Tours

We offer a choice of two Guided Tours to visitors to Westport House.

 

1.    The Westport House Tour

(May Bank Holiday Weekend: 3pm Sat/Sun/Mon)

 

The Westport House tour  lasts 45 – 60 minutes and provides details of the original architecture, art and furniture in our 30 rooms open to the public.  Covering all three floors of the house, you will learn about the staged building of the house, its relationship with the town, the beautiful contents as well as the original artwork on display.  Further, you will learn all about the Browne Family who have been in Westport House since it was built in 1730. You’ll learn the impact that each marquess had on the House, Westport town and society.  It provides a fascinating insight into the people behind this beautiful house. 

 

2.    The Grace O’Malley Pirate Queen Tour

(May Bank Holiday Weekend: 2pm Sat/Sun/Mon)

 

The Grace O’Malley Pirate Tour lasting 30 minutes is specifically suited to and targeted at children aged 4-12 years. The goal is to welcome families into the house and provide the opportunity for everyone to enjoy this 18th century historic home.  Grown Ups get to peek at the original artwork, antiques and architecture while the children are regaled with stories of the Pirate Queen of Connaught, her relationship to Westport House and the Browne family and stories of her life on the high seas.  Who knows, many of the grown ups may enjoy this part too!  The tour finishes up in the dungeons of the house which as legend has it, are the dungeons from Grace O’Malley’s 16th century castle upon which the House is built. 

 

Visitors are also welcome to take a self-guided tour of the House with most rooms offering written details and some audio visual, media and photographic content. And we encourage all visitors to linger and enjoy any or all of our 4 permanent exhibitions which are introduced during the tours but offer a wealth more information about the House and the family behind it. 

 

Guided tours are available by appointment for group visits and both tours run twice daily during high season (Easter break as well as July & August).  The Grace O’Malley tour usually runs at 11am and 2pm and the Westport House tour runs at 12pm and 3pm.

Please note: during the May Bank Holiday Weekend, the Grace O'Malley Tour (for 4-12 year olds) runs at 2pm & the Westport House Tour (for adults) at 3pm.

If you’re interested in booking a group tour, please call us on 098 27766 or email on info@westporthouse.ie