Top Things to do in Westport
Things to do in Westport, Western Ireland: The Best Nature & Parks
A true family destination, Westport boasts magnificent scenery, golf facilities, recreational fishing, sailing and yachting, beach swimming, hiking and cycling trails, and (to top it all off) a placed called Pirate Adventure Park. What kid wouldn't love this place? Visit in September and you'll witness the exciting Westport Arts Festival, perfect for all ages. And Westport was Google Earth's first fully 3D town, so you can relive the memories from your computer when you get home!
Restaurants in Westport
1. Drummindoo Stud
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 221 reviews
Family run equitation center only 1 mile from Westport, on the Wild Atlantic Way. Horseriding for adults and children (minimum age 4 years). Good selection of horses (Connemara Ponies, Irish Cobs, Irish Sport Horses) for all levels and abilities. Pony Camps. Lead rein pony rides. Pony trekking. A.I.R.E.Approved. Qualified instruction. Day Rides (advance booking required). All weather facilities. Experienced riders can avail of ''The Clew Bay Trail Ride'' which takes small groups of experienced riders through new and ever-changing landscapes of small villages, breathtaking sandy beaches, sea and off-shore islands, country lanes, mountain tracks and local heritage sites, stopping for a picnic along the way.
Reviewed By eimearjmccartney
Accommodated my 6yr old daughter at short notice for a lesson while on our holidays!very helpful and friendly staff!my daughter thoroughly enjoyed it!
2. The Great Western Greenway
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,438 reviews
Reviewed By UndergroundOfHappy
Wonderful day cycling from Achill back to Westport. Love the way the Greenway is close to the road in places although protected or segregated, giving you a picture of the vehicle traffic as you're whistling to yourself, gliding along past picture perfect views. The coastline, hillscape, terrain are all stunning, also nice to see the odd bit of local farm activity along the cycle path. At one point a ram literally said hello to us from high up on a rock (that's what we told ourselves anyway!). Stopped in Mulranny and Newport, both perfect stop offs for bit of food or refreshment, and great views of the coastline or river. We brought two kids of 9 years old and the 42km was just about manageable for them, it's mostly flat anyway. But there were plenty of even younger children we passed along the way too. An unforgettable day's cycling. Highly recommended.
3. Carrowholly Stables & Trekking Centre
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 260 reviews
Carrowholly Stables is situated 3 miles from Westport town in the beautiful west coast of Ireland and is the perfect choice for all your horse riding. We offer pony camps, group parties, beach and trail rides suitable for all levels of riders from the beginner to the more accomplished enthusiast. We have a wide range of horses and ponies from 11hh- 17hh to suit all abilities (We have ponies ranging in height from 107-148 cm and our horses range in height from 149-165 cm). Packages can be tailor made to suit your requirements. Discounts are available for groups and regular bookings. A.I.R.E. and Failte Ireland Approved.
Reviewed By Mollymullet
Carrowholly Stables Westport Co.Mayo. We weren't expecting the experience we got - in a great way. For the price of €30 pp, we got a little more than an hour. The staff were so calming and helpful, that we couldn't have been made feel more relaxed or at ease. I had Graham as my guide. He was gentle and very nice to chat with. I had Molly Mullet as my horse, she was sweet and she took good care when I was on her back. But the nicest thing we got to do was not only trek on the beach but to walk through the water up to the horses chest. Wow what an experience to do and on such beautiful creatures. I would like to thank Kitty and her staff who run a beautiful establishment with so many wonderful horses. What an experience and I would hope tourist will visit this place when in Westpost Co. Mayo, Ireland. You won't be disappointed. Thanks to Joe also who was our other guide. For a beginner and the first time on a horse, I was able to trot after a while, due to the staff. They take great care in every way to make you feel at ease and place you on a horse that suits you. Myself and my 2 friends loved it. I would go again
4. Clew Bay Archaeological Trail
5. Ballycroy National Park Visitor Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 255 reviews
The Visitor Centre for Ballycroy National Park, Irelands sixth National Park. The National Park was established in 1998 and covers a vast area of mountaineous terrain and blanket bog. The Visitor Centre was opened in 2009 and is located along the N59 road between Mulranny and Bangor Erris. The main body of the National Park is 3 km to the east of the Visitor Centre.
Reviewed By 359catherinef - County Cork, Ireland
A wonderful place to visit. The visitors' centre is really impressive - bright, spacious and spotless. The staff were fantastic and very helpful. A particular mention of Nicola in the cafe. She was really pleasant and informative. We enjoyed the 2 km loop walk with stunning views. We did not have time to explore the National Park further, unfortunately. Highly recommend a visit to Ballycroy.
6. MJ Hobans
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 109 reviews
We have moved to a new listing which you can find under the Restaurant category.
Reviewed By Gann243
Dined here this evening and I cannot fault anything! Staff were attentive and friendly & the food was top class! Name badges would be a nice touch to mention the two guys that served us as I think they both deserve a mention for their hard work!
7. The Wild West Indoor Play Village
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 107 reviews
Reviewed By JoanneM2165
We were in Westport on a family holiday and wanted to bring our daughter somewhere to burn off some energy and we found this gem of a play center. I contacted them to book a slot and that was no hassle at all. When we arrived, the space was spotless, less than 10 children in the whole place. There was tea/coffee/cakes there to purchase. Staff were friendly and would recommend here.
8. Westport House & Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 745 reviews
Known as “Ireland’s Most Beautiful Home”, Westport House has a story that matches its beauty. One of the few still privately-owned historic houses left in Ireland, Westport House was built by the Browne family whose connections to Mayo date back to the 1500s and even relates them to the trail-blazing pirate queen and chieftain, Grace O’Malley. A visit to Westport House will tell the story of the development of the house as well as the family’s contribution to the estate and surrounding area. We hope you’ll enjoy the tales of pirates and slave emancipators as you gain a fascinating insight into the families behind the big house as well as the members of staff who made it all possible. Families can also visit the onsite Pirate Adventure Park. Keep an eye on its vibrant Events Calendar. Or book a stay in onsite Hotel Westport, hire a bell tent or bring your own to the Caravan & Camping Park.
Reviewed By 192marilyns - Hinckley, United Kingdom
A good description by the new owners, the Hughes family, who are doing an excellent job in protecting and restoring this beautiful house and the magnificent landscaped gardens surrounding it. A reasonably priced entrance fee gives you access to 6 permanent historically based exhibitions and allows you to freely explore 30 rooms over three floors with most items original to the house from the 18th century. Don't be afraid to visit the dungeon (incorporating the remains of pirate queen Grace O'Malley's 16th century castle) - it is easy to access and quite spacious and well-lit. Also in the basement is a cafe located in the original kitchen so you get to enjoy some very reasonably priced tasty goodies and a lovely pot of tea whilst gazing at the remarkable Victorian cast iron range and vast array of copper cookware. Toilet facilities are also located on the lower basement floor and are clean, spacious and again part of the old house - so worth a visit!
9. Wild Nephin Ballycroy National Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 27 reviews
Reviewed By 192marilyns - Hinckley, United Kingdom
The park itself is vast, uninhabited and unspoilt. For the less experienced hiker there are designated looped trails and boardwalks enabling you to enjoy the beautiful views of rivers, forestry and blanket bog dominated by the Nephin Beg mountain range. For tranquility and fresh air this is the place to be.
