Date confirmed for opening of new Mayo hotel creating 170 jobs

Opening in Spring 2026, The Grace, Westport Estate, will be a new hotel at the heart of one of the most significant tourism developments along the Wild Atlantic Way.

It is designed to reflect the natural beauty and cultural story of Westport Estate, offering guests a welcoming place to rest, explore, and reconnect.

The Grace is inspired by two iconic women connected to Mayo, Grace O’Malley, the 16th-century Pirate Queen, and Hollywood icon Grace Kelly, and draws on their shared spirit of bold elegance and independence.

Set just moments from the 300-year-old Westport House within Westport Estate’s 430-acre grounds, the hotel will offer an atmosphere of slow luxury, a place to unwind in style and enjoy moments of stillness and renewal.

Dining at The Grace, Westport Estate, will spotlight seasonal produce and local flavours, crafted in partnership with regional producers who know the land best.

Meanwhile, The Grace Spa & Wellness will offer tailored treatments in a calming setting, encouraging guests to pause, reset, and experience the restorative power of place.

For those celebrating life’s special moments, weddings at The Grace will be intimate and thoughtful, drawing on the estate’s historic charm and natural beauty.

Whether exchanging vows beneath ancient trees or gathering for an elegant evening reception, guests will experience moments that feel both special and uniquely their own.

The Grace, Westport Estate, will play a central role in the estate’s 430-acre transformation, which is evolving through a careful process of regeneration, led by its in-house ecologist and skilled local stonemasons working to restore natural habitats and preserve historic features.

New attractions are also in development at the estate, including a Grace O’Malley experience with interactive tours and digital storytelling, and a uniquely Irish landscape journey designed by renowned lead landscape designer Mary Reynolds.

At the heart of the estate’s vision is to invite every guest to Awaken Your Wild, whether by pausing in nature, seeking adventure, or connecting with the land’s deeper story.

Located on The Wild Atlantic Way, close to Croagh Patrick, Clew Bay, and on the doorstep of the culturally vibrant Westport Town, the hotel will offer guests an ideal base to explore both the storied grounds of the estate and richness of the West of Ireland.

Whether spending the day discovering the West, exploring the estate, or simply unwinding within the hotel, guests can return to a place designed to feel both refined and restorative.

Ciaran Reidy, general manager of The Grace, Westport Estate, commented: “When we open in Spring 2026, our focus will be on creating an authentic Irish experience, blending luxury at ease with a genuine sense of place.

"Everything from the design to the hospitality reflects the estate’s unique character and the spirit of the west.”

Barry O’Connor, CEO of Westport Estate, added: “The Grace plays a central role in how we’re reimagining Westport Estate.

"This is a special part of the world, and our goal is to create a space where guests feel the richness of Mayo’s culture, landscape, and people.”

Cathal J Hughes, director of Westport Estate, said: “As the hotel becomes a reality, we're mindful of the role it plays not just in welcoming visitors, but in supporting the community here in Mayo.

"This project will bring meaningful employment opportunities and contribute to the local economy in a sustainable way. It’s a chance to grow something lasting and positive for the region, with a deep respect for its history and people.”

The Grace is designed by Mayo-based Taylor McCarney, with interiors by GW Design.

The hotel will create up to 170 jobs, with further opportunities emerging as Westport Estate continues to evolve.

The Grace, Westport Estate, will offer a gentle space to pause and take in the beauty of the West. Whether drawn by the landscape, the stories, or simply the sense of stillness, guests will find space to reconnect in their own way and inspired to return again and again.