Westport House, the 18th-century mansion which forms the centrepiece of one of the West’s most 

important tourist sites, has been put up for sale for €10 million.

Its owners, the Browne family who are descended from Grace O’Malley, say they have “reluctantly” decided to sell the house and 183.8 hectares (455 acres) as a going tourist concern.

Apart from its historical significance, the property is an important part of the local economy.The estate carries a debt of about €1 million. The family said it had postponed disposal last summer “to try for one last time to see if the Government wanted to step in”.

It has developed a wide range of attractions and activities since first opening to the public more than 50 years ago.