Lord Altamont was a pioneer of tourism in the west

MOURNERS paid their respects last evening at the funeral of Lord Jeremy Browne Altamont (75) of Westport House, who had created one of the biggest tourist attractions in Connaught, with thousands flocking to visit his stately home in Westport each year.

In May, former President of Ireland Mary Robinson launched A Life at Westport House, 50 Years A-Going, the memoirs of Lord of Altamont, the 11th Marquess of Sligo. The book, compiled by his eldest daughter, Sheelyn Browne, contains a wonderful display of images over the 50-year time span. It includes personal anecdotes of Jeremy’s trials and tribulations in what has become one of Ireland’s best-loved heritage, family-fun, adventure, camping and caravan destinations. Many of the photos in the book were contributed by award-winning photographer and friend of Westport House, Liam Lyons.

At just 21 years of age, Jeremy Browne and his wife, Jennifer, decided to open the doors of Westport House to visitors in 1960. The move was a bid to save the historic stately home from decline - a fate too many other great houses in Ireland have suffered - and it proved a huge success. That summer, 3,000 people visited the house, once the home of the pirate queen, Grace O’Malley, or Granuaile.

Ever innovative, each year Lord Altamont added additional attractions to the estate - a zoo, restaurant, bar, a huge pink rabbit - as well as opening up the house for wedding receptions and visiting personalities. A huge employer in the area, he stepped back from fronting the estate some years ago and it is now managed by Sheelyn. In more recent years the Westport Festival of Music and Food has been staged on the grounds of Westport House.

 

Jeremy Browne was the son of Denis Browne, 10th Marquess of Sligo, and Jose Gauche, and was educated at St. Columba’s College, Dublin, and the Royal Agricultural College. He was married on October 26, 1961, to Jennifer June Lushington Cooper. The couple have five daughters - Sheelyn, Karen, Lucinda, Clare and Allanagh.

Lord Altamont’s remains reposed at Westport House last evening (Monday) and a private cremation service is being held today (Tuesday) in Mount Jerome Crematorium, Dublin, with a memorial service to take place at a later date.