9 Sensational Things You Need To Do in Westport Ireland

Westport is one of my favorite Irish towns.

And I recently spent a week here after a long absence (bad Lynne, bad!).

So I want to offer up some of the best things you need to do in Westport.

However, you know where we need to start and that is by placing Westport on the map.

Where is Westport?

Westport is located in County Mayo, Ireland.

It sits somewhat on the shores of Clew Bay.

I say somewhat because the town center is not directly on water but it’s very close by with the quay area just a couple kilometers away.

Westport also, at least in my opinion, is in the southern half of County Mayo.

This is a wonderful town to add to a Connemara itinerary as it’s easy to get to from Clifden, another of my favorite Irish towns.

So now let’s dive into the best things to do in Westport.

Then I’ll offer up some tips and logistics.

9 things you need to to in Westport

Walk on Bertra Beach

Bertra Beach is on the road toward Croagh Patrick (see below), so it’s a wee drive from Westport town.

It has this great look to it as it’s a skinny strand that juts out into the sea.

There is a parking area so parking should be somewhat easy.

Bertra Beach has a great sandy section closer to the parking area.

It does get rocky and difficult to walk on further out.

And while there are sand dunes, they really don’t want you walking too much on these.

Now, I’ll be honest, I walked a little bit through the dunes, but I was very conscientious of staying on trails through the dunes which I think is okay — though not what I would recommend if you can avoid it.

I really wanted to walk out to the end so I carefully and respectfully did walk through the dunes to get to the end.

I just couldn’t walk on the rocks any longer as I feared turning an ankle!

Even if you don’t go out to the end, you can still very much enjoy the beach.

The locals love walking here — on their own, with a spouse or friend or with a dog.

It’s a wonderful and beautiful spot to mix with the locals making it one of the best things to do in Westport.

Plus the views back to Croagh Patrick are pretty amazing.

Not to mention views across Clew Bay and to the coast north of Westport.

Love Bertra Beach!

Hike up the challenging Croagh Patrick

One of the best things to do in Westport — and why some people travel to this area — is to hike up Croagh Patrick.

Croagh Patrick, St Patrick’s Stack, is a mountain at 764m/2507ft.

While it’s a short hike up at a little over 2 miles it is relentless in its elevation gain.

And the trail is rocky.

This hike is not for everyone.

I hiked it in 2007 and they have since improved that last steep ascent to the top as it was loose scree (yikes!) and is now solid rock, step-like.

But that last bit is steep.

I was fortunate to make the climb on a glorious sunny and warm (by Irish standards) day.

I started early which gave me the advantage of not being with a lot of people on the way up — at least the lower section.

My pace was slow as the steepness was slow going for me plus I stopped to take a lot of pics.

Because it was a Friday and a beautiful day, the trail did get busy as I made my way down.

I certainly took my sweet time, enjoyed the stunning views at the top and slowly and carefully made my way back down.

Hiking Croagh Patrick should be taken seriously and I don’t advise making this trek if the weather looks iffy.

Again, it’s not for everyone.

So while I firmly put it on my list of things to do in Croagh Patrick, I also put a caveat to that as it’s on the list for those who are willing and able to make the climb.

One thing I will say is that on a good day, the views are spectacular from the top!

Enjoy some pub time / music session

You’re in Ireland and you’re in a fun, vibrant town.

So yes, spending some time in a pub and catching a “session” is one of the best things you need to do in Westport.

There are a plethora of pubs with places like Matt Molloys, MacBrides, Porter House and JJ O’Malley’s good choices.

But really, you can pick any place that has a good vibe to it.

I had a drink at MacBride’s (sitting outside on a nice late afternoon) and at Porter House where I caught a “session” — traditional Irish music.

My parents and I spent time in Matt Molloys back in 2010 and had a great time.

I have no doubt that you’ll find a pub that resonates with you and you’ll have good craic!

Visit The Point

One of the things you need to do in Westport is walk to the Quay then onto The Point.

This is a fabulous place to meet locals on a nice day as they swim in the shallow waters of Clew Bay.

You have to walk the road past some of the boats that take you out onto a cruise of the bay.

And it looks like you’re not really going anywhere.

But at the end of the road is a parking area and some tables to sit at.

There’s even a little changing area if you fancy a swim.

I visited this area on a nice day and the locals were out in the water.

I sat at a table and laughed as they chatted with each other, calling to friends who were not in the water.

It was a kick to be a fly on the wall and witness friends and neighbors giving each other a hard time and laughing and gossiping.

These are those special travel moments.

So I highly recommend a visit to The Point in Westport Quay – especially on a nice day!

Wander the town

There is nothing better than wandering about any town or village in Europe.

Westport is no exception.

The town is vibrant, colorful and filled with places to eat, shop or grab a drink — warm or adult!

It gives you a good feel of the town to simply walk around and take in the ambience.

One of the best things you need to do in Westport for sure.

Walk the trails around Westport House

There is an old house in Westport called, you guessed it, Westport House.

And around the house there are some nice trails to walk on.

These are easy trails — some paved, a few simple dirt paths and some of the walking is on a road.

The setting is lovely with a lake — with swans — with the elegant Westport House as a backdrop.

It’s a wonderful spot to escape the bustle of Westport town and enjoy some peace and quiet.

Tour Westport House

I didn’t tour this house but I will on my next visit to Westport.

This house dates back to Pirate Queen Grace O’Malley — who I have a bit of an obsession with.

Now, the house didn’t look like this.

But her castle forms the foundations of the current Westport House.

This house is considered to be one of ‘Ireland’s Most Beautiful Homes’.

It is open most days from 10am to 4pm (until 5pm July and August) with guided tours at certain times May through October.

Cost is €7.

I hear it’s beautiful and very worth it.

I simply enjoyed the 400 acres of grounds.

Well, not all of it.

But the surrounding area is stunning!

A tour of Westport House is one of the best things to do in Westport.

What to do Further Afield

I think Westport makes a good base for a few other activities.

 

Visit Louisburgh

Nearby Louisbourgh is a smaller town than Westport but it has a few things to do.

First of all there are some lovely beaches in Louisburgh, so if you want more beach time, then make the short drive to Louisburgh.

Carrowmore is one in particular you may want to check out.

You’ll also find out more about Grace O’Malley at the Granuaile Visitor Centre.

I need to go to this!

 

Walk on Silver Strand

If you go past Louisburg you make your way toward Killadoon.

South of Killadoon at the end of the road (literally) is Silver Strand.

This is one of my favorite beaches.

The landscape surrounding it is stunning.

And it’s a doable day trip from Westport.

So if you have good weather and want some beach time, a trip to Silver Strand is a must.

 

Make a day trip to Achill Island

One of the best things to do in Westport is to visit Achill Island.

It’s definitely a day trip over and back and you’ll want to make this drive on a good weather day.

I took my parents over to Achill Island.

We drove over, found one of the beaches, stopped for lunch and came back.

Admittedly, it was a short day trip.

I’d do a longer trip (weather permitting) in the future.

There are some stunning seascapes and beaches on Achill as well as some intriguing history.

There are my tops things you need to do in Westport

I’d love to hear some more ideas.

So if you’ve been to Westport, Ireland, let me know.

Drop your ideas and thoughts in the comments below or email me at Lynne@WanderYourWay.com

 

Logistics for your time in Westport

There are a lot of different places to stay in Westport from larger hotels to small B&B’s so there will be something to fit your budget.

You may choose to stay in the town center, near the quay or a wee bit outside the town. I recommend the town center or the quay

Westport is served by train from Dublin.

So it’s possible to fly into Dublin and spend some time in Dublin then make a trip to Westport and enjoy the town.

However, if you want to get out of the center of Westport, then a car is nice to have.

Not essential, but helpful.

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