Extra summer fun at Westport House

SUMMER'S here – time to enjoy a fun-filled family experience at the award-winning Westport House and Hotel Westport. With the local Hughes family now in ownership and exciting new plans afoot, Westport House and Hotel Westport is a superb destination for a great family day or a short break.

There are many new attractions to experience and a host of new and improved culinary and accommodation options at Westport House and Hotel Westport.

The Westport House estate gardens are free for all to enjoy and are open until 9 p.m. throughout July and August.

After taking in the newly added daily 2 p.m. tour of the ongoing renovation and replanting of the estate gardens, soak up the inspiring heritage of Westport House with a brand new free audio tour app now available for all visitors. Check out the dungeons, meet the characters who have lived in the house, and step back in time with a sumptuous Victorian afternoon tea.

Splash out at the Pirate Adventure Park, which is open Wednesday through Sunday in June and daily in July and August.

New for this year, send the kids off-roading in mini jeeps down at the Kiddie Kars on the Farmyard, then gather the gang to attempt the brand-new 24-metre inflatable obstacle course. Gear up on the go karts or wind down on the swan pedalos, or climb aboard the Westport House Express miniature train ride through the estate and on to Westport Quay and town.

For summer 2018, purchasing a day ticket to Westport House or the Pirate Adventure Park means free entry the following day. The local community can also avail of season membership, which gives families unlimited access to Westport House and the Pirate Adventure Park throughout the year, as well as great discounts on tickets for family and friends and on birthday parties in the Pirates Den. Annual prices for a family start at €190 and can be purchased online at www.westporthouse.ie or by calling (098) 27766, or simply drop by the house to sign up.

There are also great bundle offers for family membership of Westport House and Hotel Westport Leisure Centre available, as well as adult membership offers for open access to Westport House and grounds.

Gracy’s Pizzeria and Bistro is open under new management and the new menu will satisfy the most demanding of tastes. To celebrate the launch of the all-new Gracy’s, join the team on Saturday, June 23, for a wonderful free midsummer party, which is open to all from 2 to 6 p.m. Enjoy a complimentary taste of Gracy’s, face painting and plenty of entertainment for all the family.

Saturday, June 29, sees the launch of the Westport Food Festival with a glorious Midsummer Banquet at Westport House. This exclusive black-tie event is limited to just 120 places. Tickets are €100 per person and can be purchased at Hotel Westport on (098) 25122.

Hotel Westport has great family deals, and guests receive a 25% discount on entry to Westport House and the Pirate Adventure Park.

Westport House Caravan and Camping Park has a wonderful laid-back vibe, great bathroom and showering facilities and a brand-new campers kitchen.

For more, see www.westporthouse.ie telephone (098) 27766, or email info@westporthouse.ie.