Things to See and Do in Westport:

Westport is a very attractive and historic town wonderfully located beside Croagh Patrick mountain and the sea. Fast becoming one of the wests most popular tourist destinations, it has managed this transition with no loss of either character or charm.

Westport is a planned town, which is quite unusual in Ireland. Visitors immediately notice the compact and well organised town core with the tree-lined Mall along the river adding an almost continental air. Careful co-ordination of development, shop fronts and signage combine effortlessly to create a charming and comfortable environment to either visit or live in.

Local attractions include:

Westport House and Country Park

Westport House, the top day visitor attraction is especially enjoyed by families. The stately home and grounds also host childrens rides, mini-train, swan pedaloes, animal park, kayaking, climbing, archery and laser combat games.  A camping and caravan park is also located on the grounds of Westport house. 

Westport House and Pirate Adventure Park has welcomed over 4 million visitors with its range of heritage, family-fun, camping and adventure activity offerings.  From small beginnings of 2,700 visitors in 1960, it has become one of Ireland’s best loved attractions and was recently voted one of the Best Family Visitor Attractions in Ireland by Primary Times magazine. 

One of those rare attractions, it appeals to everyone in the family with its extraordinary mixture of

-- history and heritage in this 18^th century historic house with 4 permanent exhibitions, over 30 rooms open to the public, guided and self-guide tours, tea rooms and gift shops

-- the fun of the Pirate Adventure Park – a primarily outdoor amusement park best suited to the under 12’s which features water and swinging ship rides, train, swan Pedaloe boats, slides, playgrounds, pitch & putt and in-door soft play area

-- exhilaration with the adventure activities such as zorbing, archery and water sports

-- child-friendly fun in its varied events calendar with our Fireworks Extravaganza, Halloween Fest and Winter Wonderland being highlights

-- the family-friendly Caravan & Camping Park in the gorgeous park and woodland setting with excellent amenities.

Owned and operated by the Browne Family, who have been onsite for over 300 years and can trace their roots back to Grace O’Malley, the Pirate Queen of Connaught, Westport House provides a full days fun – and more to any visitor to the West.  The jewel in the crown of the West, you cannot visit Mayo without stopping in. Visit the website:  Westport House.

Westport Greenway

In 2009, Westport was successful in an application for funding from the Department of Transport to upgrade and extend the existing Railway Walk into a high standard Greenway facility.  The Greenway facility caters for cyclists and pedestrians and has significantly improved links to adjacent housing developments, schools and municipal parking areas.

The Scheme comprises of two sections and has an overall length of 3.5km.  The newly completed first section extends from Westport Quay to Altamont Street and includes connections to adjacent residential areas.  The second section, will extend from Altamont Street to Knockranny via the refurbished viaduct and will include a new access at Altamont Street.  Visti the website:  Westport Greenway. The Westport Greenway has also been added to the Sli Na Slainte routes by the Irish Heart Foundation.

There is no better time than now to get out in the fresh air and go walking.  Westport is enriched by the completion of the Great Western Greenway which has proved a magnificent addition to the entire western area. 

Clew Bay Heritage Centre

The Clew Bay Heritage Centre hosts a fascinating collection of heritage items associated with Westport and the immediate area. Located on the Quay, Westport.  Visit:   westportheritage@eircom.net

 Westport Town Walk

The ideal introduction to Westport town - a guided tour with local historian Bronagh Joyce - runs throughout the summer. Starting point The Clock. Contact Tourist Information Office or the Clew Bay Heritage Centre for details.  westportheritage@eircom.net

Croagh Patrick

Croagh Patrick mountain or 'The Reek' as it is locally known, is Ireland's holy mountain and has been a pilgrimage destination since pre-Christian times. Located 5 miles south of Westport on the Louisburgh Road, the view from the top makes up for the tough ascent (2,510ft). The last Sunday of July is the traditional date for pilgrims to climb, sometimes barefoot, to the summit. Up to 25,000 make the ascent on that date. The preceding Friday, known as Garland Friday is the customary day for locals to make the pilgrimage.   In 2008, Mass was broadcast from the summit of the Reek by RTE for the first time.

 Clew Bay Archaeological Trail

The Clew Bay Archaeological Trail takes you through the magnificent scenery around Clew Bay and its many islands, past majestic Croagh Patrick and onto tranquil Clare Island. Nature has been generous to the Clew Bay region. When you overlay 6,000 years of human habitation, you get a multitude of pre-Christain archaeological sites. In the 1980's, a mining company discovered gold in Croagh Patrick. However, the trail offers another type of bullion, a rich heritage, a glorious environment and many golden beaches accredited with Blue Flag status.

Blue Flag Beaches

Stretching out below Croagh Patrick, Bertra Beach has Blue Flag status, guaranteeing both water quality and standard of facilities. It is a popular swimming and walking destination.

Westport has other Blue Flag beaches at Old Head and Carramore, Louisburgh.  Nearby Silver Strand and Whitestrand beaches have been awarded Green Coast Awards.

Holy Trinity Church

Westports Protestant church boasts a magnificent interior of marble and gold leaf decoration. It is located on the Newport Road on what was originally part of the Westport House demesne. It is open daily for visitors during the summer months.

County Markets

The Country Markets take place every Thursday morning in The Pete Callaghan Centre, James Street Car Park, Westport.

The Saturday Markets also take place on the Mall and have an interesting selection of foods and local crafts.

Legend of Grainne Mhaol Show

Every Wednesday night in Hotel Westport during summer months.  Link to Grainne Mhaol