Wild about Westport: an Irish family holiday

Oh I love Westport”, “You’ve never been? It’s brilliant,” were just some of the comments I got when I told people we were holidaying in Westport this year.

Ours is one of those modern so-called “blended families”, which means that holidays can be tricky. What appeals to a three-year-old is wildly different to what a pair of teenagers expect. So Westport had a lot to live up to.

The town itself has multiple claims to fame, not least Croagh Patrick, where Saint Patrick fasted for 40 days and where pilgrims have travelled since pagan times to celebrate harvest.

Westport was also home to the famous pirate queen of Connacht, Grace O’Malley. In 1650, Colonel John Browne and his wife Maud Burke, Grace’s great-great-granddaughter, built Westport House on the foundations of one of her many castles.

Last year, Westport House was bought by the local Hughes family, owners of clothing brand Portwest and Hotel Westport, who have pledged to invest €50m in the house.

The new audio tour and fascinating displays tell the story of the Browne family, the architecture and how the estate fared during the famine. Visitors can take Victorian afternoon tea or eat in the original kitchens, just above Grace O’Malley’s castle dungeons.

But it’s outside that sets Westport House apart from being just another stately home. In the grounds is the Pirate Adventure Park. First up was a trip on two giant pedalo swans around the lake, followed by the Westport House Express, a miniature railway that winds through the woodland. The train was such a hit with our three-year-old that he had to go on it four more times.

The teenagers (and adults) loved the cannonball run slide, the pirate queen swinging shop and the inflatable obstacle course. But the pirates’ plunge flume ride, from which everyone emerged soaked, was their favourite.

The indoor pirates’ den soft play area and outdoor pirates’ playground, complete with mud kitchen, are ideal for younger children. For teenagers, choose from archery, go-karting and hawk walks with the resident falconer.

A cycling path through the estate links the Great Western Greenway with Westport Quay. We hired bikes and a toddler trailer and spent an afternoon enjoying the hidden off-road sights between Westport and Newport.

Not quite fit enough to cycle the entire 42km to Achill Sound, we cheated by driving to the famously picturesque Keem beach. Keem was the base for Achill’s shark fishing industry in the 1950s and 1960s, but thankfully we saw none on our sojourn.

Another afternoon was spent on an adventure package of climbing, archery and a truly bizarre game that involved a trampoline, basketball net and a spongy ball.

Nicely exhausted after each day’s exertions and excursions, we returned to base camp at The Harbour Mill. The 18th century cut-stone mill has four-star self-catering accommodation that is perfect for families.

As well as a sauna, steam room, jacuzzi and complimentary access to Westport Leisure Park, there is a 24-hour reception, free wifi and a babysitting service. And – a stroke of genius – a kiddies’ corner beside the wine bar so both parents and kids can relax.

Now it’s me saying: “Oh I love Westport.”

Find out more about Westport on www.destinationwestport.com

Coming up soon:

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Wild about Westport: Outdoor adventures

Wild about Westport: Rainy day relaxation