Westport Estate, home to one of Ireland’s most popular heritage attractions, Westport House, has been awarded Fáilte Ireland’s Platforms for Growth grant for Heritage and Cultural Attractions, worth €20.2 million. The funding will be part of an ongoing, ambitious masterplan that will transform Westport Estate into a world-class tourism destination and visitor attraction and benefit the overall region.

The overall vision of the project is to reimagine the entire offering within the 433-acre grounds as part of a €75 million master plan, which also includes the redevelopment of Hotel Westport.

Among the key areas of work that will be supported by the Fáilte Ireland grant and in partnership with acclaimed designer Mary Reynolds, Westport Estate will be creating a very different and uniquely Irish re-wilded landscape experience connecting the earth with Irish heritage. The restoration of Westport House and the reimagining of its 300-year history will also be a strong feature. In addition, a brand-new immersive visitor experience will be created that tells the legendary story of Grace O’Malley, the Pirate Queen of Connacht. For more information, read the full news announcement here.

Earlier this year, works commenced on Westport House which is phase one of the restoration project and is expected to be completed by the autumn. Estimated to cost in the region of €5 million, it will see much-needed conservation work carried out to the Georgian-era home to help prepare it for the larger project ahead.