Your Guide to Westport: a Jewel of the West

By Paris Donnatella Callan

Westport is a dynamic destination with shop fronts as colourful as its local residents, and landscapes as electric as its social scene. With the cooling of the winds and the changing of the leaves, autumn is the perfect time to head west and enjoy all this town has to offer. Boasting a horde of honours including three-time tidy town winner and 'Best Place to Live in Ireland', according to The Irish Times, there is much to signal Westport as a jewel of the west.

Located in Clew Bay, County Mayo – an inlet of the wild Atlantic Ocean – this storybook-setting is complete with winding streets, flower beds in full bloom and arched bridges which lay over the enchanting Carrowbeg River.

In this guide to Westport, we will share with you all the insider knowledge and top tips to ensure your journey west will be worth the visit.

Dining

When it comes to breakfast in Westport, all signs point to This Must Be The Place. Picture perfectly plated dishes of poached eggs, colourful salads and creative recipes alongside artisan coffee and trendy interiors.

If a pub lunch sounds like an idyllic way to spend an afternoon, we highly recommend Cronin's Sheebeen. This pub restaurant is a 2020 addition to the Michelin Guide, as well as boasting many other notable accolades.

Traditional fare is honoured and uplifted at An Port Mór (another Michelin recognised restaurant) by chef-owner, Frankie Mallon. The pillars which support his vision include 'artisan', 'local' and 'seasonal' ensuring that food is thoughtfully curated at this Westport eatery.

Accommodation

The three-star Westport Woods Hotel is the perfect base if you plan on trekking the sacred pilgrimage site of Croagh Patrick. Set on 300 year old wood on the outskirts of Westport town, this is an ideal place for peace and quiet in the west.

Shopping

Westport is a treasure trove of independent shops that give a platform to independent designers, makers, creatives and artists.

No trip to Westport would be fulfilled without visiting The Woollen Market on Bridge Street. As Ireland's leading knitwear destination, this is a terrific place for personal indulgence, as well as sourcing authentic Irish gifts.

McLoughlin's Bookshop on Shop Street is a fantastic rabbit hole to fall into in Westport. With welcoming staff, you can expect to receive recommendations and swap insights on modern and classic texts with local self-confessed literary lovers.

Social & Entertainment

No guide to Westport would be complete without highlighting the town's dynamic social scene.

Matt Malloy's, with its endless Irish charm and traditional pub setting, is the perfect place to enjoy a drink after a long day of pounding the pavement and exploring all this town has to offer.

Although, if the theatre sounds like your type of night, the Westport Town Hall Theatre is sure to suit your style with a range of stage performances peppering its calendar.

Unforgettable Sights

With the Wild Atlantic Way winding through its humble heart and the ocean hugging its shores, dramatic mountain ranges as a backdrop and heritage sites en masse, there are many unforgettable sights to see in Westport.

A popular destination – but wholly worth a visit – is Westport House. This hive of activity gives with both hands, offering experiences and attractions for all ages and interests.

If the great outdoors pique your interest, hit the trails along the Great Western Greenway. Suitable for both on-foot and biking adventures, this family-friendly track spans 42-kilometres beginning in Westport.

The Hidden Gem

Get off the beaten track (quite literally) at the Carrowholly Stables & Trekking Centre, just outside of Westport. Taking to land and sea, visitors will be awarded an exhilarating experience amongst the wild Westport landscape.