With ‘broken hearts’ Westport House goes up for sale

The historic 18th century Westport House in Co Mayo has been put up for sale by the Browne family, who have owned the estate for nearly 400 years.

It was with huge regret the family admitted that the tourist attraction, built on the site of one of Mayo pirate queen Grace O’Malley’s castles, is to be sold off along with the 183 hectare estate, which is a going tourist concern with a debt of €1m.

The house and grounds have been open to the public since 1960 and in recent years, Sheelyn and Karen Browne, eldest daughters of the last owner, Jeremy Browne, the Marquess of Sligo lord Altamont, have expanded the amenities at Westport House to include an adventure activity centre as well as weddings, functions and seasonal events in a bid to run their ancestral home as a viable tourist business.