Westport House
Connaught
Westport House, located in County Mayo, Ireland, is a magnificent Georgian country house historically belonging to the Browne family, Marquesses of Sligo. Originally built on the site of the O'Malley castle by Colonel John Browne in the late 17th century, it was later redesigned in the 18th century by architect Richard Cassels in the Palladian style. The estate showcases architectural contributions from Thomas Ivory, James Wyatt, and Benjamin Wyatt, featuring elegant interiors such as a drawing room with Pompeian-style painted ceilings and a grand Sicilian marble staircase. The grounds include remnants of a model farm and a boathouse, reflecting its historical agricultural and maritime heritage. A notable feature is the bronze statue of Grace O'Malley, the 16th-century pirate queen and ancestor of the Browne family, symbolizing the estate's deep historical roots. Today, Westport House offers guided and self-guided tours, diverse dining options, and outdoor activities including a caravan and camping site, glamping village, and adventure park, making it a vibrant destination that combines cultural heritage with family-friendly attractions.
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Astuce: For the best experience, visit Westport House during spring and summer when the gardens and outdoor activities are at their peak. Booking guided tours in advance is recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons. Discounts may be available for families, seniors, and groups. The estate offers various dining options onsite, and visitors can extend their stay by booking accommodations in the caravan park or glamping village. Check the official website for opening hours and special events.
Faits intéressants
- •Westport House was built on the site of the O'Malley castle, the ancestral home of Grace O'Malley, the 16th-century pirate queen.
- •The grand staircase inside Westport House is made of Sicilian marble and features a balustrade with the Browne family eagle motif.
- •A bronze statue of Grace O'Malley, created by artist Michael Cooper, stands on the grounds, symbolizing her legacy as a seafarer and fighter.
- •The estate includes remains of an old boathouse and a model farm built in the early 19th century.
- •Westport House was owned by the Browne family for hundreds of years before being sold to the Hughes family in 2017, who planned extensive refurbishments.
Histoire
Westport House was originally constructed by Colonel John Browne in the late 1600s on the site of the O'Malley castle.
In the 18th century, the house was rebuilt in a Palladian style by Richard Cassels, with later additions by Thomas Ivory and James Wyatt.
The estate remained the family seat of the Marquess of Sligo for centuries until it was sold in 2017 to the Hughes family.
Over time, the house underwent significant architectural enhancements including a grand marble staircase and interior refurbishments after a fire in the 1820s.
The estate also reflects the lineage of Grace O'Malley, the famed pirate queen, through its historical connections and monuments.
Guide du lieu
The Drawing Room1826
Reconstructed after an 1826 fire, the drawing room features a ceiling painted to represent the sky with Pompeian-style figures and a mantlepiece by John Flaxman. It reflects the elegant taste of the Browne family during the 19th century.
Grand Staircase1858
Designed by George Wilkinson in 1858 for the Third Marquess of Sligo, this grand staircase is crafted from Sicilian marble with a phosphor-bronze balustrade featuring the Browne eagle motif, made by Skidmore of Coventry.
Grace O'Malley Statue2003
A bronze statue unveiled in 2003, depicting the legendary 16th-century pirate queen Grace O'Malley, who is an ancestor of the Browne family. The statue shows her as both a seafarer and a warrior, holding a tiller and sword.
Westport House Grounds and Model FarmEarly 19th century
The estate grounds include the remains of a 19th-century model farm with animal housing and feeding facilities, reflecting the estate's agricultural heritage. The old boathouse remains open to the sea, linking the estate to its maritime past.
Contact
Téléphone: (098) 27766
