If you’re looking to brighten up your family’s summer, then head to Westport House & Pirate Adventure Park for the day, or on a camping trip. You will be spoilt for choice with their range of fun activities for all the family, from laser clay pigeon shooting to child-friendly pirate tours, zip-wiring, outdoor amusements, historic tours, festivals and other events.
Westport House is fast becoming the adventure hub of the West. Everyone from eight years and upwards can enjoy their Adventure Activity Centre, which is set in the stunning natural lakeland and parkland of the 480 acre estate. This year, along with the firm favourites of zorbing, orienteering, archery, laser combat games, stand up paddle boarding and kayaking, you can now go laser clay pigeon shooting and take a ride on a new 270m long, 50m high ZipWire!
There is so much fun to be had for families on the estate’s outdoor amusements in the Pirate Adventure Park. Make sure your kids take the plunge on the Cannonball Run slide, the Pirates Swinging Ship and the Pirate Plunge log flume ride. Or they can enjoy good old fashioned fun on the bouncy castle, paint their own pottery in the house, take a trip on the Westport House Express train or the Swan Pedaloe Boats, try their hand at pitch & putt, tennis, table-tennis and fishing!
Westport House is one of the few remaining privately owned historic houses in Ireland, which is a huge attraction for families interested in history as you can hear all about the Browne family who have lived on the estate since the 16th Century and the infamous Pirate Queen Grace O’ Malley, who even makes an appearance to tell her story to young history buffs.
The key events taking place this summer on the grounds include The Westport Festival of Music and Performing Arts from 23 to 24 June, which is being headlined by Jools Holland, Imelda May and Macy Gray among others, and the Outdoor Theatre on 9 and 13 August. Summer camps will also run throughout the month of July.
There is a caravan & camping park set in the lush grounds of Westport House surrounded by ancient trees with Croagh Patrick and Clew Bay in the background, with free hot showers, electrics, WiFi, recycling, picnic and washing up areas, along with Gracy’s Bar & Restaurant, which has music at weekends. Plenty to keep everyone happy, so there’s no excuse when the kids ask to stay longer!
You can view all the attractions and activities Westport House has to offer on www.westporthouse.ie.
There’s always something happening at Westport House. Check out our Adventure Park, take on the Interactive Gaming Zone or enjoy a gourmet toastie at The Oak Door.