Westport House

Frommer's Review

At the edge of the town of Westport, this late-18th-century residence is the home of Lord Altamont, the marquis of Sligo, and a descendant, it is said, of Pirate Queen Grace O'Malley -- thus, the bronze statue of her on the grounds. The work of Richard Cassels and James Wyatt, the house has a graceful staircase of ornate white Sicilian marble, unusual Art Nouveau glass and carvings, family heirlooms, and silver. The grandeur of the residence is undeniable, but purists might be put off by the fact that the sprawling gardens are quite a commercial enterprise these days, with a children's zoo, a log ride, swan-shaped pedal boats on the lake, a kid-size train tooting its way through the gardens, an aviary, and more. Probably because of that, prices are quite high.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.