I recently had the pleasure of visiting Westport, this adorable beach town in County Mayo, and I have to say, it stole my heart. If you’re a nature lover like me, you’re gonna enjoy the best things to do in Westport.
During my visit, I discovered so many wonderful things to do that made my trip truly memorable. And the best part is, you can easily explore everything in just a weekend.
The rugged but fascinating coastline and many significant Irish monuments are surrounded by greenery. Let’s dwell into the best Westport has to offer,
8 Amazing Things To Do In Westport
Visit Westport House – “Ireland’s Most Beautiful House.”
If you’re looking for a fantastic place to visit, you’ve got to check out Westport House. The architecture is absolutely stunning and totally left me in awe.
If you’re into history, you’ll love this place even more. It was actually built for Colonel John Browne way back in the 16th century and then expanded by his grandson in the 1700s. The Browne family owned it for nearly 300 years, and now it’s owned by the Hughes family.
Fun Fact: It was built in such a way that the residents can have a view of almost all the tourist places in the city. Isn’t it so interesting?!
And if you visit, make sure to check out the gardens, Adventure Park, and Gracy’s. There’s so much to see and do here, you won’t be disappointed!
You can book guided tours for Westport House & Grounds through this website.
Timings: The opening times may vary, so it’s best to check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Entrance Fee: The entrance fee may vary based on the ticket and the activity you choose, but the entrance fee we paid was €13.50 per adult for entry to the ground floor and basement only.
Kayaking At The Beautiful Clew Bay
Westport is a great destination for you who are looking to enjoy the outdoors and experience the thrill of adventure on the water.
Sea Kayaking helps you to explore the marine life of the Atlantic coast and closely look and the changing environment of Clew Bay wildlife. You don’t need to have any previous kayaking experience for the activity. The expert will be accompanying you and explaining to you all about the marine life of the Atlantic Ocean.
Along with that, you can spot kingfishers hunting and sea birds flying all around and if you have some serious luck you might spot dolphins as well. You can also spend some peaceful hours with a photo album filled with all the aesthetic pictures.
I have linked their official website above. you can book the tour online 1 or 2 days before when you want the tour. You can book other water sports activities by easily clicking this link.
Visit Achill Island
Achill Island is known for its huge sea cliffs and clean beaches and is the largest island in Ireland. If visiting this place is not one of the best things to do in Westport, so tell me what is?
As I told you Westport is the land of water sports, and Achill Island is the best place to try your hand at water sports, such as surfing, kayaking, and paddle boarding.
Achill Island is actually 51 km far away from Westport which takes almost an hour to reach. It also has a blue flag beach around which you will find many restaurants and cafes. You can relax on the beach or go some nice surfing.
I will definitely recommend trying some Irish seafood. You can also walk along the trail, fly kites or go fishing here. Along with that, you can have a great time drinking some beer and enjoying the hypnotic sunset here.
Entrance fee: There is no entrance fee to visit Achill Island.
Parking: Parking is available in various areas.
Climb up the Croagh Patrick
In honor of Saint Patrick, the mountain is considered the holiest pilgrimage. It has been the top attraction of Westport and a lot of mountain climbers and adventure enthusiasts come here to enjoy the Panoramic view.
You will come across some tremendous views and a distinctive cone shape, Croagh Patrick, the place where Saint Patrick himself is said to have spent 40 days of fasting.
Climbing Croagh Patrick is a challenging but rewarding activity that offers breathtaking views of Clew Bay and the surrounding landscapes and attractions. The climb usually takes around 3-4 hours to complete, including time spent at the summit.
Entrance fee: There is no entrance fee, but the registration fee for the pilgrimage hike is €20, which includes transportation, refreshments, and a meal.
Parking: The car park at the foot of Croagh Patrick tends to fill up quickly on weekends, especially during the summer, but there is additional parking space along the road near the car park entrance.
Get Ready With Your Bicycling Gears
The Great Western Greenway – a 42km cycling path that will take you through the whole countryside. The course is beautifully constructed, and the trail will go through many coastlines, mountains, and villages. This leisurely ride will also have some halt points as there are many cafes and pubs in between.
Biking will have a fantastic vibe considering the path and the culture that follows along.
The Greenway path is suitable for both walking and cycling, providing an opportunity for you to explore the natural beauty of Westport. It also offers a unique and memorable experience for you in each season that you want to visit.
You cannot miss this. To know more about such adventurous things to do in Westport click here.
Entrance fee and parking: There is no entrance fee for Greenway in Westport and parking is available at different points along the trail.
Westport Golf Club
Are you a golfer? If yes, you have to visit this, and if not, the scenic sites around will make you try your hand at the game.
It is one of the Ireland’s finest golf championship courses and was designed by renowned international golf course architects Fred Hawtree and Sons. You will get a stunning view of the Croagh Patrick from here.
You can buy various plans and packages. To book a course for yourself, click here.
Visit the National Famine Museum
National Famine Museum was a powerful museum constructed as a tribute to thousands of Irish people who lost their lives to famine and hunger in the mid-19th century.
You will see a series of exhibits depicting the life of the people during this massacre and how they survived it. There are various artworks made in honor of people who unfortunately lost their lives.
Timing: The National Famine Museum is open everyday from 10:30 AM to 4:00 PM.
Experience Westport Nightlife
If you are in the mood to explore Irish culture and listen to some Irish music, exploring some pubs and cafes is a great option. Westport does have some good restaurants and pubs to hang out with friends and try some great pints and Irish cuisine with your friends.
Matt Molloy’s is a renowned Irish pub in Westport, known for its live traditional music performances.
This pub hosts live traditional music seven nights a week, offering a vibrant atmosphere for you to enjoy authentic Irish music.
I believe music is one of the best ways to explore the culture of a place. So, if you want to immerse yourself in the lively tunes and experience the rich musical heritage of Ireland, visit Matt Molloy’s pub for sure.
Frequently Asked Questions – Westport
Is Westport worth visiting?
Westport is a charming and authentic town with natural beauty and several engaging activities that showcase a warm welcome to visitors, therefore is definitely worth a visit.
How far is Westport from the beach?
Mulranny Strand is one of the popular beaches near Westport which is a 35-minute drive away. Bertra Beach is another beach located 12 km (7 miles) west of Westport on Louisburgh Road. Therefore, Westport is in close proximity to several beautiful beaches.
Why is Westport so popular?
Westport is famous for its nature, history, cultural perspective, art, music, water sports, folklore, traditional food, and a warm and friendly atmosphere.
What are the best cafes and restaurants in Westport?
Here is a list of cafes and restaurants in Westport that cater to various tastes, budgets, and occasions, including Leafy Greens Cafe, Christy’s Harvest Cafe, Ring’s Bistro, Sheila’s Food Emporium, Tina’s Bistro, and The Creel Café & Deli.
What are the best hotels in Westport?
Here’s the list of hotels that cater to various preferences and budgets, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable stay: Castlecourt Hotel, Clew Bay Hotel, The Wyatt Hotel, Westport Plaza Hotel, Boffin Lodge, Westport Coast Hotel, and Westport Woods Hotel & Spa.
Conclusion
If you’re planning to visit a town in Ireland, let it be Westport in County Mayo. This place has everything that you can ask for. You can also try some fantastic food destinations; you will be surprised to know that it serves so many good cuisines and seafood being the best, of course.
Make someplace for this town in your itinerary to get the warmth of authentic Irish culture.
Also, once you experience the amazing things to do in Westport then do Let me know about your travel experience in the comment section below.
