Westport – County Mayo
DISCOVER WESTPORT’S WILDERNESS AND CHARM ON YOUR NEXT SHORT BREAK!
Bustling, vibrant, colourful and cultural, Westport in Co. Mayo Ireland has been awarded the best town to live in Ireland. So obviously it’s one of the best places to visit….The wild and rugged beach-laden coastline and hiking trails are the envy of mainland Europe, Clew Bay islands are more numerous than any exotic archipelago, and the seas are home to countless wildlife wonders, from basking sharks to humpback whales. Mayo might not always get the Mediterranean’s sunshine, but the genuine warmth of welcome in their award-winning hotels and restaurants will more than make up for the odd grey day and (dare we say it?) stray drop of rain! This beautiful heritage town located on the world-famous Wild Atlantic Way is just a short journey from Ireland West Airport.
There are so many things to do in and around Westport we can guarantee you will never get bored.
WHERE NATURE IS NURTURED
Westport House
Feel completely transported to another time and world – Mayo is filled with sights of historical significance, one of Westport’s most impressive examples and perhaps the most remarkable of all is Westport House. Located in the heart of Westport, the house (in its current iteration) was built in 1730 by the descendants of the famous Pirate Queen Grace O’Malley, whose castle stood on this very spot in the 1500s. While the house is now owned by the local Hughes family, its spirit is very much public. Self-guided audio tours of the house are run every day, taking you through 30 immaculately elegant rooms and six permanent exhibitions.
Croagh Patrick
– nicknamed the Reek, is a 764-metre (2,507ft) mountain and an important site of pilgrimage five miles from Westport and the mountain’s conical shape soars majestically above the surrounding countryside above the villages of Murrisk and Lecanvey. It overlooks Clew Bay with its 365 islands, is considered the holiest mountain in Ireland. It is well known for its Patrician Pilgrimage in honour of St Patrick, Ireland’s patron saint. It was on the summit of the mountain that Saint Patrick fasted for forty days in 441 AD and the custom has been faithfully handed down from generation to generatio ever since through the Advent of Lent.
The Great Western Greenway
Escape the bustle of urban life on the multi-award-winning, off-road walking and cycling trail – the Great Western Greenway. This stunning trail travels from Westport to Achill – The Greenway meanders through some of the most beautiful and idyllic countryside you’ll find anywhere in Ireland. Walkers and cyclists can drink in the views of the spectacular Nephin Beg mountain range, Clew Bay, Clare Island, Croagh Patrick and Achill. You could even stop off for a hike on one of the Derradda loop walks or take a break on Mulranny’s Blue Flag Beach.
Food and Drink
Food in Westport has really found its stride, the town has turned into a veritable foodie paradise and is a firm favourite with holiday-making foodies, there is no shortage of willing food producers, restaurants, cafes and indeed chefs to ensure its continued success.
Matt Molloys
Matt Molloy’s is the most famous pub in Westport. It’s renowned for traditional music. Not only that, but it’s also renowned for being owned by Matt Molloy, member of the legendary traditional Irish band The Chieftains. The Chieftains are a classic Irish band formed in Dublin in 1963, by Paddy Moloney, Sean Potts and Michael Tubridy. Matt often frequents the pub and oversees the mighty sessions. It’s usually jam-packed with tourists and locals alike. Matt also recorded a live session album in his pub, which makes it even more special. Molloys has traditional Irish music on seven nights a week, so you’ll never be disappointed to miss it, and no matter what night you go out it will be a good one. The pub is well known for having sessions including many different musicians. The atmosphere is excellent. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a pint and a tune when restrictions allow.
Hotel Westport
Have worked hard to offer the highest safety standards for your staycation. You can discover the stories in this 400-year-old historic house, explore the 400 acres of gardens, looped walks and woodlands. The hotel is located only 5 minutes walk from the centre of this vibrant heritage town. The Great Western Greenway also runs through the estate.
Getting to Westport!
By Car
- From Knock Airport: 63km (39 miles) – 50 minutes
- From Galway: 80km (49 miles) – an hour and a half
- From Sligo: 104km (65 miles) – an hour and a half
- From Dublin: 252km (156 miles) – three and a half hours
- From Belfast: 305km (190 miles) – 4 hours 15 minutes
By Public Transport
Westport is serviced by both Irish Rail and Bus Eireann. Services run 7 days a week, with Irish Rail links and Bus Eireann routes running to many locations throughout Ireland throughout the day.
