Westport House & Pirate Adventure Park
Westport House and Pirate Adventure Park make for an engaging day out for visitors of all ages. Wander more than 30 rooms in the 18th-century house, while learning the story of its owners and connection to Grace O’Malley, the famed pirate queen. Then, head over to the theme park for a ride on the swinging pirate ship or mini Ferris wheel.
The Basics
Built in 1730, Westport House has an abundance of artifacts, artwork, and treasures to explore. Download the audio tour app, then listen to tales of the house and its occupants as you walk through the rooms and check out the permanent exhibitions. Don’t miss the dungeons where Grace O’Malley kept her prisoners. Wind up your tour with a stroll through the lush gardens.
For those traveling with children, a visit to the adjacent Pirate Adventure Park is a must. A day pass to Westport House and Pirate Adventure Park includes unlimited attractions such as the cannonball run slide and the log flume ride. If you’re not up for the adventure park, you can buy an individual ticket to Westport House.
Things to Know Before You Go
Westport House isn’t wheelchair-accessible; however, some areas of the adventure park and house grounds are.
Strollers aren’t allowed inside the house, but are welcome on the house grounds and in the adventure park.
How to Get There
Westport House and Pirate Adventure Park are less than a 10-minute drive (or a 25-minute walk) from Westport in Ireland’s County Mayo. From Castlebar, they’re a 25-minute drive southwest, or a 40-minute journey on bus 440 or 456.
When to Get There
Westport House is open year-round, with limited hours from November through March. Check the website for details. Pirate Adventure Park is open every day in July and August, and during school holidays for the rest of the year—except for January and March when it’s completely closed.
Eating and Drinking
Guests have multiple dining options. Have a homemade meal in Westport House’s old restored kitchen café, a snack in the pirates’ den, or kid-friendly fare in the galley in the pirates’ haven. If you’re there on a weekend in July or August, treat yourself to a sumptuous Victorian-style afternoon tea in the house’s formal drawing room.