Martin Crummy heads West, with his wife and two daughters, to review the newly opened Westport Adventure Park.
Westport House is one of the country's most loved places to visit, and they've just added another major attraction to their impressive location.
Westport Estate has repurposed a 300-year-old quarry area within its grounds to create a family-orientated activity destination.
This new attraction boasts Ireland's largest net park, dual 100-metre ziplines, massive multi-person swings, a heart-pounding freefall jump, giant slides, ten 10-metre climbing walls, and an exhilarating aerial trekking course.
We, as a family of two girls (aged six and 10), were invited to stay for two nights to experience the new adventure park as well as the on-site glamping at Westport House.
Arriving on a bright and sunny Saturday evening, it was obvious that the glamping spot has got the 'summer vibe' in spades.
It's hard to explain exactly what the 'summer vibe' is, but as you navigate through the camping site - with families enjoying the early June sun - and arrive at the decked out bell tent, you get the sense that you've landed in the right place.
The tent is well equipped with a double bed and two single beds as well as a cooler box and USB charging port.
Outside, there is a picnic bench that became the kitchen table for the few days. There is lots of space to the front, and the kids instantly had the footballs and hurleys out and played all evening. The Mayo sun made it all the better.
On-site, and only a short walk away, is Gracy's Pizzeria, Bar & Bistro - the perfect spot for the first night's dinner if your kids felt cooped up on the car ride.
Little ones can bop to either the live music or DJ keeping that will be in place to keep the party going while you tuck into delicious pizza.
After a good night's sleep in the glamping tent, the second day was all about the adventure park. It is very well organised, where some of the activities are on a day pass - which means you have unlimited access to them throughout the day. This is perfect when camping or staying on site.
Then there are activities like the zip-line (well worth a visit), which have a time slot, and you go to the activity for the time you are booked in.
In the morning, we went on Ireland's largest net park (our six-year-old loved this).The nets reach heights of 30 metres and include a network of tunnels, aerial bridges, tree houses, giant bounce zones, spiral nets, and more. Suitable for toddlers and upwards.
Then, as a little break from all the adventure, we took a tour of the historic Westport House followed by a turn around lake in pedalos. It was the perfect break from the adventure park, and the house was fascinating thanks to Dolores at reception filling us in with all the history.
Later that afternoon, we had the dual 100-metre Zip Line. It launches from the very top of the quarry, and the 'twin' zip line means participants will zip side-by-side in a race to the bottom of the course.
The duration for this activity is up to 90 minutes, including harnessing, briefing, and de-rigging.
Other activities at the adventure park which you can book are Aerial Trekking, The Quarry's Edge Leap, Giant Swing, and the 10 Metre Climbing Walls.
That evening, we again dined at Gracy's Pizzeria to carbo-load on pizza and chips before retiring to our bell tent for a well-earned rest.
All in all, the venue provided a real holiday bubble, where the whole family could settle in with no need to leave - our every wish was catered for, making it was a great escape from the daily grind.
The Details:
We were invited to Westport Adventure Park for a two-night stay for the purpose of review.
Prices for two nights of glamping with the family are €340.00.Adventure Park prices vary depending on your activity. For example for a Net Park Combo Pass is - Walk-in Rate €29.50 | Online Rate €27.00.
To plan a visit, check out https://www.westportadventure.ie/. For group bookings contact info@westporthouse.ie.
Height, age and weight restrictions apply for your health and safety, and more details can be found on the Westport Adventure website.
For more staycation inspiration, check out our family reviews of The Westin Hotel and The Conrad Hotel.
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