Great activities around Westport

Written By Lucy O'Reilly

Great Western Greenway, 44 Km of Cycling/Walking

  • Westport - Newport 12K

  • Newport - Mulranny 18K

  • Mulranny - Achill 14K

(most scenic routes Newport - Mulranny & Mulranny – Achill)

Bike hire available in all these villages

Croagh Patrick Mountain - Westport’s special gem/Sacred Mountain - 764m elevation

  • From Westport, take the R335 Louisburgh Coastal - drive 9.2km (12 mins) to the village of Murrisk, where you can not miss 'CROAGH PATRICK' (764m)

  • Approx 2.5-3.5hr climb (fitness depending) with spectacular views on a clear day

  • A shorter version also very rewarding - hike to the shoulder of the mountain where views are also stunning

  • Or just to the statue – still a decent view (15mins from the car park)

CAMPBELL'S

This humble/famous PUB stands at the foot of the mountain to enjoy a well earned pint of Guiness after your hike - also serves some food

THE TAVERN

Pub/Restaurant is also very nearby (Westport side) - renowned for great food, atmosphere & service

Beaches

There are many beauties to choose from along this westerly stretch of the Irish coastline

Bertra Beach

Lovely short 4km walk through sand dunes or around loop at sand spit at the end of the beach

Old Head Beach (Sauna)

A favourite - divided by a small pier - the near (south) side has a lovely long stretch of beach - far (north) side a smaller beach, leading to a woodland and on towards headland/stunning cliff walk. Stand-up Paddle Boarding, Sauna and Coffee Truck here (off season - weekends only) (find/book on instagram @wildatlanticsauna)

Carramore Beach

A lovely beach just a few mins outside of the small and quaint Louisburgh town (great place to watch the sunset). Grab some delightful food from any of the tasty cafes in Louisburgh to bring along.


Carrowniskey Beach

Renowned for surfing. Surfboards/wet suits/lessons here also. See www.surfmayo.com.


Silver Strand Beach

At the furthest westerly point – very remote/very beautiful - you will also find the lovely P.DAN'S Traditional Pub/Restaurant nearby, overlooking over the sea, with BigStyle Hot-Tub/Sauna/Cold Plunge here.

Scenic Drive Towards Connemara

  • From Westport, take the N59 Leenane Road (Leenane Village always worth a stop)

  • From Leenane, take the CLIFDEN Road, along KILLLARY FJORD (Ireland's only Fjord)

  • Short detours include Connemara National Park, Kylemore Abbey (with Victorian Walled Garden) 

  • DIAMOND HILL (very close to Kylemore Abbey) is a very nice relatively short hike with steps (1.5 – 2hr with a variety of routes available - amazing views of Connemara) 

  • Along the shores of Killary Fjord, you will find the charming ‘MISUNDERSTOOD HERON’ food truck (for the perfect lunch)  (beautiful wholesome homemade foods) with spacious picnic area overlooking the sea   (Note: The MISUNDERSTOOD HERON has temporarily been relocated next to P.DAN’S Pub/Bar)

Achill Island

Here are some links for a day trip out to ACHILL ISLAND (bridge links Island to mainland)

North Mayo

  • CARROWTEIGE and PORTACLOY BEACHES – stunning/deserted/wild

  • CEIDE FIELDS - Archaeological/Neolithic visitor centre, set against some of the most dramatic rock formations in Ireland - viewing platform on the edge of 110m high cliff

Lucy O'Reilly https://www.designsforgrowth.ie
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The best places to eat and drink around Westport, Co Mayo