Destination Westport
Few towns in Ireland can match Westport's charisma and continental flavour.
Plan a trip to Westport in County Mayo, for a weekend break or longer holiday, and discover it for yourself.
It's a great destination for shopping and dining.
In the attractive town centre, cheerful, multi-coloured shopfronts jostle for attention with an attractive selection of pubs, shops, cafés and restaurants.
In 2006 Westport was once again named Ireland's Tidiest Town - it beat off competition from almost 700 other entrants to land the coveted prize.
Explore the Georgian town centre or discover a pirate queen
Westport has a gracious town centre in the Georgian architectural style and is one of Ireland's few planned towns.
The planning of the town was undertaken by James Wyatt in 1780 under commission by the 3rd Earl of Altamont (who later became the 1st Marquess of Sligo) of
Westport House.
The town was intended as a place for his workers and tenants to live. Among the town's most picturesque features is the tree-lined promenade known as The Mall, and the stone bridges along the Carrowbeg River.
Westport House (pictured right) was built in 1730 on the ruins of a former castle of the legendary Irish pirate queen
Grace O’Malley and is still home to her direct descendants, the 11th Marquess of Sligo and his family. The house is regarded as one of Ireland’s most beautiful historic homes and is open to the public during the summer season.
For families the
Pirate Adventure Park combines with a remarkable history to provide a treasure trove of memorable, awe-inspiring and fun experiences for all ages.
Great activities and the outdoors
In Westport, you can enjoy a variety of watersports, relaxing spa treatments, island-hopping, championship golf courses, hillwalking, horse riding and fishing.
And of course, the famous pilgrimage mountain of
Croagh Patrick (pictured), known locally as "the Reek", lies some 10km west of the town near Murrisk. The main pilgrimage takes place on the last Sunday of July each year but people climb the mountain all year round.
The mountain presents a striking backdrop to the town. The church on the summit can just be made out with the naked eye from Westport.
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