On July 15 1960, Jeremy Altamont, the 11th and present Marquess of Sligo, together with his father and mother — Denis and Jose Sligo — first opened the doors of their family home to visitors in an attempt to save and retain the historical home, which was built in 1730, in the hands of their family. From 5,000 visitors in 1960 the numbers of visitors have steadily increased to about 60,000 a year, with more than four million visitors welcomed by Westport House and Pirate Adventure Park over the years.
Jeremy Altamont’s vision to establish the business through a combination of sheer determination, to save one of the country’s most beautiful heritage properties, and his natural passion for product development and marketing are the main reasons Westport House is still here today.
A place like Westport House had to appeal to a much wider market than tourists who were solely interested in history and antiques. Jeremy Altamont was well known in the sixties for saying “Westport House should not be regarded simply as a museum, but as a place where people can spend a pleasant afternoon in the house and gardens.” He was a forward thinker, ahead of his time in many respects, and totally non-conservative.
Over time a number of fun attractions were introduced: the Slippery Dip (cannonball run ) and the miniature railway (Westport House Express ) were added discreetly on the grounds. A camping and caravan park was developed and Gracy’s bar and restaurant and a shop situated at the farmyard were created.
The tennis courts, pitch and putt, a flume ride (The Pirate’s Plunge ), Jungle World (the pirate’s den ) and of course the giant swans on the lake were also added. In 2008 the ship’s galleon (The Pirate Queen ) was introduced as the latest addition.
In 2002 Lord Altamount commissioned Michael Cooper, his brother-in-law, to create a sculpture of Grace O’Malley. This was the beginning of reinstating her where she belongs — in her home with her family.
Today Jeremy and Jennifer, although still very much involved, are beginning to take a back seat. They have five daughters — Sheelyn, Karen, Lucinda, Clare, and Alannah, and for the first time in history the reins have been taken by the female line (14th great-grandaughters of Grace O’Malley ). Sheelyn and Karen are very involved now in the running of the business and youngest daughter Alannah has taken over Gracy’s bar and restaurant.
Westport House and Pirate Adventure Park opened last Saturday for season 2010 and they are looking forward to their 50th year in business. www.westporthouse.ie
