Westport attractions

Westport, in Irish 'Cathair na Mart' (The Stone Fort of the Beeves), is a Bord Fáilte 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 Clew Bay Heritage Centre at Westport Quay boasts a proud local history and is home to the Westport Historical Society. Westport Tourist Information Office on James Street is well worth a visit. It also features a heritage centre where 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 18th century by Richard Cassels and James Wyatt 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. 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 Gracy’s 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 Lodge is situated on Golf Links Road just next to the Westport Golf Club. This is a 260 acre, 18-hole Championship course which was designed by the internationally renowned golf architect, Fred Hawtree. The club has hosted the Irish Amateur Close Championship on several 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. Sea angling, hill walking, sailing and adventure sports are among the many other activities on offer to the visitor.

Contact the Westport Tourist Office, James Street, Westport (+353 (0) 98 25711)

May – October	Mon. – Sat 9.00a.m. – 6.00p.m.
Nov. – Jan	Mon. – Fri 9.00a.m. – 6.00p.m., Sat. 9.00a.m. – 1.00p.m.

Email: westport@irelandwest.ie
Website: www.irelandwest.ie