Westport House, Westport, Co Mayo is currently on the market by private treaty.

Set on 455 acres, this sprawling estate is situated on the outskirts of Westport town and as locals are only too aware, it forms an integral component of the thriving tourism industry for the region which takes in the 42km Great Western Greenway (the longest off road walking and cycling trail in the country) and the 2,500km Wild Athlantic Way coastal driving route which goes from the Inishowen Peninsula all the way to Kinsale, Co Cork.

Thus it wasn’t surprising that these attractions, coupled with the stunning scenery associated with Clew Bay and Croagh Patrick, contributed to the town of Westport being voted the Irish Times Best Place to Live in Ireland back in 2012.

Open to the public since 1960, Westport House has welcomed over four million visitors from all over the world.

Apart from the historic element, it has been developed into one of Ireland’s best loved family destinations with its Pirate adventure park that incorporates karting, archery, express train rides, canoeing and tree climbing.

Visitors can also take advantage of the fully serviced caravan and tent park, pretty picnic areas and extensive woodland walks that take in the weir, the lake and the Carrowbeg river.

Apart from the extensive accommodation in Westport House itself, the property also comes with nine other apartments/guest houses, a beautiful stone courtyard and 455 acres of meadow and grazing land.

For sale by Ganly Walters, Dublin, this historic estate is being offered as a going concern at a guide price in the region of €10 million.

The agent is eager to find a buyer who would be willing to continue the business and maintain Westport House as one of the leading tourist destinations west of the Shannon.

Only time will tell if this wonderful landmark will continue as a key tourist attraction for the west.

See full story in this week’s property section of the Irish Farmers Journal