The Grace represents one of Ireland’s most high-profile hospitality openings of 2026
Taoiseach Micheál Martin today performed the official opening of The Grace, a landmark new luxury hotel at Westport Estate, Co. Mayo.
The Grace represents one of Ireland’s most high-profile hospitality openings of 2026, set within 430 acres of historic estate lands overlooking Clew Bay along the Wild Atlantic Way.
The 129 room hotel blends contemporary Irish design with the heritage and natural beauty of the west of Ireland, offering a distinctive “slow luxury” experience rooted in landscape, culture and tradition.
Developed as part of the wider transformation of Westport Estate by the local Hughes family, the project forms a central pillar of a long-term investment strategy aimed at repositioning the estate as a world-class visitor destination, with benefits for tourism, employment and regional economic development across Mayo and the wider west.
The opening of the Grace comes at a time of strong national focus on regional development and tourism growth along the Wild Atlantic Way, with high-quality accommodation seen as critical to attracting higher-value international visitors and extending the tourism season.
Speaking at this morning’s ribbon-cutting ceremony Mr Martin said:
“I am delighted to officially open The Grace, an exceptional new addition to Ireland’s tourism sector which showcases the extraordinary natural beauty and heritage of the wider Westport Estate and its historic Westport House. Investment of this scale plays a key role in supporting regional economies, sustaining employment and strengthening Ireland’s position as a premium global tourism destination.”
The Grace draws inspiration from two iconic figures with Mayo links—Grace O’Malley and Grace Kelly—reflecting a distinctive identity rooted in both history and timeless elegance.
The hotel has been designed to immerse guests in its surroundings, with interiors, materials and guest experiences shaped by the west of Ireland’s landscape, from woodland and mountain to coastline and sky.
Facilities include luxury accommodation, destination dining centred on seasonal Irish produce, a spa and wellness offering, and access to the estate’s extensive walking trails, heritage features and outdoor experiences.
Owen Hughes – of Westport Estate added:
“We are honoured to welcome the Taoiseach to Westport to officiate at the opening of The Grace Hotel. This is an immensely proud day for Westport and it’s a significant milestone within a long-term strategic investment in the future of Westport Estate and the wider region. The Grace is central to our vision of creating an internationally recognised destination that celebrates heritage, nature and contemporary Irish culture.”
Ciaran Reidy, General Manager of The Grace at Westport Estate, said:
“The Grace represents a new chapter for Westport Estate and for hospitality in the west of Ireland. Our ambition is to create an authentic and immersive experience that combines world-class standards with a true sense of place. From design and dining to guest experiences, everything has been shaped by the character and spirit of Mayo. We believe The Grace will become a flagship destination on the Wild Atlantic Way and are proud to welcome the Taoiseach to mark this important milestone.”
