New adventures await at Westport House Estate

I’M NOT a hugely adventurous person myself, but I do love a decent challenge. Getting out of our comfort zone for a while is a rewarding exercise for us modern human beings.

We don’t all have to be high-performance athletes or survival artists. Life is mostly about a bit of craic, and that’s certainly the case at Westport Adventure, the new outdoor adventure park at the Westport House Estate.

Boasting lots of activities, the destination is perfect for a fun day out, offering the adventurous everything from a go on a 100-metre zip line to a leap from a quarry’s edge, an aerial trek or a bounce around in the net park.

When I visited it was media day, and scribes from around the country had flocked to Westport House to review the new adventure park for themselves.

It was a hot day, no cloud to be seen. Sun protection was dished out, and thankfully, the organisers provided us with chilled drinks.

The scenery could not be more beautiful. The park is located in the historic grounds of Westport House, one of Mayo’s most-loved and most-visited destinations. When I arrived, I strolled through the lovely Westport House gardens, glad I had planned to get there early enough to give myself time to unwind from the frenzy of daily news coverage at Mayo News HQ.

We started off with the net park. It’s the largest one of its kind in Ireland. On different height levels that are connected with each other, it’s suitable for toddlers and older. Reaching heights of up to 30 metres, the net park spans tree tops and the edges of a 300-year-old quarry. Requiring agility and skill, it is left to the individual to decide how far they want to challenge themselves here. Go up as high as you want and jump around as much as you like.

Next up was the quarry edge leap. It is a different animal. Safely buckled up and finely instructed by the friendly and patient staff, the adventurer has to step from the three-storey-edge to swoosh down and land on mattresses. It looks completely harmless from the ground, but the perspective switches dramatically looking down from the edge – at least it did for me.

I just couldn’t bring himself to take the leap of faith here, but all the other colleagues did, and they told me the experience gave them a refreshing rush of adrenaline. Not to worry, I’d get mine later on.

I was determined to not duck the next challenge, the giant swing. It suited me more, as you get safely strapped up and basically have the choice taken away from you as the swing is being lifted a couple of metres into the air. The staff member promised us with a twinkle in her eye that she would count down from three to zero before unleashing the swing. Needless to say, she did not make it to zero before the rope was loosened and we were thrust forward, swinging back and forth with dangling legs. It is good fun. The first moment is akin to a rollercoaster rolling over a height and then rushing downwards.

Emboldened, I was up for further challenges now and couldn’t wait to get to the next one: the 100-metre zip line. I had done a zip line before, so I was at an advantage here, and I absolutely loved it. Launching from the very top of the quarry, you are treated to panoramic views of the Adventure Park as you bolt towards the floor of the quarry. For the competitive minded, the twin zip lines mean you and another can zip side-by-side in a race to the bottom of the course.

Next up was the aerial trekking course. Adventurers traverse a series of suspended obstacles and challenges on an elevated course designed to test balance, agility and courage. The course starts at a comfortable height and gradually ascends, with a circuit to swoop, scale and balance through.

I braced myself and went up with an attitude of ‘You can do this’, which worked out this time. The obstacles are a lot about balancing and using core strengths. They’re definitely well designed to hone one’s mobility skills.

The fact that there are different height levels makes it very accessible for all age groups and levels. I made it up to the highest mark, and I can say I’m proud of myself. The look down isn’t always a good idea high up in the aerial trekking park, but the obstacles keep you occupied. A feeling of achievement afterwards is guaranteed.

And there is more to try too, including a climbing zone and two types of giant slides, which are just a good bit of fun. The Westport Adventure definitely makes for a great day out for anyone so inclined, especially families. For me, while my slight uneasiness with heights came back to haunt me during the quarry leap, I’m glad I got to redeem myself… eventually.

Westport Adventure’s official opening takes place today, Saturday, June 1, from 1pm to 5pm, with family entertainment, music and more. For more details, visit their website.

For group bookings, contact info@westporthouse.ie.