Westport is a hidden gem on the west coast of Ireland. This small town has both charm and unspoiled nature. It is popular for its friendly community, lively traditions, and welcoming feel.
Westport sits beneath the great Croagh Patrick and beside the calm Clew Bay (both are explained later). The town also has many historical sites. That’s why, this mix is perfect for both history lovers and nature fans.
Let’s see what makes Westport special. Here are the top 7 must-visit places for you, if you are planning to go Westport.
Westport House and Pirate Adventure Park
Our first pick is Westport House. It is in the center of Westport. This popular heritage is from the 18th century. It has a dramatic look and lovely gardens. When you see it you will love it. The house shows off rooms from long ago and share stories of the family who lived there. Next to the house is popular place, the Pirate Adventure Park. It is perfect for families. Kids can enjoy pirate ship rides, water slides, and a model railway. You can walk through the historic rooms or you can watch your kids play as pirates. The Park is full of laughter and fun.
Summer is great for visiting there. Because the weather is good and all attractions are open. Spring and autumn are quieter and less crowded. If you want some quite time, you should choose the autumn.
If you’re up to it, then you should buy your tickets online before you go. This can save you money and time. Check the Westport House website for more info, discounts and special events. You can get your ticket from here too.
Spend a full day to enjoy everything. Tour the house in the morning, have a picnic lunch in the gardens, and then go to the Pirate Adventure Park in the afternoon. These places are to make memories. Bring your sense of adventure and maybe a pirate hat, and enjoy a day of you life.
Clew Bay
Clew Bay is a stunning place and it really looks like a postcard. The bay is famous for its beautiful view of many islands. There are over 365 islands, one for each day of the year. These islands were formed by a natural process called a submerged drumlin landscape (Drumlins are small, low, rounded hills that make the landscape look like a gently. rolling blanket). The islands are covered in green plants plus they have rough, natural edges.
You should take a boat tour, if you want to see the real beauty of Clew Bay up close. The boat tour lets you see the islands from the water. You might even see some seals sunbathing or dolphins playing in the waves. Kayaking is another fun activity in Clew Bay, if you are up to it.
There are great places to take photos in Clew Bay. The Harbour, Croagh Patrick’s Summit (if you like adventure, hike up Croagh Patrick. From the top, you can see all of Clew Bay. The view from there is amazing) and Old Head Beach (wonderful place to capture the sunset)
Learn more about Clew Bay from here.
The Great Western Greenway
Think about riding a bike or walking on Ireland’s most famous trail. With its every turn, you will see beautiful landscapes and feel the Atlantic breeze. The Great Western Greenway is a long trail nearly 42 kilometers long. It is the way to see some of the best scenery around Westport and make memories you wouldn’t forget.
Once this famous trail used to be a railway line. Now, it is a quiet path for bikers and walkers. It connects Westport to Achill Island. As you go along the trail, you will see small, pretty villages. You will go next to clear lakes. You will also see large areas of peatlands. To be honest they look just like something from an Irish storybook.
Guide for Newcomers:
Equipment Rental: If you don’t have a bike, don’t worry. You can rent one. There are many shops in Westport and along the trail that rent bikes. They have bikes for everyone, no matter how skilled you are. Many shops also offer shuttle services. This means you can choose how much of the Greenway you want to ride. Here you can rent one: Clew Bay Bike Hire.
Planning Your Trip: It’s a good idea to start your trip early in the day. This way, you can enjoy the peace of the morning. You will also avoid the crowds that come in the afternoon. Remember, the weather can change quickly. Bring waterproof jacket (must) and wear clothes in layers.
Safety and Comfort: The trail is in good condition and mostly flat. This makes it easy for beginners and families to use. Make sure you have a map, plenty of water, and snacks. There are places to rest along the trail. You can stop, rest, enjoy the views and ride again.
Croagh Patrick
Croagh Patrick is also called “The Reek” and it is a famous mountain. Many people visit it every year for spiritual reasons. It is very high, nearly 764 meters. People have worshipped here since before Christian times. The mountain is still important for those are looking for spiritual answers.
In the year 441 AD, St. Patrick went up this mountain. He fasted there for 40 days. This is the history behind the name Croagh Patrick.
The walk to the top of the mountain is hard. It might be too much for some people. If you decide to hike Croagh Patrick, it’s a good idea to rent walking sticks. You can get them from the visitor center. The climb usually takes between two to three hours. This depends on how fast you walk. Some parts of the climb are steep and hard. When you reach the top, you feel very proud. You also see beautiful views of Clew Bay and the land around it. This is a calm and very beautiful place.
Best times to climb and what to prepare:
When to Go: Summer is the best season to climb the mountain. The weather is nice and the path is easier to see. Many people climb during “Reek Sunday” in July. On this day, people come together to climb.
What to Bring: You need good hiking boots because the path can be wet and slippery. Wear clothes in layers. Also, take water, snacks, and sunscreen. A walking stick might help too.
Physical Preparation: It’s good to walk or hike regularly before you go to get ready. This helps if you are not used to hard exercise. Listen to your body and don’t rush.
Here you can learn more about Croagh Patrick
Westport Town Center
Westport Town Center is a lovely place in the heart of Westport. The town center is full of life. It mixes culture, food, and friendship. You can walk along streets with unique local shops. These shops sell everything from handmade items to fancy clothes. It’s a great place to shop for real Irish gifts or something special for yourself.
As you walk around the town, you might hear music. You might hear a guitar or the sound of a bodhrán from a pub or cafe. Westport is known for its music. A night out here usually includes live traditional Irish music. You can go to Matt Molloy’s Yard Bar. It belongs to Matt Molloy (described later), who played flute with The Chieftains. The pub is cozy. You can enjoy listening good music for a real Irish night out.
If you are there, First, try local dishes at Westport’s restaurants. These places often serve seafood, like fresh fish from Clew Bay.
Second, look for the Westport Food Festival and the Westport Arts Festival. These events add excitement to the town center. They show off the best local food, art, and culture and,
Third, visit the weekly farmers’ market. It has local produce, fresh baked goods, and handmade products.
Matt Molloy’s Yard Bar
Matt Molloy’s Yard Bar is a famous pub for Irish traditional music. It is a great place for music lovers. The owner, Matt Molloy, played the flute in the well-known folk band The Chieftains. This pub feels like a museum dedicated to Irish music. The walls are full of music memorabilia. It is cozy yet lively. Every night, there are music sessions with local musicians. Sometimes, unexpected guests play music too. Here is the the website and the facebook page.
The best times to visit:
Evenings for Music: The music starts at about 9 PM. This is when the pub is full of life. You can hear flutes, fiddles, and other instruments.
Weekends for the Buzz: The pub is busier on weekends. It’s a fun time to meet locals and other visitors. You can talk, laugh, and drink together.
Festival Season: During festivals, the pub has special music sessions and events. This is a great chance to see some of Ireland’s best musicians.
Bertra Beach
I want to finish with Bertra Beach. The beach is close to Westport and easy to reach by car. It has lovely views of Croagh Patrick and the nearby islands. Plus, it has a Blue Flag rating since 1989, indicating the beach is clean and safe. It meets high standards for water quality and environment care.
You can walk along the sandy shore and enjoy the cool breeze from the Atlantic Ocean. The sea here is good for swimming, but you must be careful. The tides can be strong. If you like birds, this beach is also great for bird watching.
Things you can do at Bertra Beach:
First, walking and hiking. The beach has dunes and a causeway. These make for great walking paths with beautiful views.
Second, swimming. The water is clear and inviting. Always check the local advice about the swimming conditions. They can change with the weather and tides.
Third, bird watching. You can see many seabirds and migrating birds here. The marshlands and dunes near the beach are good places to watch birds.
Here is my guide for visiting the top places in Westport. I chose these places because I think they are great. I have visited most of these myself and enjoyed them thoroughly. Don’t just take my word for it—come and see for yourself why Westport is a special part of Ireland.
