Westport is a must-visit town in Ireland. Are you thinking of visiting? Well, be sure to do these ten best things to do in Westport.
Could Westport be one of the best towns to visit in Ireland? We think so! From fantastic food to incredible scenery, this town literally has something for everyone, whether you are a solo traveller, with the family, or a couple.
The Mayo hospitality is second to none, and the locals just love to welcome visitors to the area no matter the time of year. We just urge you to spend as much time as you can here because the activities and sights are endless.
Make sure to bring a good camera because some of the views of Westport, and Mayo in general, have a lot to offer, are purely magical, and something you’ll want to remember forever.
Ireland Before You Die’s tips for visiting Westport:
- Irish weather can be unpredictable, so pack accordingly!
- Westport is a popular tourist destination. Always book accommodation in advance.
- Rent a car so you can easily access the wider Co. Mayo area.
- Signal can be weak in rural areas. Download offline maps for navigation.
10. Drink tea at Cupán Tae – traditional afternoon tea
Wonder no more what to do in Westport. Even if you’re not a tea drinker, you need to visit this place, purely to experience the ‘Gatsby-esque’ setting. Known to many as one of the best places for high tea, this place is just a gem in the heart of Westport, and the delicacies they offer are second to none. If you ARE a tea drinker, then you’re welcome!
Address: Bridge Street Westport, County Mayo, Ireland
9. Take a walk around Westport Harbour – peace along the coast
Just a short drive from Westport town centre, you will arrive at Westport Harbour, lined with traditional pubs, seafood restaurants, and B&Bs on one side (known as The Quay), and the beautiful waterfront to the other side. Just sit on a bench and take in the view or visit the Clew Bay visitor centre.
8. Have a pint in town – plenty of choices here
It’s TRUE that in almost every town in Ireland, no matter how small, there is always a pub. Well, in Westport, you have the choice of over 50 pubs to choose from. We suggest Matt Molloys!
Address: Bridge St, Cahernamart, Westport, Co. Mayo
READ MORE: the top 5 pubs and bars in Westport
7. Visit the Coffin Ship – a step back in time
The statue at the foot of Croagh Patrick depicts the scenes of the overcrowded coffin ships which left Ireland during the Great Famine. The statue is in memory of all the ships that sunk and all the lives lost. Definitely worth a visit.
6. Do a brewery tour – Irish craft beer at its best
Wondering what to do in Westport? Mescan Brewery offers exciting tours for beer lovers, explaining all about their unique processes and offering tastings.
Enjoying a pint in one of the best small towns in Ireland; you may never want to leave!
Address: Kilsallagh, Westport, Co. Mayo
5. Westport House Adventure and Activity Centre – a day of fun
Head to this spot if you are keen to get your adventure on! The activity centre has everything from zip lining and tree climbing to laser tag and zorbing. Sure, spend the day here, and you can tackle them all.
Address: Quay Rd, Westport Demesne, Westport, Co. Mayo
4. Explore Westport Town – easy access on foot
Like many small towns in Ireland, Westport is easy to get around and has a lot to see. Admire the stone bridges of this Georgian town before heading to a local café, pub, or restaurant for some excellent local treats and cuisine.
MORE: IB4UD’s one day in Westport Town itinerary
3. Climb Croagh Patrick – it’s worth the views
Famous across the country, Croagh Patrick is a traditional pilgrimage known to many, for being the site where St. Patrick fasted for forty days and forty nights. Known as Ireland’s holiest mountain, it is just a short drive from Westport Town and perfect for a day of adventure.
It can be a challenging walk for some but take your time, and you will be rewarded with absolutely sensational views of the islands and turquoise seas.
READ MORE: IB4UD’s guide to hiking Croagh Patrick
2. Kayak Clew Bay – get a different perspective
Just like the days of the year, Clew Bay has 365 islands to explore by sea kayak, if you’re up for the adventure. You’ll be blown away by the turquoise colours in the ocean as well as the almost perfect backdrop of green hills and mountains.
You’ll definitely need to take your waterproof camera on this adventure.
1. Cycle the Great Western Greenway – a truly, scenic ride
This cycle route stretches 42 km from Westport to Achill Island. It is an absolute must for anyone looking to be out in nature, be active, and to experience Co. Mayo the best way there is.
There are plenty of places to rent bikes in Westport, and there are many shorter routes to choose from if 42 km is a bit too much. Whatever you choose, you’ll have zero regrets and lots of memories.
RELATED: check out Ireland’s top 5 greenways
Your questions answered about the best things to do in Westport
If you still have questions, we have you covered! In this section, we’ve compiled some of our readers’ most frequently asked questions and popular questions that have been asked online about this topic.
How many days should I spend in Westport?
There is so much to see and do in Westport and the surrounding area. If you plan on ticking off most of the things on our list, we suggest spending at least two days in Westport.
Are there many things to do near Westport?
There are so many AMAZING things to do near Westport. Achill Island, Croagh Patrick, and the Doolough Valley, to name a few.
