Things to do
LANDMARKS
Follow the well-trodden paths once taken by pilgrims centuries ago to the summit of Croagh Patrick, Ireland’s sacred mountain. From here, sweeping views across Clew Bay are dotted with 117 sunken drumlin islands. Carved out by melting glaciers during the Ice Age, their steep hill sides resemble a ‘basket of eggs’. Westport House, built on the foundations of a 16th-century castle, is also here. You can easily spend a few hours exploring its 30 stately rooms furnished with original antiques and art, beautiful gardens and an eerie basement known as ‘The Dungeons’.
FOOD & DRINK
Westport’s food scene is deliciously inspired by its coastal location and verdant countryside – where lush pastures produce flavoursome lamb and tender Dexter beef, a small, indigenous Irish breed. Fish and chips made with County Mayo’s famous Mescan beer batter and seafood chowder are pub menu staples. While innovative restaurants bring finesse to modern Irish, European and fusion cuisine with dishes starring local ingredients like Clew Bay scallops and Killary Fjord mussels. There are also plenty of cafés and artisan bakeries to tempt you with naturally leavened sourdough bread and mouthwatering cinnamon rolls.
ACTIVITIES
For golden sand, clean water and sheltered, rocky areas, head for Old Head Beach. Take a high-speed boat ride for wildlife encounters with seals, bottlenose dolphins, basking sharks in warmer months, and the rare Leach’s storm petrel seabird. Cycle the Great Western Greenway, past farmland and villages. Or get off the beaten track to discover untamed boreens and ancient blanket bogland. Westport Adventure Park is perfect for families looking for fun, adrenaline-fuelled activities, including Ireland’s largest Net Park and the Interactive Gaming Zone, where you become part of a life-size video game.
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