Clew Bay. John’s good fortune was swept away as Ireland was plunged into chaos in the Williamite Wars. A Catholic, John supported the Jacobite cause and was appointed a Colonel in the Jacobite army. From the iron mines on his lands near Westport, he supplied the army with cannon balls and weapons. The defeat of the Jacobite army at Aughrim and Limerick in 1691 brought financial ruin in the confiscations that followed. At his death in 1711, his estate was reduced to Cathair-na-Mart and a few hundred acres.The Penal Laws which followed left his grandson, John IV, with little option but to conform to the prevailing religion in hope of surviving the confiscations and political upheaval. John IV gradually revived the family fortune. Young and ambitious he set about extending his estate and transforming the old O’Malley castle into modern day Westport House. In 1767, he – along with architect, William Leeson – replaced the old village of Cathair-na-Mart with a new town of Westport where he established a thriving linen industry. An excellent farmer he set about improving the fertility of his lands, which for the most part were of poor quality. He became the 1st Earl of Altamont. In 1752, his son and heir, Peter, 2nd Earl Of Altamont, married the heiress Elizabeth Kelly from Co. Galway whose estates in Jamaica further enhanced the family fortune. It is said that – as part of the dowry – her father insisted that he take the Kelly name and he became known as Peter Browne Kelly.John, 3rd Earl of Altamont, continued the innovative farming tradition of his grandfather. He created the lake to the West of Westport House and planted trees. He laid out the principal streets of the present town of Westport and many of the streets in Westport today are named after Browne Family members such as Peter Street, James Street, Altamont Street and John’s Row. He also established a theatre at the Octagon and built the town of Louisburgh. In 1787, he married Louisa Catherine, daughter and heiress of the famous English Admiral Earl Howe. During his lifetime, the French inspired 1798 Rebellion occurred. Aided by the arbitrary actions of Denis Browne, his younger brother, against the Irish insurgents (which earned him the reputation of “ black sheep” of the family), the Rebellion was crushed.In 1800, there was an Act of Union with England. The 3rd Earl voted for it and became the 1st Marquess of Sligo and an Irish representative peer. The reason the title is Sligo when the family home is in Mayo, is that in 1800 there was already an Earl of Mayo, a Viscount Galway to the south and a Lord Roscommon to the East. West was the Atlantic Ocean, so it had to be North – the land of Yeats and black cattle – Sligo.His only son Howe Peter, 2nd Marquess of Sligo, inherited in 1809 at the age of twenty-one. Extravagant and generous, his early life subscribed to the popular image of a “regency buck”. Friend of Byron, de Quincy and the Prince Regent, he traveled extensively throughout Europe on the “grand tour”. He excavated at Mycenae and discovered the 3,000 year old columns of the Treasury of Atreus. To bring them back to Westport, he took some seamen from a British warship and was subsequently sentenced to 4 months in Newgate prison. He married Hester, the Earl of Conricard’s daughter, with whom he had 14 children and settled down to life in Westport. He bred many famous race horses both at Westport and the Curragh. One of his horses, Waxy, won the Derby. He owned the last two of the original breed of Irish Wolfhound. In 1834, he was appointed Governor of Jamaica with the difficult task of overseeing the “apprenticeship system” a period prior to the full emancipation of the slaves. He met with great opposition from plantation owners and other vested interests. He was first to emancipate the slaves on the family’s Jamaican plantations. The first “free village” in the world, Sligoville, was subsequently named in his honour. A liberal, he was one of the few Irish Peers to vote for Catholic Emancipation. He died in 1845 as the clouds of the Great Famine descended over Mayo.His son, George, the 3rd Marquess, inherited a terrible legacy. The West of Ireland was worst affected by the famine. Westport House was closed and with no rents forthcoming, George borrowed where he could, spending £50,000 of his own money to alleviate the suffering of the tenants. With the guidance of his mother, Hesther Catherine, he imported cargoes of meal to Westport Quay and sub-vented the local workhouse, then the only shelter available to the destitute. He wrote tirelessly to the British Government demanding that they do more to help the famine victims. He wrote and had published a pamphlet outlining many pioneering reforms of the economic and social conditions that had led to the famine. In 1854, on being offered the Order of St. Patrick, an honour once held by his father and grandfather, disillusioned by England’s Irish policy (a reoccurring sentiment at Westport House!), the 3rd Marquess wrote “ I have no desire for the honour.” An exhibition about the Great Famine is on display in Westport House as told through Hesther Catherine’s letters to the estate’s agent in Westport, Hildebrand.John succeeded his brother as 4th Marquess. He had to contend with the huge changes that occurred in the ownership of land in Ireland in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century. Above all he was a “professional” farmer whose main contribution was to transform a reduced and almost bankrupt estate into a profitable one solely from agriculture. This work was continued by the 6th Marquess who added a sawmill, a salmon hatchery and planted extensively. The compulsory acquisition of the main entrance to the House for local public housing occurred in the ownership of the 8th Marquess which altered the historic relationship that had existed between the House and the town of Westport.In 1960, in the midst of a great depression and facing rising death duties, the 10th Marquess, Denis Edward, his wife Jose and son Jeremy (11th Marquess) decided to open Westport House and the grounds to the visiting public. It was a pioneering venture in a place and at a time that was remote and depressed. Over the succeeding decades, the 11th Marquess and his family developed the Estate into a Tourist Attraction.
[H2] The Grounds & Gardens
The Brownes of Westport House knew the value of trees in a landscape too, as the stunning woodland in the estate’s grounds attest. Westport Demesne retains 100 acres of historic woods dating back to the 1700s.Back in the day, these trees provided a number of resources for the Westport House Estate. They created a shelter belt from the harsh Atlantic weather systems, they provided a fuel and timber source for heating and building materials, and they created a lush green back drop for the ‘naturalised parkland’ design landscape.The lords and ladies loved to interact with the landscape by promenading along a deep networks of track and trails. They would bring their visitors along these paths too, impressing them with the grandeur and beauty of the estate’s stately woodlands. Aptly enough, these design pathways and the areas of woodlands they ventured through were known as ‘the pleasure grounds’.An elaborate network of serpentine pathways meandered along, softly curving – following the style of landscape design that was popular during the 1800s and remains timeless to this day. The trails led the walker deep into the woodlands and surrounding landscape, where they could discover hidden design elements, such as sculptural pieces of architecture, exotic plant and tree species and new views.The pyramidal cone of Croagh Patrick was one of the most emphasised views in the Westport House Demesne, and a number of the historic pathways were specifically designed to yield the most captivating vistas. The woodlands even had purposely made gaps to seduce the stroller with sudden framed glimpses of the famous Reek.
[H2] Opened to the Public in 1960
By the early 1960s, most historic homes of its nature were either burnt, knocked down or abandoned. Not so for Westport House. Jeremy – 11th Marquess of Sligo (1939 – 2014), took the estate in a whole new direction with inspiration from the “Big Houses” in the UK who had opened their doors to the interested public who were keen to see how the “other half” lived. In 1960, when Jeremy and Jennifer opened the attraction, the admission price was 2/6 for adults and 1/- for children. Admission to the grounds was 6d for both adults and children. In 1960, 2,400 visitors visited Westport House.Jeremy had a remarkable passion for product development and marketing. He was inspired by other houses that were becoming sustainable and viable by diversifying their offering from not only heritage but including other leisure attractions. He felt strongly that Westport House needed to appeal to a wider audience than those solely interested in antiques and architecture. Over time, he introduced a number of fun attractions. In the 1970s, the Slippery Dip (Cannon Ball run) and the Miniature Railway (Westport House Express) were added discretely on the grounds. A Camping and Caravan Park was developed – as well as Horse Drawn Caravan tours of Connemara – and Gracy’s Restaurant (situated at the Farmyard was created from what was originally a cowshed) and a shop evolved from a similar situation. There we

[H1] Historic House

[H2] A Story That Matches Its Beauty.
One of the few still privately-owned historic houses left in Ireland, Westport House was built by the Browne family whose connections to Mayo date back to the 1500s and even relates them to the trail-blazing pirate queen and chieftain, Grace O’Malley.

[IMG: A new campus pilot for Co. Mayo has been announced, with classes set to begin in the historic house, in Summer 2024.]
A birds eye view of Westport House and the Carrowbeg river, man-made lake and stunning gardens. Perfectly framed by Croagh Patrick and Clew Bay.

[H2] Historic Westport House
There has been a ‘big house’ on this site since the 1500’s, when Grace O’Malley, the famous Pirate Queen, built one of her castles here. Amazingly, her dungeons still remain in the current house which was built in 1730 by her descendants, the Browne family. Our visitors love that this is one of the few privately-owned historic houses left in the country and truly feels like walking in to a “family home”. Albeit a very grand one indeed!The house spans 3 floors, 30 rooms and 6 permanent exhibitions. The main floor of Westport House features the formal rooms of the house such as the Front Hall, Drawing Room, Library, Dining Room, Long Gallery and Morning Room. The basement of Westport House was originally the engine of the house – primarily frequented by the servants who truly kept the house running – and also features the Dungeons of Grace O’Malley’s Castle and an exhibition telling the story of Grace O’Malley. The bedroom floor of Westport House includes master bedrooms, the nursery, the Chinese Room as well as a selection of exhibitions including “The Champion of the Slaves” about the emancipation of the slaves in Jamaica by the 3rd Marquess and “Lady Sligo’s Letters” telling the story of the Great Famine through letters by the 3rd Marchioness.

The architectural features of Westport House are striking indeed as it was designed by some of the most well-renowned architects of the 18th and 19th centuries including Richard Cassels, Thomas Ivory, James and Benjamin Wyatt. Richard Cassels was responsible for other houses such as Carton, Russborough, Hazelwood and Leinster Houses. Westport House was completed by James Wyatt who is responsible for other significant buildings in the town of Westport and further afield. The Large Dining room is perhaps the finest remaining example of his work. There are still a number of original James Wyatt drawings on show in the Dining Room and throughout the house, together with some of his son’s, Benjamin Wyatt, who also did some work in the house. For a full architectural history of Westport House, please visit our History page.There is a fine collection of artwork in Westport House. Among the pictures are portraits by Sir Joshua Reynolds of the 1st Earl of Altamont; the Rt. Hon. Denis Browne, brother of the 1st Marquess of Sligo and a member of Grattan’s Parliament, by Beechy; Howe Peter, the second Marquess of Sligo who spent four months in an English jail for bribing British seamen in time of war, to bring his ship, full of antiquities from Greece to Westport. Howe Peter was a friend of George IV and of the poet Byron. There is also a portrait of Earl Howe, Admiral of the Fleet, father of the 1st Marchioness of Sligo, by John Singleton Copley. Other Artworks include a magnificent collection of landscapes painted in the locality by James Arthur O’Connor. Other artists such as Chalon, Barret, Gibson, Opie, Brooks and Lavery are part of the collection.Other original items on show in Westport House, of particular interest, include a fine collection of old English and Irish silver, including 18th century Irish ‘potato’ or dish rings, Waterford glass, a library with many old Irish books and a Mayo Legion Flag which was brought to Ireland by General Humbert when he invaded the Country in 1798 and has ever since been in Westport House, which was occupied by his troops.

[H1] Westport House Tours

[H3] Book Your Guided Tour Today

BOOK NOW

[H6] WESTPORT HOUSE

[H2] TAKE A GUIDED TOUR OF WESTPORT HOUSE

Considered a national treasure and one of ‘Ireland’s Most Beautiful Homes,’ discover over 300-years of history at Westport House. A great indoor activity, our guided tours are designed to amuse, bemuse and leave you wanting more.
Enjoy a world of stories from the incredible history of the house itself with tales of kings, queens, pirates and slave emancipators, as well as beautiful art and a 3,000-year-old Greek sarcophagi with our top-rated tour guides.

Book A Guided Tour

Book A Self-Guided Tour

[H6] WESTPORT HOUSE

[H2] Guided House Tours

[H4] Guided Tour Times

Guided tours operate hourly during high season and at 10am, 12pm, and 2pm throughout the rest of the year. Check our opening hours page for the latest updates.

Book A Guided Tour

[H4] Prices

Click the buttons below for current rates and available dates, or contact us at info@westportestate.ie

Guided Tours

Self-Guided Tours

[H4] Directions

The Quay Entrance leads to the nearest carpark to Westport House. Alternatively, we’re a 20 minute walk from Westport Town via the Golf Source Road.

LEARN MORE

[H6] EXPLORE OVER 300 YEARS OF HISTORY

[H2] DOWNLOAD OUR BROCHURE

Plan your visit with ease by downloading our comprehensive brochure, available in four languages: English, French, Spanish and German. Each brochure provides detailed information about our tours, helping you make the most of your Westport House experience.

ENGLISH

FRENCH

SPANISH

GERMAN

[H6] DISCOVER WESTPORT HOUSE

[H2] Our Virtual Long Gallery

Just as our historic Long Gallery displays portraits that narrate the story of Westport House, our guided tour gallery is a virtual long gallery, documenting Westport House through your eyes.Help us continue the story of Westport House and tag us in your pictures.

[H6] WESTPORT HOUSE GROUNDS

[H2] EXPLORE OUR WOODLANDS & GARDENS

Our historic home sits within the beautiful grounds of Westport Estate. After your tour, why not grab a coffee and enjoy a delightful stroll through 400-acres of luscious greenery and natural beauty.

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[IMG: Embrace the beauty of spring in the west of Ireland and take a caravan trip]
[IMG: Museums you need to visit in Mayo.]
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[H2] Westport Adventure Annual Memberships

[H5] Exclusive Benefits, Endless Fun.

LEARN MORE

[H6] DEALS, DISCOUNTS & MORE

[H2] THE WESTPORT HOUSE NEWSLETTER

[H5] Subscribe today and stay up to date with the Westport Estate project, receive special offers and exclusive discounts and be the first to know of upcoming events.

Yes! I Want Deals

[H1] Visitor Info

[H2] VISITOR INFO
We have compiled some helpful information to help make your visit with us the best it can be.  If you have any other questions, please Contact Us on +353(0)9827766 or info@westporthouse.ie. We will be delighted to help.
[H4] NURSING MUMS AND BABY CHANGING
Baby changing facilities are provided in Gracy’s Pizzeria (on arrival by the ticket office), in Westport House and in all the bathrooms on the campsite. While we don’t have a private room for nursing mums, there are couches in the ladies’ bathrooms in Westport House for your use.
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[H4] BRINGING A BUGGY?
We encourage parents of little children to bring buggies as we have a 400 acre estate in total and there may be a lot of walking involved in taking it all in! Unfortunately, there are two areas onsite that are not buggy friendly:1. Due to the need to protect the antique parquet floors in the house, Westport House is not buggy- accessible. You may park your buggy inside the house while you visit and borrow one of our baby carriers for the little ones. Or even better – plan to bring your own.2. The Immersive Gaming Experience is situated on the first floor in the farmyard area. You are welcome to park your buggy downstairs while the kids play.
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[H4] GUESTS WITH ADDITIONAL NEEDS OR DISABILITIES
Guest with additional needs or disabilities are very welcome to Westport House. Please review our Disability Policy to help with preparations for a visit. We hope it is helpful.  We realise we may not have covered everything so, if you have specific questions regarding any special needs, please get in touch with us at info@westporthouse.ie or on +353 (0)98 27766.With regards to tickets and admission, the person with the disability buy a ticket for entry. However, a person who acts as an escort for the visit to assist enters free of charge (on production of the relevant documentation). Please note; do not include these escorts when booking tickets online as they will be given complimentary admission on arrival.
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[H4] ESTATE RULES
We have just a few rules on Westport Estate. In welcoming you, we ask that you follow the estate rules:Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times and owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets.Children, under the age of 16, must be accompanied by an adult at all times.BBQs, picnics, ball-playing and open fires are not permitted on the estate grounds.Cyclists and pedestrians must keep to the dedicated pathways, greenway or shared roads. Not all pathways are suitable for bikes, please observe the signage.Visitors must not enter the lake at any times, other than via organised activities. Fishing is not permitted.Visitors entering the estate do so at their own risk. Westport House Estate does not accept responsibility for loss, theft or damage to vehicles or belongings while on the estate.Westport House reserves the right to refuse admission.The estate is monitored at all times by CCTV. Images are recorded for crime prevention, detection and personal safety.Advance permission is required to fly drone cameras. Please email us at info@westporthouse.ie.Failure to comply with any of above the rules may result in being asked to leave the estate.Please note that this is a privately owned estate with no right of access.
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[H4] MORE INFORMATION ABOUT WESTPORT TOWN
If you haven’t been to Westport before, you’re in for a treat! It is a beautiful planned town, with pretty streets, the Carrowbeg river running through it, blue flag beaches on our doorstep as well as Ireland’s holy mountain, Croagh Patrick. With a whole range of excellent facilities for visitors including bars, restaurants, hotels and other accommodation providers, some excellent sites to visit are www.DestinationWestport.com, www.northmayo.ie and www.discoverireland.ie/westport.

[H1] About Westport House

[H6] INTRODUCTION TO A HISTORIC HOUSE

[H2] WESTPORT HOUSE

Welcome to Westport House, one of County Mayo’s best loved attractions. Considered a national treasure, discover over 300-years of history at Westport House in ‘Ireland’s Most Beautiful Home.’ Its legendary beginnings date back to Pirate Queen of Connacht Grace O’Malley, whose castle forms the foundations of Westport House.

[H5]
HISTORIC LANDMARK

An Irish national treasure dating back to the 1500’s.

[H5]
FIVE MILLION VISITORS

Since opening its doors to the public in 1960.

[H5]
FAIRY TALE SETTING

A 400-acre Estate steeped in west of Ireland beauty.

[H6] VISIT AN IRISH TREASURE

[H2] Discover WESTPORT HOUSE

Fairy Tale Setting: Boasting a 400-acre Estate filled with gorgeous woodlands, beautiful gardens, scenic terraces, and enchanting antiquities; Westport House offers a fairy-tale setting for an exclusive wedding or special occasion.

[H3] A Historic House
Nestled alongside the bustling heart of Westport Town, Westport House provides the perfect escape to the wild beauty and adventure of the West of Ireland. Whether you’re staying in our premier campsite, spending the day in our new adventure park, grabbing a coffee at one of our delicious on-site eateries or taking in the history of our historic house; Westport House is a treasure trove of exceptional experiences for all ages. With Croagh Patrick on the horizon, Clew Bay in the distance and our 400-acre Estate at your fingertips, there’s no end to the adventures that await you.
[H3] Five Million Visitors
Since opening its doors to the public in 1960, Westport House has welcomed more than five million visitors through its doors. Our historic house enthrals visitors with its legends of lords, ladies, pirates, architecture and slave emancipators.

OPENING HOURS

[H6] OUR RECOGNITION

[H2] AWARDS

In recognition of our excellent customer service and exceptional qualities, Westport House has garnered prestigious recognition and acclaim. We are proud recipients of numerous awards, celebrating our commitment to historical preservation, stunning natural surroundings, and unrivalled guest experiences. We continue to strive for excellence in every aspect of Westport House, just take a look at some of our achievements.

CIE TOURS

Awards of Excellence 2013

BOOTS MATERNITY & INFANT MAGAZINE AWARDS

Best Family Holiday Destination Award 2015

PRIMARY TIMES STAR AWARDS

Best Halloween Event and Best Family Visitor Attraction 2015

TRIPADVISOR

Winner 2015

MAYO BUSINESS AWARDS

Winner 2015

BOOTS MATERNITY & INFANT MAGAZINE AWARDS

Second Place Best Family Day Out / Best Family Holiday Destination/Hotel 2016. Finalist Best Santa Experience.

IRISH TOURISM INDUSTRY AWARDS

Best Leisure Tourism Innovation 2017

[H6] HOW WE BENEFIT THE MAYO REGION

[H2] Economic Impact of Westport House

According to the Westport House Economic Impact Study by CHL Consulting Co. Ltd for Mayo County Council, Westport House was revealed as the motivation for over 60% of tourists that travel to Mayo.

[H6] THE STATS YOU NEED TO KNOW

[H2] Westport House in numbers

Visitors in 2014 (up 82% on 2009)
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Direct Expenditure to the Exchequer and the local economy in 2014
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Direct Expenditure to the Exchequer and the local economy in 2014
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Full time jobs on site at Westport House
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Visitors are Irish
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Of respondents to an on-site survey reported that Westport House was their principal motivation for traveling to Mayo
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[H3] Major Economic Report
A major new report carried out by CHL Consulting Co. Ltd on behalf of Mayo County Council in September 2015 revealed the total economic impact of Westport House to the economy of the region. The report was launched on September 29th at Westport House. Privately owned by the Browne Family for almost 400 years and open to the public since 1960, the Estate directly creates 47 jobs and accounts for €50.7 million indirect expenditure for the region. Westport Estate has also shown significant growth in recent years with over 162,000 paying customers in 2014 – up 82% on the 89,000 visitors in 2009.Westport House is cited as one of Ireland’s national treasures. Since 1960, the Browne Family have invested significantly in the estate in order to ensure that it continues trading as a leading tourism attraction – mainly by providing a changing and evolving range of tourism activities. This has resulted in the Estate’s rise as one of the Top 20 paying attractions in the country.In 2017, Westport House was bought by the Hughes family, who have continued to look after and carry on the story of Westport House. Recognising the importance of Westport House in terms of tourism for Westport and the entire Mayo region, they are significantly investing into the Estate, helping to create hundreds of jobs for the local area and developing one of the finest tourist attractions in Ireland.
[H3] The Findings
In terms of a direct contribution of economic value created, Westport House contributed almost €1.64 million to the Exchequer and the local/regional economy in the twelve months ending 30 September 2014.In terms of economic value generated by Westport House, some €50.7 million (based on an on-site survey) will be spent in Mayo and the wider region by consumers visiting the House this year (this figure is separate to the expenditure these visitors make at Westport House itself). This estimate is based upon survey respondents’ reported expenditure and is limited to those respondents who stated that the House was the principal purpose for their visit to Mayo.Economic activity on-site at Westport House directly employs 47.1 people (Full Time Equivalents). It is estimated, based upon Fáilte Ireland multipliers, that the expenditures associated with those that cite Westport House as the principal reason for their visit to Mayo, support a further 1,724 jobs elsewhere in the regional economy.Based on Fáilte Ireland estimates of tax receipts accruing to the Exchequer through tourism activity, the €50.7 million referenced above (arising from tourism associated with Westport House) will yield an additional €12.4 million for the Exchequer.Westport House is predominantly a domestic market family tourism product. Survey results indicate that some 84.4% of visitors to the House were Irish.In an on-site survey, 60.9% of respondents reported that Westport House was their principal motivation for traveling to Mayo.The product offering at Westport House aligns well with the wider national tourism policy agenda, and it serves as a prominent and significant adventure hub along the Wild Atlantic Way. As such, Westport House can expect to benefit from the continued domestic and international marketing of the Wild Atlantic Way.Apart from its performance as an economic asset, Westport House is a cultural and heritage asset of national significance, and consequently the non-monetised value of the House and estate needs to be recognised in assessing the significance of the House to the life and economy of Mayo.The report was carried out by CHL Consulting Co. Ltd using a full review of financial documents at Westport House Estate. An on – site survey of 400 respondents took place in July 2015. Consultations were also carried out with all local bodies and the community at large.
[H3] Membership
WILD ATLANTIC WAYDESTINATION WESTPORTTHE CAMPING AND CARAVANNING CLUBROYAL DUTCH TOURING CLUBCAMPING KEY EUROPECAMPING IRELANDFAILTE IRELAND QUALITY ASSUREDASSOCIATION OF VISITOR EXPERIENCES

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