Westport is a town in County Mayo in Ireland. It is at the south-east corner of Clew Bay Clew Bay, an inlet of the Atlantic Ocean on the west coast of Ireland. Westport is a popular tourist destination and scores highly for quality of life.
It is known for its outdoor activities and luxury resorts where weddings and hen parties are taking place.
What did bring me to Westport? As a fanatic cyclist here… The Greenway! Great Western Greenway, the longest off-road cycling and walking trail in Ireland outdoor activities.
Before scrolling down, you can participate in this Giveaway on IG to win a dinner for 2 at Cian’s restaurant, Hotel Westport!!!
PRACTICALITIES
Getting There
If you do not drive, there’s a train straight from Heuston Station, Dublin and in a bit more than 3h you will be in Westport. There are 4 trains a day and if you take the earliest one, you will need to change trains in Athlone and wait for about 10min. A straightforward trip!
Accommodation
The most popular accommodation in Westport is Hotel Westport, We did our #staycation in this outstanding 4 star Hotel, surrounded by the historic Westport House Estate @westporthouse featuring extensive woodland walks and gardens.
How Long To Stay
I would recommend spending a long weekend in Westport, around 3 days would be the perfect amount of time to experience the Hotel Westport life and surroundings.
When To Go
Westport is extremely popular, so during summer months, July and August is the busiest season. I would recommend trying to visit during the shoulder season – April to June, more affordable accommodation and fewer crowds, or late September to December, with special offers for Halloween & Christmas!
Tips
Westport is a town where you can wear many different clothes in one day, from sporty clothes to the most elegant dress for that special dinner, due to the diverse activities you can do!
Remember we are in Ireland and we can also expect to see the 4 seasons in a day. Make sure to always wear a jacket or a cape coat. I wore the same clothes for one whole day, only changed the shoes and kind of jackets.
Also, I brought a sporty top that I can combine with different kinds of leggings, long ones in case it is cold, wide shorts and also tight shorts, perfect if cycling because it will warm you up and prevent from sweating and get cold at the same time.
THINGS TO DO
💫 The Wild Atlantic Way does not stop surprising me, the colours of nature, the chirping of the birds & the sound of the ocean provide a combination of relaxation/therapy & outdoor activities.
Looped walk
During my staycation, I could not find anything nicer, or more therapeutic, than strolling through mature woodland.
🚶♂️ The 3.5km LOOPED WALK around @hotelwestport & @westporthouse featuring extensive woodland walks and gardens. A perfect family-friendly place for both cycling & walking, where the combination of greenery, 🐑, small waterfalls, the cutest coffee shop, a beautiful lake and a bit of a forest surrounded this marvellous estate!
This outstanding walk did not just make my day ACTIVE but it was also a pleasure for my eyes, the view was insane.
Westport House
We only saw it from outside because our weekend was full of activities! But if you can do a Self Guided Tour of Westport House, one of Ireland’s finest 18th Century Houses, full of history and heritage, along the Wild Atlantic Way. Opening times.
Outdoor activities
Kayaking
🛶 Kayaking makes you feel free in the middle of the sea without pressure where you choose your direction. @clewbaybikehire took care of us the whole time, we took a break and our lovely kayak guide made coffee on a small rocky beach, it tasted better than any coffee bought in a coffee shop.
Hiking the Croagh Patrick
🧗♀️ Behind me in the Kayak Croagh Patrick! One of the highest mountains in Mayo, next time we will climb it!
Cycling the Greenway
🚵♀️ Cycling the Greenway was a beautiful challenge where sheeps 🐑 and cows🐄 were the main actors 😎
The Great Western Greenway is the longest off-road cycling and walking trail in Ireland. We did the whole route a few days in a row (cyclists fans here!) from Westport to Achill railway, 74km return. We found it as a challenge and perfect to disconnect from the city. An ideal activity for getting out on a bike for a spin, for a day of family fun.
You can hire a bike in Westport and cycle to Newport, then Mulranny, until arriving at Achill Island.
Simply reserve it by calling Clew Bay Bike Hire directly on (098)37675 and arrange pick up by the Hotel. They have put together an exclusive 10k family-friendly loop through the estate and town here
Golf
Golf is another of the activities, I played golf in my previous staycation in Newport, a village driving to the North, 15 min by car or bus! There is a bus every 3 hours so keep an eye on this, especially if you stay in Newport and you booked the train at a specific time. Otherwise, a taxi might be an option, around 20EUR one way.
Dining at Cian’s at Hotel Westport
🍽 DINNER @hotelwestport 🍽 was more than a dinner… the whole experience is a must to do when visiting Westport, regardless if you’re staying in the Hotel or not.
From the outstanding and delicious food to the sophistication of piano background while dining.
THE SCRUMPTIOUS FOOD AT THE RESTAURANTS IN HOTEL WESTPORT
GIVEAWAY. Free dinner at Cian’s in Hotel Westport
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