Taoiseach Micheál Martin officially opens The Grace at Westport Estate in Mayo
An Taoiseach, Micheál Martin has officially opened The Grace, a new luxury 129 bedroom hotel at Westport Estate.
He described it as 'an extraordinary hotel which will add significantly to the region'.
"It's a massive boost in tourism and economic terms for a town as attractive as Westport.
"It has the beauty of the natural landscape supported by outstanding services locally for visitors," he said.
The opening of the Grace comes at a time of strong national focus on regional development and tourism growth along the Wild Atlantic Way, with high-quality accommodation seen as critical to attracting higher-value international visitors and extending the tourism season.
Developed as part of the wider transformation of Westport Estate by the Hughes family, the project forms a central pillar of a long-term investment strategy aimed at repositioning the estate as a world-class visitor destination, with benefits for tourism, employment and regional economic development across Mayo and the wider west.
An Taoiseach paid a glowing tribute to the Hughes family which has a long history of entrepreneurship, contributing to the industrial and business fabric of the region, including Postwest, Carraig Donn, which are global brands.
"They have shown what is achievable and this hotel is a further chapter of investment and increased expansion in this region.
"But, above all, this region defines quality, which we witnessed a short time ago when the Prime Minister of Canada visited his ancestral home of Mayo and the county did itself proud on that occasion as Aughagower and Westport were shining."
Set within 430 acres of historic estate lands overlooking Clew Bay along the Wild Atlantic Way, The Grace draws inspiration from two iconic figures with Mayo links—Grace O’Malley and Grace Kelly—reflecting a distinctive identity rooted in both history and timeless elegance.
An Taoiseach added: "This development reflects the ambition and innovation of the Hughes family while showcasing the extraordinary natural beauty and heritage of the wider Westport Estate and its historic Westport House."
The hotel has been designed to immerse guests in its surroundings, with interiors, materials and guest experiences shaped by the west of Ireland’s landscape, from woodland and mountain to coastline and sky.
Facilities include luxury accommodation, destination dining centred on seasonal Irish produce, a spa and wellness offering, and access to the estate’s extensive walking trails, heritage features and outdoor experiences.
Owen Hughes of Westport Estate added: "This is an immensely proud day for Westport and it’s a significant milestone within a long-term strategic investment in the future of Westport Estate and the wider region.
"The Grace is central to our vision of creating an internationally recognised destination that celebrates heritage, nature and contemporary Irish culture.”
He confirmed his family has future plans for Westport Estate, plans that will create employment in Westport and across the wider region.
"We have been working closely with Failte Ireland over the past six years to bring this world class project to fruition."
Ciaran Reidy, general manager of The Grace, said: “The Grace represents a new chapter for Westport Estate and for hospitality in the west of Ireland.
"Our ambition is to create an authentic and immersive experience that combines world-class standards with a true sense of place. From design and dining to guest experiences, everything has been shaped by the character and spirit of Mayo.
"We believe The Grace will become a flagship destination on the Wild Atlantic Way and are proud to welcome the Taoiseach to mark this important milestone.”
The Grace was designed by Mayo-based Taylor McCarney, with interiors by GW Design.
The hotel has created over 140 jobs to date, with further opportunities emerging as Westport Estate continues to evolve.