Tour Groups
Why not take your group to visit one of the most beautiful historic houses in Ireland?
An extraordinary number of groups have been welcomed to Westport House and Gardens since it first opened to the public in 1960… many saying it constituted the highlight of their tour of the West of Ireland. Westport House and Gardens has a very high appeal to all nationalities, with growing numbers of English, German, French, and American visitors each year. A visit will intrigue anyone interested in learning more about Ireland’s rich culture and heritage in a beautiful and peaceful parkland setting.
Our pre-booked tour options include:
Guided Tour: We recommend 90 minutes for a minimum visit to the house. The coach drops off at our Coach drop off point and allows time for guests to use the facilities. We then start our animated guided tour of the house lasting 30-45 minutes where we provide the highlights of the House itself and the Browne Family who have been in Westport House since it was built in 1730 as well as the original architecture, art and furniture. The tour finishes in our Tea Rooms by the Pantry Gift Shop where visitors are welcome to pick up a souvenir or refreshment. There is time for a walk around the house or to stroll around the superb parkland setting with lake, terraces, waterfalls, wonderful gardens and magnificent views overlooking Clew Bay, the Atlantic Ocean, Achill, Clare Island and Ireland’s holy mountain Croagh Patrick. Guided Tours need to be booked in advance.
“Lord it Up” Tour: Spend a half day in Westport House to get a feel for what it feels like to live in a 500 year old house. Enjoy the guided tour of the house as described above, take Afternoon Tea with only the most delicious cakes and sandwiches in the restored Olde Kitchen Tea Rooms and then wile away a couple of hours in front of the toasty fire while you play cards, have a sing song or play board games. Finish off the visit with a ride on the Westport House Express miniature railway where you can enjoy the grounds, views of the lake and bay. This visit can last up to 3 hours. What a way to spend time in Westport and really experience life as a Lord? Pre-booking and groups of 20+ required all year around.
The grounds are naturally beautiful and peppered with architectural and antique beauty including a greek sarcophagus, lily pond, sun house, cannons from the Spanish Armada and famine-time soup pots. We also have leisurely parkland walks featuring a Tree Trail and a 1.5km looped riverside walk if time permits.
Is your group interested in outdoor activity?
In 2011, Westport House opened its Adventure Activity Centre offering activities such as Archery, as well as some more adventurous activities like zorbing, combat games, high ropes. For those groups looking to “get amongst it”, we are happy to arrange sessions.
Westport & Surrounding Location: Westport and the Clew Bay region is a hive of activity for visitors. Nearby you’ll find the un-miss-able mountain, Croagh Patrick, if you’re up to a healthy hike. If you’re looking to enjoy the Atlantic, we have a range of blue flag beaches in the area, deep sea fishing on Clew Bay, or alternatively Island trips to Clare Island or any of the 365 islands in the Bay. For the rainy day, we are a short drive to the National Museum of Country Life, Kylemore Abbey or Foxford Woolen Mills. Likewise day trips to each of Clifden, Achill, Connemara, Aran Islands and Galway are all only a one hour’s drive away. In addition, Westport is also renowned for its variety of delicious restaurants and lively pubs both on Westport Quay or in the town itself. Please visit www.DestinationWestport.com for more information on the surrounding areas.
To enjoy any of these tours, advance booking is necessary. We will do our best to accommodate a guided tour for any drop-in groups however, this cannot be guaranteed. A self-guided tour is the alternative option. Please contact us on info@westporthouse.ie or +353 98 27766.
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