Ireland has no dearth of luxury hotels. You can find these high-end properties in the capital city of Dublin in buildings that exude history and character and through the countryside in stately castles with acres of grounds and grand country houses set on movie-set worthy escapes.
In Spring 2026, there’s a new name on the scene: The Grace, Westport Estate, located in the storybook village of Westport in County Mayo, along the popular tourist attraction, the Wild Atlantic Way.
The charming Georgian town has a lot going for it: the Browne family, direct descendants of the 16th-century power Irish clan leader and pirate Grace O’Malley, planned it in the late 18th century, making it one of the rare cities that has been built with such detail. It has around 7,000 inhabitants and is small enough to get everywhere on foot.
The main thoroughfares, Bridge Street and Castlebar Street, are lined with homegrown shops, cafés, and pubs situated in historic buildings. Everyone seems to know everyone, and if they don’t, they’re likely to greet you with a warm “hello.” It also offers a gorgeous tree-lined promenade, dubbed “The Mall,” along the Carrowbeg River.
The Grace, Westport Estate will be what could easily be called the most upscale hotel in town and within the nearby area. The property sits within the 430-acre Westport Estate and, in another hotel standout, is being built from the ground up. The Hughes family is opening it- they are locals and are also reimagining the entire estate, including the 18th-century Palladian mansion Westport House.
Part of their transformation is done: there’s already an adventure park onsite with draws such as a zip line and rides.
According to a release on the project, the name draws inspiration from Grace O’Malley and the Hollywood legend Grace Kelly, both of whom were bold, independent, and elegant.