The new owners will invest €50m in the project and will create 200 jobs for the local area.

The Browne family reluctantly agreed to sell because the buyers met the condition that the plans and ambitions of the late Lord Altamont Jeremy Browne, the 11th Marquess of Sligo, would be followed to ensure Westport House fulfils its potential as one of Mayo's top attractions.

"This is an emotional day for our family," Ms Sheelyn Browne said today.  

"On the one hand, we are handing over custody of our ancestral family home after hundreds of years but we are doing so in the knowledge that the new owners are committed to bringing to fruition the ambitions and dreams of our late and much-loved father Jeremy Browne.

She also thanked the team at Westport House, as well as the people of Westport, for their support.

"There is one group that deserves special mention. That is our hard-working and dedicated small team at Westport House. We would not have been able to survive the last three difficult years without their unwavering support and loyalty. They know who they are and we as a family owe them a great debt of gratitude."

The entire family wishes the new owners, the Hughes family every success as the custodians of this wonderful and magical place. We are sure that everyone in Westport will wish them well with this new venture.”

 Mr. Cathal Hughes, Chairman of the Hotel Westport, said they plan to make a multi-million euro investment and create jobs within the next five years.

"We plan to invest up to €50m in new facilities which will lead to the creation of 200 new jobs over the next five years," Mr Hughes said.

"On behalf of the Hughes family I want to wish the Browne family every success in the future and I look forward to liaising with them as we develop our plans over the next few years.

"I want to assure all the existing staff, suppliers and customers that we will continue to operate as normal under the new ownership."

Check out all the fun activities available at Westport House and Pirate Adventure Park.