Westport Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Westport, Ireland with our complete travel guide, including top attractions, hiking and biking routes, where to stay, what to eat, and more.


Introduction to Westport

Located in County Mayo on the west coast of Ireland, Westport is considered one of the most picturesque towns in Ireland. Its charming streets are lined with colorful shops, Georgian houses, and traditional pubs. Westport is also known for its lively cultural scene, outdoor adventures, and historic landmarks. Whether you’re a history buff, adventure seeker, foodie, or culture lover, Westport has something to offer.

List of Places to Visit in Westport

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Westport House & Pirate Adventure Park - A magnificent 18th-century house surrounded by beautiful gardens, hiking trails, and an adventure park that offers activities for the whole family.
  • National Museum of Ireland - Country Life - Dedicated to the traditional way of life in Ireland, this museum sheds light on the country’s history, culture, and heritage through exhibits and interactive programs.
  • Westport Town Hall Theatre - A modern venue that hosts various performances, from music and drama to comedy.
  • The Octagon - Situated in the heart of the town, this impressive monument was built in honor of the 1st Marquess of Sligo, John Browne.

Natural Attractions of Westport: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Croagh Patrick - A must-visit for hikers and pilgrims, this 764m mountain offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside and the Clew Bay.
  • The Great Western Greenway - A 42km cycling and walking route that takes you through beautiful landscapes, quaint towns, and historic landmarks.
  • Bertra Beach - A secluded sandy beach backed by coastal dunes, where visitors can enjoy swimming, surfing, and peaceful walks.
  • Clew Bay - A stunning natural bay dotted with over 365 islands, one for each day of the year.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Westport

Westport is blessed with a multitude of hiking and biking routes, suiting both individuals and families, including:

  • The Old Head Loop Walk - A scenic 13km route with panoramic views of Clew Bay and Achill Island.
  • The Western Way Trail - A 179km trail that takes you through stunning landscapes, including mountains, lakes, and forests.
  • The North West Trail - A challenging 155km route that winds its way through blanket bogs, mountains, and moorlands.

Best Things to Do in Westport: Activities and Tours

  • Sheep Farm Experience - Experience the life of a traditional Irish sheep farmer and learn about the countryside’s way of life.
  • Zip Line Adventure Park - A unique and thrilling way to explore Westport’s lush greenery.
  • Westport Food Tour - A delicious way to explore Westport’s exceptional cuisine. This tour includes stops at local pubs, bakeries, and chocolate shops.
  • Westport Walking Tour - A guided walking tour through Westport’s historic past and present. Explore the town’s architecture, landmarks, and hidden gems.

Week-Long Itinerary for Westport

Day 1: Explore Westport and its landmarks, including the Octagon, Westport House, and Clew Bay. Day 2: Hike Croagh Patrick and take in the unparalleled views of the countryside. Day 3: Take a guided tour of Westport, including historical sites such as the Westport Quay and the National Museum of Ireland - Country Life. Day 4: Rent a bike and explore the Great Western Greenway. Day 5: Relax on Bertra Beach and enjoy some watersports. Day 6: Take a food tour and indulge in Westport’s delicious cuisine. Day 7: Book a sheep farm experience and experience the traditional way of Irish farming.

Food and Drink Scene of Westport

Must-Try Dishes

  • Traditional Irish Breakfast - A hearty breakfast meal with bacon, sausages, eggs, and black and white pudding.
  • Coddle - A comforting stew made with potatoes, sausages, and onions.
  • Boxty - A traditional Irish potato pancake, served with a variety of fillings, such as bacon, cheese, or vegetables.
  • Seafood Chowder - A delicious creamy soup made with fresh seafood, cream, and potatoes.

Local Beverages

  • Irish Whiskey - Ireland is famous for its whiskey, and Westport has its own distillery, where visitors can enjoy tours and tastings.
  • Irish Stout - Guinness is the most famous Irish stout, but Westport has its own breweries, such as Mescan Brewery and West Mayo Brewery.
  • Irish Coffee - A warm and sweet coffee that includes Irish whiskey, sugar, and cream.

Where to Stay in Westport: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Westport offers a range of accommodations, from budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels, such as:

  • The Wyatt Hotel - A charming hotel located in the center of Westport, providing comfortable rooms and excellent dining options.
  • Westport Plaza Hotel & Spa - A stylish and modern hotel that offers an onsite spa and wellness center.
  • Mill Times Hotel Westport - A boutique-style hotel that features comfortable rooms, an onsite restaurant, and a fully equipped gym.

What to Buy in Westport: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Knitwear - Ireland is renowned for its high-quality knitwear, such as Aran sweaters, scarves, and hats.
  • Irish whiskey - Bring home a bottle of Westport’s own distillery or other famous Irish whiskey brands.
  • Irish jewelry - Traditional Irish jewelry, such as Claddagh rings, Celtic knotwork, or unique handcrafted pieces, make great souvenirs and gifts.

Local Culture and Customs of Westport

Westport’s people are known for their friendliness, hospitality, and deep roots in Irish culture and tradition. Travelers should be aware of the following customs:

  • Respect Irish culture and heritage - The Irish culture is unique and deeply respected by locals. Be mindful of and appreciate the traditional ways of life, music, art, and history.
  • Pubs are a part of everyday life - Pubs are integral to Irish life, serving as social venues, and cultural icons. It is commonplace and encouraged to enjoy a pint with locals, where you can savor Irish traditions and folklore.
  • Agriculture and fishing are part of the community’s way of life - Agriculture and fishing are at the center of the community’s economy and deeply embedded in the culture. Respect the countryside and coastal areas and be mindful of the environment.

Best Time to Visit Westport

Summer, from June to September, is the best time to visit Westport when the weather is mild, and the days are long, which allows more time for outdoor activities and sightseeing. However, the weather can be unpredictable, and it is essential to pack accordingly and bring rain gear. Fall and winter are also a fascinating season in Westport, with numerous ongoing events, traditional festivals, and beautiful golden scapes.

Do’s and Don’ts of Westport

Do:

  • Be respectful of locals and their customs
  • Try traditional Irish food and drinks
  • Explore the countryside

Don’t:

  • Ignore the weather, pack accordingly
  • Cause damage to the environment
  • Disrespect Irish customs and culture

Safety and Health

Safety in Westport

Westport is a safe town for travelers. However, visitors should take precautions such as:

  • Be aware of your surroundings
  • Keep valuables like wallet, phone, and passport secure
  • Obey traffic laws
  • Always wear helmets while cycling and biking

Health in Westport

Visitors should take appropriate health measures before traveling to Westport. Recommended vaccinations include:

  • Hepatitis A
  • Hepatitis B
  • Influenza
  • Tetanus and Diphtheria

Getting to Westport: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Westport

The closest airport to Westport is Knock International Airport, situated only 50km away. Alternatively, Shannon Airport is 190km away, and Dublin Airport is 250km to the east, both of which have good transport links to Westport.

Bus Stations Near Westport

Westport has a central bus station providing regular services to Dublin, Galway, and other Irish cities. Bus Eireann is the most famous bus service provider in Ireland and offers a convenient and affordable way to travel in Ireland.

Other Options

  • Car hire - is a great way to explore the scenic countryside of Westport. Major car rental companies like Avis, Budget, and Hertz operate from the airports.
  • Train -The nearest station to Westport is Westport Train Station, providing services to Dublin and other Irish cities.

How to Get Around in Westport

Westport is a compact town, and most of the attractions are within walking distance. Alternatively, visitors can hire a car, bike, or use local taxi companies. Also, regular bus services operate both in and outside of Westport, perfect for travelling to nearby villages and towns.

Where to Go Next from Westport: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Westport is a perfect base for exploring the Wild Atlantic Way and nearby villages, such as:

  • Achill Island - Known as Ireland’s largest island, this beautiful destination is famous for its beaches, mountains, and outdoor adventures.
  • Connemara National Park - Situated in County Galway, this vast and stunning park provides an array of hiking trails, stunning sceneries, cultural attractions and activities related to the Galway region.
  • Cliffs of Moher - These iconic cliffs can be seen from Westport or explored via day excursions from Westport, and the famous cliffs offer breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and surrounding county.

Conclusion

Whether you’re a nature lover, history buff, adventure seeker, or culture enthusiast, Westport has something for everyone. With its vibrant culture, breathtaking landscapes, and rich heritage, Westport is a must-visit destination that has something for everyone. With our comprehensive travel guide, you can plan your trip to Westport with confidence and make unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.

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