Things to do
Planning to explore and discover the heart of the Wild Atlantic Way in Mayo this year?
Westport is a wonderful base to experience a wide range of outdoor activities from gorgeous walking trails, exhilarating hike on Croagh Patrick, breathtaking costal cycles along the Great Western Greenway to the magnificent historical Westport House. If sea swimming is your thing dive into the Atlantic at Westport Point or try some Stand Up Paddle Boarding at Old Head beach or just sit back on a sea cruise of Clew Bay and enjoy the spectacular views from the water.
Whether you are staying with us with your family, as a couple’s getaway, or a solo escape, Westport offers you the best experiences and magical memories. If you want to get off the beaten track we are more than happy to advise you too.
Discover Westport Like Never Before.
Climb Croagh Patrick
Croagh Patrick Irelands most famous Holy Mountain stands at 764m (2,507ft) and is best known for its association with Saint Patrick, who is said to have fasted for 40 days at the summit. In its entirety, the route is a 7km long round-trip but there are viewing points along the route that allow the less active to enjoy stunning views of Clew Bay without the strenuous climb.
Cycle the Great Western Greenway from Westport to Achill
Escape the bustle of urban life on the longest off-road cycling and walking trail in Ireland. Cycle along the old Westport to Achill railway line which closed in 1937, this 42 km almost entirely traffic free route is ideal for getting out on a bike for a spin and is perfect for a day of family fun, for information please click here.
Traditional Pubs and Music venues
Westport is famous for its love of music, with festivals and musical sessions throughout the year. Just a short stroll from the Hotel is Matt Molloy’s, which is the most famous pub in Westport. It is renowned for traditional music, but it’s also renowned for being owned by Matt Molloy, member of the legendary traditional Irish band The Chieftains. Visit the refurbished, modern and well-equipped multi-purpose centre which caters for amateur and professional drama, musicals, dance, film, and children’s events and concerts (traditional, classical and popular).
The W Cinema
Located just next door to the hotel, showing all the latest films, click here for more information.
Westport Leisure Centre
All guests have complimentary access to Westport Leisure Park, located next door to the hotel. Including a 25 metre pool, gym, sauna and Jacuzzi.
Visit Westport House & Adventure Park
There has been a ‘big house’ on this site since the 1500’s, when Grace O’ Malley, the famous Pirate Queen, built one of her many castles here. The current House – built in 1730 by the same family who still own and operate it today - has an abundance of artefacts, artwork and treasures that will fascinate all culture-vultures! The Pirate Adventure Park – perfectly suited to children under 12 - will leave the kids screaming for more with rides, slides, boats and trains. And the more adventurous can enjoy everything from archery to zorbing!
Sea Kayaking in Clew Bay
Westport has lots of options for kayaking. A sea kayak allows you to experience Clew Bay in a completely different way to any other boat. The manoeuvrability and quietness of the sea kayak means that you can slowly traverse the coastal islands seeing wildlife and birds up close, explore cliffs and caves near Westport and visit places no other boat can reach, and if you get lucky, a dolphin swimming alongside. Amidst this marine environment and stunning scenery, you can learn a new skill for life.
Clew Bay Cruises
This cruise lasts just over 90 minutes through the Islands of Clew Bay (365 – one for every day of the year). Enjoy live on board commentary and hot drinks and snacks in this all weather enclosed vessel that has an indoor lounge and toilets on board. You will see: the Inisgort Lighthouse, Dornish Island – which was once owned by John Lennon, secluded beaches and wildlife such as seals, otters, dolphins and a wide variety of sea birds. From the 1st May to the 31st October. www.clewbaycruises.com
Kylemore Abbey
Visit Kylemore Abbey, originally a Castle, built as a romantic gift for the beautiful Margaret Henry in 1867. Home to the Benedictine nuns since 1920, this 1,000 acre estate makes an unforgettable day out. Explore beautiful Victorian buildings which include the Abbey, neo-Gothic Church and Mausoleum and of course the 6½ acre Victorian Walled Garden. The Garden is stunningly located overlooking Connemara National Park and is Ireland’s premier Heritage Garden where only Victorian varieties of plants and flowers are grown.
Visit Ireland’s largest Island- Achill Island
Achill is one of Ireland’s most spectacular and unique places. Its rugged landscape features dramatic cliffs, soaring mountains, remote lakes and secluded beaches. Explore one of the Wild Atlantic Way signature discovery points at Keem and try-out some water based activities at our newly established Blueway location.
We are delighted to announce that our new Oyster Farm Tours opened for business yesterday. Located in Kilmeena, on the road to Newport, just off the Great Western Greenway. A new experience for your guests to enjoy when visiting Westport.
Visit to Knock Ireland’s Holy Shrine
Visit Knock Shrine, the site of an Apparition of Our Lady, St Joseph and St John the Evangelist, in 1879. , Knock is just one of just nine Marian Apparition sites worldwide officially approved by the Church. It has been described as the “spiritual heart of Roman Catholic Church”. Knock Shrine is revered by Catholics around the world as a special place of prayer and pilgrimage, healing and hope. In 1979, St John Paul II described Knock Shrine as “the goal of my journey to Ireland" .
Visit Downpatrick Head and the Céide Fields
The Fields are the oldest known field systems in the world - they’re even older than Egypt’s pyramids. The remnants of the ancient settlements and megalithic tombs have been preserved thanks to a protective bog environment. Here you can indulge yourself in a vast prehistoric landscape, a natural wild ecology of blanket bog, dramatic cliffs and coastline and of course the majestic Downpatrick Head, one of the signature points on the Wild Atlantic Way.
Visit the National Museum of Ireland Country life
Visit the Museum of Country Life situated in the stunning grounds of Turlough Park, Turlough, and Castlebar. The Museum comprises the estate’s original house which has been fully restored as well as a purpose build Exhibition Gallery.
The innovative exhibits on show at the Museum tell the story of Irish country life between 1850 and 1950.
