Westport, Ireland is our next stop on our drive tour of Ireland. We drove south form Donegal taking in the sights of Sligo Town, Ballina and Castlebar and ended the day in Westport. We stayed at the Wyatt Hotel, one of the finest Mayo hotels, known as a gem in the heart of Westport. (Wyatt Hotel, The Octagon, Westport, Co. Mayo, Ireland Tel: 353 (0) 74 98 25027)
This boutique hotel prides itself on its scenic location as well as a warm Westport welcome, professional service, top-class accommodation, and fantastic food. All of which we found to be true, especially the Hotel restaurant and pub which was vibrant and had delicious food. It is located in the centre of town at The Octagon monument.
The Wyatt Hotel was the perfect base to explore and enjoy the magnificent beauty of the surrounding areas, the peaks of Croagh Patrick and the deep blue seas of Clew Bay.
The area offers something for everyone from walking, cycling, sightseeing, music, arts, adventure, and leisure activities through shopping, vibrant nightlife and gourmet food.
Walking Tour
We did a walking tour of Westport ( Not booking again until summer 2020) and discovered many town secrets and learned much about the Great Famine effects on this part of Ireland. The tour concluded with a free drink or tea at Maddens Pub at the Clew Bay Hotel. Our tour guide was superb and the tour price was very moderate.
If you walk on your own head down James St towards the Clew Bay Hotel ( en route Blousers Pub which is the site of the famous Guinness TV ad, look for the plug on the wall; Westport Towne Threatre and Craft House Shop)
Turn right on the South Mall Street and walk along the Moy River then turn right up Bridge Street (en route Matt Malloy’s , Janey Mac’s ,Castle Bar and the Woolen Market) or the next street which is Mill Street ( see the Mill Street Mural) then right again on Shop Street ( en route Mcloughkin’s Bookshop and grocery stores) and you will be back at the Wyatt Hotel.
Music
Westport is home to the Westport Folk and Bluegrass Festival each summer. For over eleven years, the Festival has featured acts from America, the UK, continental Europe, and of course Ireland – north and south.
Most anytime you can find traditional Irish music, folk, bluegrass or rock music in most of the pubs in Westport.
Westport House
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| Westport House |
It is a grand country estate set in large gardens, a cafe, and the lakes make a grand setting for the house itself. Please note there is an entrance fee to get up to the house though you can see some of the gardens and lakes for free.
Westport House also has a Private Adventure Land for kids and families.
Croagh Patrick
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| Croagh Patrick Photo by Stefan Jürgensen |
If you are up for a hike head out to The Croagh Patrick Visitor Centre, it is 8 km west of the town of Westport. Bus Eireann and taxis are available from Westport to the Visitor Centre. Croagh Patrick’s history as a place of worship reaches back in time as far as 3,000 BC.
It takes about two hours for the average person to climb to the summit, and one and a half hours to descend. You will need sturdy footwear, rain gear and some drinking water. Climbing sticks are for rent/sale at the Centre.
Onto Galway, Ireland
