Westport House submits planning application for restoration

Westport House is pleased to confirm the formal submission today of a planning application to Mayo County Council for the Restoration and Interpretation of Westport Estate. This transformative development within a nationally significant Estate with several protected structures throughout, promises to elevate this iconic cultural and historical landmark to international significance whilst remaining central to the town of Westport and the county of Mayo.

The proposed development includes:

1. The Restoration of Westport House 

• Repair and upgrade of the fabric and accessibility to Westport House, which is a Protected Structure.

2. The Repurposing of the Coach House complex 

• Restoration and repurposing of the nearby Coach House buildings which are also Protected Structures 

• Extensions to provide a new visitor hub to include the 'Grace O'Malley Experience', a café, retail space, along with visitor and staff facilities.

3. Creating The Wild Realms - Outdoor Landscape and Gardens 

• Partial restoration of formal Italianate gardens on the western façade of Westport House.

• Creation of the new ‘Lower Realm' at 'Ladies Island,' featuring an 'Eartharium' entrance passageway and a new elevated walkway with associated gathering areas and story-telling structure.

• Development of the 'Middle Realm' at the existing Walled Garden incorporating the conservation and partial repurposing of the remaining original structures.

• Establishment of the 'Upper Realm' at Garvillaun on the western part of the Estate with dedicated pedestrian routes around the headland and incorporating the repair and consolidation of an existing causeway access and the creation of a new pontoon walkway across Westport House Lough.

4. Supporting Amenity, Infrastructure, and Ancillary Development 

• New cycle, bus, and car parking areas along with the consolidation and rationalisation of existing parking facilities.

Barry O’Connor , CEO Westport Estate, said: “Today is a significant milestone for this ambitious project which not only seeks to secure the future of Westport House but transform it into a world-class tourism destination, operating all year-round for domestic and international visitors alike. This will be a “must see” attraction in Mayo and we estimate almost half a million people will be visiting Westport Estate annually while a much greater seasonal spread throughout the year is also anticipated.

Today’s submission comes on the back of extensive consultations with the local community and other stakeholders in recent months and we are delighted with the positive feedback and strong support coming from people generally. The new vision for the restoration and interpretation of Westport Estate, which is strongly supported by Fáilte Ireland, will be of positive benefit to the cultural and economic vitality not just of Westport but the entire county of Mayo and will be a game changer for Wild Atlantic Way tourism, particularly along the upper Western seaboard."