Westport in County Mayo is definitely worth visiting! It’s a charming town with a mix of natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture. Here’s why it’s a great destination: 1. Scenic Beauty Croagh Patrick: Westport is located near Croagh Patrick, Ireland’s holy mountain. Many visitors hike the mountain for both spiritual reasons and the stunning views of Clew Bay and the surrounding landscape. Clew Bay: The bay is famous for its 365 islands, and the coastal scenery is breathtaking, especially if you take a boat tour or simply drive along the Wild Atlantic Way. Greenway: The Great Western Greenway, a 42 km trail from Westport to Achill Island, is perfect for cycling or walking, offering gorgeous views of the coastline and countryside. 2. Charming Town Center Georgian Architecture: Westport’s tree-lined streets, historic bridges, and Georgian townhouses give it a picturesque feel. The town has won awards for its beauty and livability. Local Shops and Cafés: There are plenty of local artisan shops, cozy cafés, and pubs to enjoy. Westport is known for its lively atmosphere, especially during festivals or traditional music sessions. 3. Westport House Westport House & Estate: This historic 18th-century mansion is set in beautiful parkland and is one of the top attractions in the area. Visitors can explore the house, take part in family-friendly activities, or simply wander through the gardens and woodland. 4. Rich History and Culture The town has a strong connection to Irish history, including links to the pirate queen Grace O’Malley. Many visitors enjoy learning about this and other parts of Mayo's history. 5. Gateway to Achill Island and Connemara Westport is ideally located for day trips to Achill Island and Connemara, both of which are known for their rugged beauty and cultural significance. 6. Food and Drink Westport has a great food scene, with many restaurants serving fresh, local produce, including seafood. The town is also home to some traditional Irish pubs where you can enjoy live music. Overall, if you’re exploring the west coast of Ireland, Westport offers a mix of outdoor adventure, history, and a lively, welcoming atmosphere.

Westport’s unique status as a planned town sets it apart from many other Irish towns, which typically evolved more organically over centuries. The town’s design dates back to the late 18th century, when John Browne, the 1st Earl of Altamont and owner of the grand Westport House estate, commissioned James Wyatt, a well-known British architect, to redesign the town in a way that complemented the estate. 1. The Planned Design Wyatt laid out Westport with a clear and thoughtful design, which included Georgian architecture, open spaces, and tree-lined promenades. This gave Westport its distinctive charm, with orderly streets and an elegant atmosphere that you don’t find in most other Irish towns. The town is bisected by the Carrowbeg River, and Wyatt designed graceful stone bridges that cross the river, as well as the charming Mall, a tree-lined promenade that runs alongside it. The river and its surrounding promenades add to the town’s beauty, providing a serene place for both locals and visitors to stroll. The streets radiate outward from the central axis, creating a sense of order and spaciousness. The layout is particularly praised for its aesthetic balance, with the town's urban design blending naturally into the surrounding rural landscape, a hallmark of great Georgian town planning. 2. The Connection to Westport House The redesign of the town was also done to enhance the view of Westport House, the ancestral home of the Browne family. Westport House, one of Ireland’s finest stately homes, was built on the site of a former O’Malley castle (linked to the famous pirate queen Grace O’Malley, the Earl's ancestor). Westport House is surrounded by a stunning parkland estate that was also carefully landscaped to be in harmony with the town. Visitors today can still explore the house, its gardens, and the surrounding woodlands. The redesign of the town was not just about beauty, though—it was also a way to encourage better living conditions for the local population. Prior to the redesign, the town of Westport was originally a small village known as Cathair na Mart, and it was considered a cramped and unhealthy settlement. The new planned town was seen as a significant improvement for both the tenants and the community. 3. A Rare Example in Ireland Westport’s planned nature makes it stand out among Irish towns, as most towns in Ireland grew more organically, shaped by medieval or even ancient layouts. Westport, with its planned streets and Georgian squares, is one of the few towns in Ireland with such deliberate urban design. The town has won several awards for its beauty and organization, including the prestigious Tidy Towns Award (multiple times), which celebrates towns and villages across Ireland for their cleanliness and environmental care. 4. A Lasting Legacy The thoughtfulness of Westport’s design is still evident today, as it has maintained much of its original Georgian architecture and layout. This makes it not only a functional town but also a town that offers visitors an immersive experience in 18th-century planning principles. This planned layout, with its connection to Westport House, gives the town a refined elegance that many visitors appreciate, alongside its natural beauty and vibrant cultural scene. The mix of history, thoughtful design, and scenic surroundings make Westport a unique and attractive destination on Ireland’s west coast.

Spending a day in Westport offers a mix of outdoor adventure, history, scenic beauty, and vibrant culture. Here’s a suggested itinerary for making the most of your time in this charming town: Morning: Explore the Town and Westport House Start with Breakfast in Town Begin your day with us at Ashville Guesthouse for a hearty Irish breakfast and coffee. Stroll Through the Town Center After breakfast, take a leisurely walk through Westport’s charming Georgian streets. Explore The Mall, a tree-lined promenade that runs alongside the Carrowbeg River. The town’s architecture, quaint shops, and colorful storefronts make it a lovely place to wander and soak in the atmosphere. Stop by some of the unique local shops or galleries if you want to pick up souvenirs or art from local craftspeople. Visit Westport House Next, head to Westport House, one of Ireland’s most historic and beautiful country estates. The mansion, built in the 18th century, has stunning period interiors and a rich history connected to the pirate queen Grace O’Malley. Spend time exploring the house and the extensive grounds, which include landscaped gardens, woodlands, and a lake. There’s also a café on-site if you want a mid-morning coffee or snack. For families, Westport House has adventure activities like a pirate-themed amusement park and a mini-train tour around the estate. Midday: Croagh Patrick or the Greenway Hike Croagh Patrick (optional) If you're up for an outdoor adventure, take a trip to Croagh Patrick, just a short drive from Westport. Known as Ireland’s holy mountain, Croagh Patrick offers incredible panoramic views of Clew Bay and its 365 islands. The hike takes about 2-3 hours up and down, and while it’s steep in places, the views from the summit are worth it. It’s a sacred pilgrimage site, so you’ll see many people making the climb, especially in summer. If you’re not hiking, you can visit the Visitor Centre at the base of the mountain to learn more about its history and religious significance. Cycle or Walk the Great Western Greenway If hiking isn’t your preference, consider renting a bike and cycling along the Great Western Greenway, a scenic trail that runs 42 km from Westport to Achill Island. The Greenway is relatively flat and passes through stunning countryside, coastal views, and villages. You can do a shorter section if you don’t have time for the full trail, such as cycling to Newport or Mulranny and back, stopping for a picnic or lunch along the way. Lunch in Westport or Newport Lunch at a Local Restaurant or Pub After your morning activities, grab lunch at one of Westport’s renowned eateries. If you're in town, try The Pantry & Corkscrew or J.J. O’Malleys, known for local seafood and hearty Irish dishes. Alternatively, if you’ve cycled to Newport or nearby, you can stop at Grainne Uaile or The Blue Bicycle for a casual but delicious meal. Afternoon: Scenic Drives and Coastal Views Drive the Atlantic Coast (optional) After lunch, take a scenic drive along the Wild Atlantic Way, one of the most famous coastal routes in Ireland. From Westport, head towards Louisburgh, enjoying views of Clew Bay and its numerous islands. You can stop at some quiet beaches like Bertra Beach or Old Head Beach for a walk or simply to enjoy the ocean views. Explore the Quay in Westport Head back to Westport Quay, the historic port area, and enjoy a relaxed stroll by the waterfront. The Quay is home to small galleries, craft shops, and pubs. You can also visit the Clew Bay Heritage Centre, a small but interesting museum covering the history of the bay, the Browne family, and local maritime life. Evening: Dinner and Live Music Dinner in Westport For dinner, consider An Port Mór, a popular fine dining restaurant that serves contemporary Irish dishes using local ingredients, especially seafood. Sage is another great option, known for its creative, modern Irish cuisine. If you prefer a more relaxed pub setting, The Helm Bar or Matt Molloy’s Pub (owned by the member of The Chieftains) offer both great food and a lively, welcoming atmosphere. Traditional Irish Music at Matt Molloy’s End your day with some traditional Irish music at Matt Molloy’s Pub, one of the best-known places in Ireland for live sessions. It’s a cozy, atmospheric pub where you can listen to talented musicians play traditional tunes well into the night.