The Old Mill Holiday Hostel Heritage
Westport is a beautiful and historic town superbly situated beside the mountain (Croagh Patrick) and the sea. Westport is one of the west’s most popular tourist destinations; it has managed this transition with no loss of either character or charm.
Visitors to Westport County Mayo immediately notice the compact and well organised town core with the tree-lined Mall along the river adding an almost continental air. Careful co-ordination of development, shop fronts and signage combine effortlessly to create a charming and comfortable environment to both visitors and locals to enjoy.
Local attractions to be experienced in Westport include;
Westport House and Country Park
Ireland’s most popular day visitor attraction is especially enjoyed by families. Stately home, children’s rides, climbing, swan pedaloes, mini-train, animal park, kayaking, archery and laser combat games. A camping and caravan park is also situated on the grounds of Westport House
Clew Bay Heritage Centre
An interesting collection of heritage items associated with Westport and the immediate area, can be found on the Quay.
Westport Heritage Centre
The Westport Heritage Centre can be found in the Westport Tourist Information Office,
James Street, Westport, County Mayo, Republic of Ireland.
Westport Town Walk
Experience one of the best introductions to Westport town – a guided tour with local historian. Tours are run throughout the summer months on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7pm. Tour starting point is the Clock. Contact Tourist Information Office or the Clew Bay Heritage Centre for more information.
Croagh Patrick
Croagh Patrick Mountain or ‘The Reek’ as it is well known as locally, is Ireland’s holiest mountain and has been a pilgrimage destination since pre-Christian times. Croagh Patrick Mountain can be found 5 miles south of Westport on the Louisburgh Road, the view from the top makes up for the tough ascent. The last Sunday of July is the traditional date for pilgrims to climb, sometimes barefoot, to the summit, up to 25,000 make the ascent on that date. The preceding Friday, known as Garland Friday is the customary day for locals to make the pilgrimage.
Clew Bay Archaeological Trail
The Clew Bay Archaeological Trail passes through the magnificent scenery around Clew Bay and its many islands, past majestic Croagh Patrick and onto peaceful Clare Island. Nature has been very generous to the Clew Bay area. When you overlay 6,000 years of human habitation, you get a multitude of pre-Christain archaeological sites. In the 1980's, a mining company discovered gold in Croagh Patrick. However, the trail offers another type of gold, a rich heritage, a magnificent environment and many golden beaches a credited with blue Flag status.
Bertra Blue Flag Beach
Extending out below Croagh Patrick Mountain, Bertra Beach has Blue Flag status, guaranteeing both water quality and standard of facilities. It is a very popular swimming and walking destination.
Westport has two other Blue Flag beaches at Old Head, Louisburgh and Carramore, Louisburgh. In 2008, Silver Strand and Whitestrand beaches were all chosen for Green Coast Awards.
Holy Trinity Church
Westport’s Protestant church boasts an awesome interior of marble and gold leaf decoration. It can be found on the Newport Road on what was originally part of the Westport House demesne. It is open daily for visitors during the summer months.
County Markets
The Country Markets opens every Thursday morning in the Pete Callaghan Centre, James Street Car Park, Westport, County Mayo.
