Earlier Houses: A 17th century house, supposedly built on the foundations of a castle owned by the 16th century pirate queen, Grace O’Malley, occupied the site of the current house.
Built / Designed For: John Browne, 1st Earl of Altamont.
House & Family History: Westport is noted for its imperial staircase, made between 1857 and 1859 of Sicilian marble and featuring a metalwork balustrade by Skidmore. The staircase was created by George Wilkinson for the 3rd Marquess of Sligo and occupies the site of the burned Library wing. The Browne family, who owned Westport from the 17th century until 2017, are direct descendants of Grace O'Malley. In 2017 the Brownes sold Westport House, including most of the contents, together with 455 acres, to Hotel Westport Ltd. for €10 million.
Collections: The collection includes pictures by Sir Joshua Reynolds (including a portrait of the 1st Earl of Altamont), a fine collection of landscapes painted in the locality by James O'Connor, and other paintings, including canvases by James and George Barrett, Gibson, Wotten, and Cha Ion. There is also a collection of old English and Irish silver, including 18th century Irish "potato" rings; Waterford glass; a library with many old Irish books and manuscripts, and the flag of the Mayo Legion, which was brought to Ireland by General Humbert when he invaded the country in 1798 and which has been in Westport House ever since (his troops occupied the House).
Architect: Thomas Ivory
Date: 1778Architect: Richard Castle (Cassels)
Date: Circa 1730Architect: Peter Frederick Robinson
Date: 1807Architect: Henry Holland
Date: 1808Architect: Benjamin Dean Wyatt
Date: 1819Architect: James Wyatt
Date: 1781-96Country Life: CXXXVII, 1010, 1074, 1965.
Title: Guide to Irish Country Houses, A
Author: Bence-Jones, Mark
Year Published: 1988
Reference: pgs. 283-284
Publisher: London: Constable and Company
ISBN: 0094699909
Book Type: Hardback
Title: Biographical Dictionary of British Architects, 1600-1840, A - HARDBACK
Author: Colvin, Howard
Year Published: 2008
Reference: pgs. 530, 880, 1173, 1184
Publisher: New Haven: Yale University Press
ISBN: 9780300125085
Book Type: Hardback
Title: Debrett's Peerage and Baronetage, 1990
Author: Kidd, Charles; Williamson, David (Editors)
Year Published: 1990
Reference: pg. P 1131
Publisher: London: Debrett's Peerage Limited (New York: St. Martin's Press, Inc.)
ISBN: 0312046405
Book Type: Hardback
Title: Ireland of the Welcomes (magazine)
Author: NA
Year Published: NA
Reference: May-Jun 2002
Publisher: Dublin: Irish Tourist Board
ISBN: NA
Book Type: Magazine
House Listed: Unknown
Park Listed: Unknown
Past Seat / Home of: John Browne, 1st Earl of Altamont, 18th century; Peter Browne, 2nd Earl of Altamont, 18th century; Henry Ulick Browne, 5th Marquess of Sligo, 19th century; Denis Edward Browne, 10th Marquess of Sligo, until 1991.
Current Ownership Type: Corporation
Primary Current Ownership Use: Visitor Attraction
House Open to Public: Yes
Phone: 3539-827-766
Fax: 3539-825-206
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.westporthouse.ie
Historic Houses Member: No