There are countless times in our life when we’ve needed one… and this reluctant thrill-seeker certainly welcomes the safety net of Ireland’s adventure playground out West.
Westport House and Estate in Mayo has transformed a 300-year-old quarry into an action-packed destination featuring Ireland’s largest net park.
All of which means that high-fliers everywhere can channel your inner Tarzan.
Among the treetops along the Wild Atlantic Way.
And we’re sure if he were around today he’d ride the dual 100m ziplines.
The giant multi-person swings, a freefall jump, giant slides, 10-metre climbing walls, and an aerial trekking course.
All set against the stunning backdrop of Clew Bay and Croagh Patrick.
The latter an Irish right of passage and a much-climbed and beloved peak of my Dear Old Mammy.
Carry on glamping
Of course, if you like what you see then you can expand your visit.
To tours of Westport House and the gardens and tracks and trails.
And a stay over in the Camping & Glamping Village.
Net hero
Now treetops are obviously all about height and the new Net Park rises to 30m.
But it’s also about nooks and crannies too.
With a network of tunnels, aerial bridges, tree houses, giant bounce zones, spiral nets, and more.
Suitable for toddlers and upwards, the Net Park challenges agility and skill and will give you an hour of fun.
Coming on to zip lines and we’ve enjoyed them in the snowy Tirolian Alps and Downtown Vegas but missed out on a Swiss roll.
This zip will bring you towards the floor of the quarry.
Stars trekking
For the more adventurous then aerial trekking may be the way to go.
You’ll traverse a series of suspended obstacles and challenges on an elevated circuit course.
And an advanced Aerial Trekking zone is available featuring aerial obstacles such as ropes, swinging logs, net bridges, and ziplines that increase in difficulty.
While if you leap before you look then the Quarry’s Edge Leap offers a towering three-storey platform from which to throw yourself.
Sing when you’re swinging
So you’re having a swinging old time then why not take on the Giant Swing on an eight-seater upside down ride.
You’ll be hoisted above the ground and released over the edge of the quarry’s cliff.
All of which is right up my street, having inherited the moniker Falcon for my prowess on Falcon’s Fury in Busch Gardens, Tampa.
Upside down you’re turning me
Now, while I may be a Fury on Falcon’s I doff my hat on climbing walls to the Son and Heir.
And the three-storey, 10-metre climbing wall here is him all over, and you too, I bet.
There are a variety of climbing lanes and walls with varying levels of difficulty.
And the heart of the Climbing Zone is a see-through, double-sided rock-climbing wall, perfect for duelling teams who want to push one another to the test.
So, there’s no excuse to you thrillseekers, or not, to Go West in Ireland and visit Westport House with the safety net of Ireland’s new adventure playground
