Leisure Time in Westport
After leaving the island, you’ll enjoy some free time in Westport – one of Mayo’s (and indeed Ireland’s) most picturesque towns.
This will be your second stop in Westport, having enjoyed the friendly hospitality of Tina’s Bistro on your way to the island. The bistro is popular for its range of choices and prides itself on being a place where the locals love to eat.
Westport: A Scenic Town
This popular seaside town is set on the magnificent Clew Bay and overlooked by the majestic Croagh Patrick – long considered Ireland’s Holy Mountain. Westport is the starting point for the Great Western Greenway which runs for 42km back to Achill Island.
Westport: A Town to Remember
With a fascinating selection of galleries, gift shops, cafés and more, you’ll have plenty to fill your time in this bustling Mayo town.
Westport is a town that loves to welcome tourists. But it’s also home to a thriving year-round community that strives to highlight all that their region has to offer.
We hope you enjoy your stop-off in Westport during your Achill Island Day Tour.
Westport: A Planned Town
As you stroll through the streets of Westport, you’ll instantly notice its distinctive Georgian architecture, unusual for a provincial town in the west of Ireland.
Interestingly, Westport is one of only a handful of “planned” towns across the country. It was designed to extend the original village which was located near what are now the grounds of Westport House. Planning for the new town began in the 1700s.
The Carrowbeg River was carefully factored into plans at the time. Now, it is a key feature of the town centre, flanked by an attractive tree-lined boulevard known as The Mall.
Make sure to enjoy a wander along the river’s banks during your visit.
Westport: A Prize-Winning Heritage Town
Due to its history and architecture, Westport has been officially designated a heritage town. It has also won a wide range of awards over the years, including:
- Best Tourism Town 2014
- Retail Excellence Best Town in Ireland
- Best Place to Live in Ireland 2012
Not only that, Westport has won the overall National Tidy Towns Competition not just once but three times.
The locals’ pride of place can’t help but shine through as you explore the town.
