Westport Estate has announced the appointment of Ciaran Reidy as general manager of the Grace at Westport Estate, the estate’s new flagship hotel, set to open in early 2026.
The Grace at Westport Estate aims to celebrate the cultural and historical significance of the estate, drawing inspiration from Grace O’Malley, the legendary Pirate Queen, and Grace Kelly, a Hollywood icon linked to the Hughes family, the owners of Westport Estate.
Designed by Taylor McCarney and constructed by Stewart Construction, the Grace at Westport Estate will open in early 2026.
“I’m excited to bring this vision to life at the Grace at Westport Estate,” said Reidy. “We’re dedicated to creating an environment that offers a deeply authentic experience for every guest, inspired by the unique history of Westport Estate and the spirit of the Wild Atlantic Way.”
The Grace is part of the Westport Estate’s wider mission to transform the area into a premier tourist destination in the West of Ireland.
Filled with cultural, educational and immersive experiences as part of Westport Estate’s ‘Awaken Your Wild’ project, the development of the estate is under way, following full planning permission granted last month.
Reidy has over two decades of experience managing prestigious properties and a background in luxury and heritage hospitality, having led award-winning properties such as the Johnstown Estate and Lough Rynn Castle.
In his role, Reidy will oversee daily operations and lead a dedicated team committed to creating experiences that celebrate the estate’s cultural and natural heritage, where guests can pause, reflect and reconnect.
Westport Estate has also announced that Pat McCann, founder and former CEO of Dalata Hotel Group, has joined its board as a non-executive director.
With over 50 years in the hospitality industry, McCann joins a diverse group of non-executive directors on the Westport Estate board, including Rachel Doyle, owner of the Arboretum and chair of the horticultural division of the Bord Bia board, and Fiona O’Sullivan, an Irish tourism specialist with over 30 years of experience and leadership roles with the Inbound Tourism Operators Association of Ireland and SITE Ireland.
“I’m delighted to join the Westport Estate’s journey to create a place of true connection along the Wild Atlantic Way,” said McCann. “Together with the team, our mission is to shape a unique destination that blends warmth and connection, deeply rooted in the rich heritage of Westport.”
