Coast & beaches Family-friendly No car needed Walking
Why Westport
Westport is one of those rare towns that manages to be both pretty and properly lively. Its tree-lined Mall runs along the river, its streets are full of independent shops and cafés, and its pubs have a reputation for music. It sits on Clew Bay, which is famously said to have an island for every day of the year, and the cone of Croagh Patrick dominates the skyline to the west.
Add a traffic-free greenway to one of Ireland’s best islands and a direct train from Dublin, and it’s no surprise Westport has been voted one of the best places to live in Ireland.
The Great Western Greenway
The Great Western Greenway follows an old railway line for about 42 km from Westport through Newport and Mulranny to Achill Sound. It’s traffic-free, mostly flat and has views over Clew Bay that will stop you in your tracks. Most people cycle a section (Newport to Mulranny is a good half day) and take the bike-hire shuttle back. It’s ideal for families, with plenty of places to stop for ice cream or a picnic. On bank holiday weekends, book bikes in advance.
Achill Island
Achill is joined to the mainland by a bridge, so you can drive or cycle right onto it. The island has huge sea cliffs, bog and mountain, and some of the best beaches in the country.
- Keem Bay: a perfect horseshoe of sand and turquoise water at the very end of the island.
- Atlantic Drive: a clifftop loop with views of the open ocean.
- The Deserted Village: around 80 ruined stone cottages on the slopes of Slievemore, haunting and beautiful.
- Keel and Dugort: long sandy beaches, with surf lessons and seafood restaurants nearby.
Climbing Croagh Patrick
Croagh Patrick, known locally as the Reek, is Ireland’s holy mountain, where St Patrick is said to have fasted for forty days. At 764 metres it’s a serious climb: the path is steep, rocky and loose near the top. Allow three to four hours return, wear proper boots, bring water and layers, and turn back if the cloud comes down. The views over Clew Bay from the summit are the reward.
The traditional pilgrimage is on Reek Sunday, the last Sunday in July, when thousands climb. Avoid that day if you want a quiet hike. At the foot of the mountain, the National Famine Memorial at Murrisk, a bronze coffin ship, is worth a stop.
Westport House and Clare Island
On the edge of town, Westport House is an 18th-century stately home built on the site of a castle of the O’Malleys, the family of the pirate queen Grace O’Malley, with gardens, woodland walks and a big adventure park for children. For a day on the water, take the ferry from Roonagh Pier, west of Louisburgh, to Clare Island, where Grace O’Malley had her stronghold, for walks, cliffs and a ruined Cistercian abbey with rare medieval wall paintings.
Music and food
Westport’s pubs are famous for traditional music, with sessions most nights in summer and at weekends all year. Matt Molloy’s, owned by the flute player from the Chieftains, is the best known. Look out for Clew Bay seafood, Achill lamb and Mayo’s craft breweries on menus. In Achill, island lamb grazes on the salty hills, and it’s worth ordering whenever you see it. For a picnic on the greenway, Westport’s delis and bakeries have everything you need.
Rainy days
Westport House has plenty under cover. The National Museum of Country Life at Turlough Park, near Castlebar, is free and fascinating, and Westport’s cafés and pubs are never short of atmosphere. Castlebar’s Linenhall Arts Centre also has a busy programme of exhibitions and events.
Good to know before you go
- Westport gets very busy on bank holidays and Reek Sunday, so book accommodation early.
- Greenway bike hire includes shuttles, but book ahead in summer.
- Achill’s roads are narrow and winding, and Keem Bay’s car park fills early on sunny days.
- Clare Island ferries run more often in summer, so check the timetable before you go.
Which area to stay in
Westport has a good range of hotels, guesthouses and self-catering, and is the best base for a car-free trip. Newport and Mulranny are quieter alternatives on the greenway, and Achill has holiday cottages and small hotels by the beaches.
A three-night plan
Friday: arrive by train and have dinner in Westport, with music after.
Saturday: cycle the greenway from Newport to Mulranny, or drive on to Achill for Keem Bay and the Atlantic Drive.
Sunday: climb Croagh Patrick in the morning, then Westport House in the afternoon.
Monday: Clare Island or the National Museum of Country Life before the train home.
Westport is perfect for the May and June bank holidays. For more of Mayo, see Erris and north Mayo and Killary Harbour.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Great Western Greenway?
About 42 km from Westport to Achill Sound. Most people cycle one or two sections and use a bike-hire shuttle.
How long does it take to climb Croagh Patrick?
Around 3 to 4 hours up and down for most walkers. The upper section is steep and loose, so good boots are essential.
Can I visit Westport without a car?
Yes. There’s a direct train from Dublin Heuston, the town is walkable, and you can reach Achill by bike on the greenway.
Is Westport good for families?
Very. The greenway, Westport House’s adventure park and the beaches on Achill all suit children.
Where we’d stay
Spa hotel above Westport with views of Croagh Patrick.
On the Octagon, in the heart of town.
Small, friendly hotel in Keel, close to the beach.
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Getting there without a car
Westport has a direct train from Dublin, and the greenway means you can reach Achill by bike.
- Direct train from Dublin Heuston to Westport, about 3 hours 15 minutes.
- Bike hire in Westport, with shuttle buses back from Newport, Mulranny or Achill.
- A local bus links Westport and Achill; check timetables, as services are limited.
Timetables change, especially on bank holidays, so check with the operator before you travel.
