Fresh from a very successful Summer season at Westport House, we are delighted to announce that we have a varied programme of events and activities coming up this Autumn – Winter at Westport House.  There is something for everyone to enjoy at Westport House as we move into this beautiful and more peaceful season.  We hope to welcome you.

Westport Chamber Music Festival, 8^th to 10^th September

The sold-out opening recital of the annual festival – now in its sixth year – took place at Westport House last weekend.  For the first time, this year, we also had a Sunday afternoon recital taking place in the House. It was a truly magnificent event with some of the country’s best chamber music musicians playing on the night.

Culture Night, 22^nd September

We open our doors for free annually as part of Culture Night and provide a fascinating guided tour at 7pm, telling the tale of this beautiful house. This year, for the first time, we are welcoming  Cór Mhaigh Eo to perform on the Marble Staircase in the front hall at 8pm.  Details available here.

Fossett’s Circus, 27^th September to 1^st October

Our long-time friends, the Fossett’s family, will return to Westport with another all-new show for 2017 featuring magical aerial manoeuvers, skilled knife throwing and motorcycle on a high-wire. Always thrilling, don’t miss out on Fossett’s – in our opinion, definitely the best Irish Circus.

Award-winning Halloween Fest, 28^th October to November 5^th

Winner of Best Halloween Event at Primary Times, we are looking forward to some ghoulishly good fun over this October mid-term break. The Pirate Adventure Park will be open all mid-term break long as will the “haunted” historic house.  From the 28^th to the 31^st October, we will include free workshops and activities in your ticket such as Spooky Spoons, Jack-O-Lantern Carving, Face-painting and Storytelling with the White Witch. Don’t miss out on the newly spooked dungeons!  Plan your freakishly fun mid-term break with us.

Magical Christmas Experience, 25^th November to 23^rd December

Our favourite time of the year, visitors get to enjoy Westport House in a whole new way as we use all of the rooms to celebrate Winter Wonderland at Christmas.  Once you park, our train will pick you up and bring you to beautiful Westport House.  New this year, we have more intimate group sizes visiting Santa as part of your guided experience at Winter Wonderland, each child will get their own miniature Christmas tree to plant (as Santa’s gift) and we are planning a very exciting Christmas Eve Live Show with Santa Claus (that you can watch online in the comfort of your own home).   We are also working on a new “Live Crib” so the kiddies will get to meet some animals too.  The Elves will welcome you all back but with a new sparkle in the experience and Mrs Claus has a magical new story about “Stumpa” that will inspire the kids.  Everyone will still get to take home their own home-made Yuletide Log and avail of the professional photo.  Please pre-book your visit to avoid disappointment.

Sensory Santa at Westport House, December 7th

On December 7th, we tone down the light and the music to welcome families with children with autism to see Santa one on one.  We love to set aside this very special time where families can relax and enjoy a magical Christmas experience.  Check Sensory Santa out here.

Westport House Open Daily

Westport House remains open daily through to the start of November from 10am to 4pm and weekends thereafter.  With the Autumn leaves turning, this season is a particularly beautiful one to visit. Check out some stunning photos here.  Enjoy over 30 rooms open to the public and 6 exhibitions.

Groups Always Welcome at Westport House

You are always welcome to bring a group and take your pick of the following activities.

·         Book an Afternoon Tea in the stunning house (a great lunch alternative)

·         Enjoy a fascinating Guided Tour of the House with one of our passionate, fun and knowledgeable guides

·         Take the Westport Train Tour on a sight-seeing, all-weather tour of the town

·         Try an exhilarating Private Hawk Walk with our master falconer