We followed Google Maps to Pirate Adventure Park, which took us in the 'wrong' entrance, where there was a sign saying it's for house visitors only. So we drove for 20 minutes through the middle of Westport to get to the 'correct' entrance. Turns out it's literally the same car park, just the other side of a barrier. Then when you get in, there's no signage saying you have to go to the ticket office to get a wristband. This could at least be mentioned on the very lengthy booking confirmation email.
Also, for a family of two adults and a three-year-old, we paid €70. For that price we expected a theme park, which is how this place is marketed. It is NOT a theme park, it's a small area with four rides, two of which are loosely pirate-themed. Our three-year-old was only big enough for two baby rides, even though his ticket cost €20, the same as what a teenager would pay. An older kid could probably just about get their money's worth if they spent all day on the log flume and the swing ride. Even still, the pricing is comparable to somewhere like Gulliver's Kingdom in England, which is an actual theme park with dozens of rides for all ages.
There are two saving graces: one, the estate itself is beautiful (although entry to the house will cost you extra, yes I'm serious). And two, the staff are all absolutely lovely and very helpful, doing their best to make the most of this bizarre place that thinks it's a theme park but is really a stately home with rides. If the tickets were half the price, I'd be giving...
Read moreWe had the most fantastic day in the Adventure park. we had 3 kids 7yrs, 10yrs & 11yrs, and booked the Net Park combo, they had an absolute Ball! Their favorite was the Giant slides, said they were really fast, they also give you pants if you are in shorts, and I thought a really good idea, the end of the slide was covered with a Gazebo type thing, so it doesnt get really hot and burn the kids... Great idea! 2nd most enjoyable was the golf football, great fun, and all the family can get involved, we had a great laugh ! Then climbing wall - lots of different levels, staff were really helpful and really Good with the kids! The nets - great fun, they went through them a number of times, lots of fun had and energy burned! The place is spotless, lots of areas for parents to sit on a bench and watch the kids, also a lovely coffee dock available. Have to give a mention to the toilets, really clean and outdoor toilets were fully plumbed, not like porter loos. We went to Gracies for lunch, again really friend staff, and service was very prompt and attentive, while it was really busy, the food came quickly, there was lots of choice, and really tasty. Another nice touch, there was water and juices available free of charge, I noticed some kids coming out from the park and getting a glass of juice before going out to play again, really nice touch! Well done to all the team at Westport adventure, would highly recommend for a great family day out, we'll...
Read moreWould’ve got 5 stars except they need more signs and the signs that are there are small so we wasted a lot of time wandering aimlessly around only to end up dragging the kids back to the start!
We walked straight past the ticket office as it’s off to the right after the car park and easily missed especially when you’re distracted with a few excited kids.
We weren’t the only ones to miss the office as on the walk back from the house to find the ticket office we were asked where the ticket office was and again on the way back to our car a couple of people asked us where they could get the wrist bands!
Aside from that hiccup we had an absolutely wonderful day and I was delighted with how much the kids enjoyed the house itself.
We will be going back as the 5 hours we spend in the park itself wasn’t enough to squeeze it all in so next time we’ll be booking into the campsite so we can thoroughly explore the things we didn’t get to do and explore the walking trails.
The staff everywhere were exceptional and very helpful, genuinely friendly. and courteous.
The train ride is a must, I enjoyed it as much as the kids, the driver was brilliant entertaining the kids throughout the trip.
The Pirate Adventure Center itself was brilliant, the kids thoroughly enjoyed it.
Not forgetting the Swan pedal boats,...
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