Located along the famous Wild Atlantic Way, lies the beautiful seaside town of Westport. Full of history and charm, this little town has so much to offer. Plan your trip to the West of Ireland this Summer and discover why Westport has won the hearts of so many people.
We have compiled a list of 10 activities that you can do this Summer in Westport:
- Beaches
Mayo is known for great beaches, for both their beauty and water sports. Some of the beaches that are just a short drive from Westport are: Bertra, Old Head, Carrowmore, Clare Island, Carrowniskey, Mulranny and Keem Bay.
- Hiking
Love an active holiday? Westport offers an array of fit activities. Climb the famous Croagh Patrick, the mountain that got its name from St Patrick who fasted at the top of the mountain for 40 days during the fifth century. At the top of the mountain, you are met with a little church, built in 1905 and some breath-taking views, making the 7km hike incredibly rewarding.
- Moore Hall & Ballintubber Abbey
Explore some of the history of Mayo, with a trip to Moore Hall and Ballintubber Abbey. Moore Hall was built by George Moore between 1792 – 1796. George Moore (1727-1799) was a wine merchant who owned a fleet of ships and had made a vast fortune in Spain. Today Moore Hall is a wonderful and atmospheric spot to enjoy a walk and a picnic.
A ten-minute drive from there is Ballintubber Abbey. This magnificent buildingwas built in 1216 by Cathal Crobhdearg O Connor, King of Connacht (Cathal of the Wine Red Hand). A small church that once lay close to the present abbey was founded by St Patrick in 441.
Ballintubber Abbey is the only church in Ireland founded by an Irish king that is still in regular use. In recent years, Ballintubber Abbey has become a popular wedding venue for couples seeking a distinctive and historic setting. The abbey has seen many celebrity weddings, including the marriage of actor Pierce Brosnan to Keely Shaye Smith. View the driving route from Westport to Moore Hall to Ballintubber Abbey.
- Pirate Adventure Park
Inspired by the Pirate Queen of Connacht, Grace O’Malley, Westport House’s Pirate Adventure Park offers a fun family experience for all ages. View their range of amusements here.
- Westport Walking Tours
The award-winning Westport Walking Tours will take you on a casual walk around the heart of Westport town, where you'll learn a little and laugh a lot. A guided ramble through the shambles of our beautiful Georgian styled town is the perfect introduction to your holiday. They'll tell you all about the history of our beautiful town and where the best restaurants shops and pubs are. On the Food and Pub tours, you'll meet the locals and sample the very best of Mayo food and drink.
- Cycle
Great Western Greenway is a walking and cycling trail, that runs 44km in distance. It begins at wonderful Westport, through Newport and Mulranny and ends in the famous Achill. There are several bike rental locations available in Westport: Westport Bike Hire, Paddy and Nelly Bike, Greenway Bicycle Hire.
- Cruise
Looking for a breath-taking day trip? There are a number of sea cruises around Mayo that tour Clew Bay, Achill, Clare Island and Blacksod. Westport Cruises offer daily cruises around beautiful Clew Bay’s 365 islands. Blacksod Sea Safari offer day trips to the abandoned Inishkea Island and coastal cruises below the majestic Cliffs of Croaghan. Belmullet Boat Charters specialise in trips to the Inishkea Islands. O Malley Ferries offer tours to the magnificent Clare Island and Inish Turk.
- Trad Music
If you’re searching for live traditional music, look no further than Cobbler’s Bar, part of The Wyatt Hotel. Cobbler’s Bar offers live sessions on Thursdays and Sundays from 8:30pm. Order a pint of your favourite beverage, sit back and enjoy the melody of some traditional Irish music.
- Croagh Patrick Seafood Tours
Croagh Patrick Seafoods is a family oyster farm on the shores of magnificent Clew Bay near Westport, right on the Wild Atlantic Way and beside the Great Western Greenway. Owner Padraig Gannon personally leads a fascinating shore-based tour of the oyster beds followed by an oyster shucking demonstration and tutored tasting.
The 90-minute tour gives an unparalleled insight into the world of oyster farming, from tiny seed to mature shellfish in these pristine waters. Visitors learn how the flavours here are unique as the growing oyster picks up the character and flavour of this stunningly beautiful bay. Padraig’s stories bring to life the history of Clew Bay and the story of his own family and community.
Mayo is now home to Ireland’s first International Dark Sky Park, showcasing some of the darkest, most pristine skies in the world.
Nestled between the remote Nephin Mountain Range and the unspoiled Atlantic coastline, the Dark Sky Park extends across an area of 150km2. Its borders encompass the lands of Wild Nephin National Park.
There’s so much you can discover by looking up at the night skies. On a clear night here in Mayo, you can see thousands of twinkling stars, along with other planets in our solar system, The Milky Way and even meteor showers all with the naked eye.
Subject to availability, terms and conditions apply.
