How the other half lived for 100's of years, servants, presidents, dungeons, gardens, wine cellars,…read morespears, lords and ladies, pirates, poets, painters, comforted by acres of land, beautiful flowing, peaty rivers. The house - a fine example of an 18th century palladium mansion - has been around for over 300 years almost all of the time by the Browne family - the marquesses of Sligo. Some of the family were wealthy slave and plantation owners in Jamaica. Catherine was the twinkle - eyed tour guide. She had a permanent fixed smile and spoke faster than a demented typewriter, clacking loudly with wonderful facial expressions to enhance the stories of fascinating lives well lived. I'd guess she knows far more about the history and the characters of this house than anyone else around. It's clear it's not a job for her it's a labour of love. The house is now in the ownership of the Hughes family, local entrepreneurial wizards who seem determined to keep it operating for the benefit of Westport citizens well into the future. The grounds too are magnificent, manicured lawns, fast gliding rivers, cannons, and statues - really if you are anywhere near pop in for a tour. Worth every cent.

We saw a sign on the road - a big impressive sign... "This looks big and impressive" I said "Woo…read moreHoo" Junior said We followed the signs and soon arrived at the castle.. it was a little disappointing on first inspection. "Boo" I said, "That's not a Castle" Junior said. None the less we got out and explored what we could - the castle was locked up for repairs but apparently you can normally go inside and explore a bit. It is apparently the last residence of the famed Irish she-pirate Grace O'Malley/Granuaile - she used to tie the mooring rope of her ship to her toe when she went to bed. The full story is on the pic attached (pic of the plaque)