“A new era for Irish tourism” - sod turned on €65.5million Mayo estate project
A major redevelopment project will make Westport House a landmark destination for visitors in the West of Ireland
A new chapter in Mayo tourism started today as Minister of State for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Alan Dillon TD, officially turned the sod on the €65.5 million redevelopment of Westport Estate.
Supported by up to €36 million in funding from Fáilte Ireland, with the remaining investment provided by the Hughes family, this is one of the largest tourism investments ever made in the West of Ireland.
The project is set to transform the historic estate into a world-class visitor destination at the heart of the Wild Atlantic Way. Over the next 10 years, the redevelopment is expected to attract an additional 1.1million visitors, and boost the local economy.
The project is also forecast to support 226 jobs annually, both during construction and through long-term tourism growth.
A wide range of new attractions
The development will deliver a range of immersive attractions across the estate. Among the flagship attractions is ‘Wild Realms’, a 34-acre outdoor experience inspired by the Irish mythological Tree of Life. Designed by award-winning Irish landscape designer Mary Reynolds, the attraction will feature three interconnected nature-based realms using exclusively native planting to support biodiversity.
Visitors will also experience a transformed Westport House, where 350 years of history will be brought to life through new interpretive displays. For the first time, the historic house will be fully accessible, with its formal Italianate gardens also being restored and opened to the public.
Other elements of the project include ‘Ireland’s Pirate Queen: The Grace O’Malley Story', a fully immersive 360-degree cinematic experience telling the story of Mayo’s legendary chieftain, and a new Coach House Visitor Centre, featuring reception, retail and café facilities.
A welcome redevelopment
The redevelopment aligns with Fáilte Ireland’s strategy to strengthen tourism in the northern half of the Wild Atlantic Way, an area identified as having significant growth potential.
Speaking at the sod-turning ceremony, Minister Alan Dillon described the project as a landmark investment for Mayo and the West.
“It is a privilege to mark the beginning of this landmark development at Westport Estate. Over the two-year construction phase, the project will support 226 jobs, both directly and indirectly, bringing real economic value to the town and the wider region,” he said.
“Once completed, it will offer a world-class visitor experience unlike anything else in Ireland, celebrating our heritage, landscape and stories while strengthening the tourism offering in Westport, across Mayo and along the Wild Atlantic Way.”
Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke TD said the investment reflects the priorities outlined in the Government’s new tourism policy.
“This level of investment reflects the clear priorities set out in our new national tourism policy, A New Era for Irish Tourism, which emphasises the need for sustainable growth, stronger regional balance and the development of high-quality visitor experiences,” he commented.
Fáilte Ireland CEO Caroline Bocquel said the redevelopment would position Westport Estate as a main attraction on the Wild Atlantic Way.
“With this project [...] we are addressing a clear gap in the tourism offering in the northern half of the route and creating a compelling reason for visitors to come, stay longer and explore the wider region,” she explained.
Barry O’Connor, CEO of Westport Estate, said the project fulfils the vision the Hughes family had when they acquired the estate in 2017.
“When the Hughes family acquired the historic Westport Estate, they understood its extraordinary potential to become one of Ireland's great heritage destinations,” he said. “Today’s announcement marks a very proud moment as we embark on this exciting partnership with Fáilte Ireland and the Government.”
“Together, we are creating a long-term investment that will support employment, strengthen local businesses, attract more domestic and international visitors, and generate lasting economic and social benefits for Westport, Mayo and the wider Northwest,” he added.
The future of Westport Estate
Construction is expected to take approximately two years, with the completed development set to establish Westport Estate as one of Ireland’s premier heritage and tourism destinations in Mayo.