Westport attractions

Westport, in Irish 'Cathair na Mart' (The Stone Fort of Beeve), is a Bord Failte Heritage Town and one of only two planned towns in Ireland. Westport was designed in the 18th Century by James Wyatt and it has many outstanding features including the beautiful boulevard, The Mall, which runs parallel to the Carrowbeg River. Westport boasts high quality restaurants and shops and lively pubs with traditional music. There are also excellent sporting facilities and swimming pools in the town.

The Heritage Centre at Westport Quay and next to Westport Tourist Information Office is well worth a visit. Here you can learn the history of the town from when it was an O'Malley stronghold in the 16th century to the present day. There is a superb collection of photographs, many from the Lawrence Collection. The centrepiece is an interactive scale model of the town with video screens linked to a voiceover in a selection of languages. Choose from English, Irish, French, Italian or German.

Westport House and Country Park is open to the public from April to September each year. It was built in the 17th century by Richard Castle and still retains much of its original features. It is a major attraction to visitors who are interested in Ireland's history, architecture and works of art. Also in the Country Park is the Old Farmyard, one of the largest sets of old farmyard buildings in Ireland and also serving food and drink from Loft Bar. The Shop at the Farmyard specialises in home and garden supplies and Jungle World is an indoor soft play area for children. Also in the extensive parklands are flume rides, a children's zoo, train rides and a pitch and putt course.

Woodside is situated on Golf Links Road just next to the Westport Golf Club. This is a 260 acre, 18 hole Championship course which has hosted the Irish Amateur Close Championship on three occasions and in 2002 hosted the Irish PGA. Here you can play under the shadow of Croagh Patrick guaranteeing challenging golf and scenic splendour. There is also the Clew Bay 9-hole Golf Course at nearby Kilmeena.

Other activities include clay pigeon shooting, horse-riding, tennis, squash and cycling.
Horse riding and Pony trekking is on offer all year round at Drummindoo Stud Equestrian Centre. Clay pigeon shooting, sea angling, hill walking, sailing and adventure sports are among the many other activities on offer to the visitor. Contact, The Westport Tourist Office, The Mall, Westport (+353 (0) 98 25711) for more information on any of the above or please do not hesitate to ask.