Meg & Chuck's Guidebook of Westport Quay (Harbour)
Sightseeing
You can’t visit Westport without seeing the majestic Croagh Patrick. It’s nickname is “The Reek,” coming from the Irish Cruach Phádraig, meaning Patrick’s stack. Saint Patrick fasted there for 40 days in 441 AD; pre-Christian artifacts show activity centuries before. At 2500 feet, it’s not the tallest mountain, even in County Mayo, but each year a million pilgrims come to climb partway or to the top. And the views from the top on a clear day are spectacular!
This is a half-day hike; on average, it takes 3-4 hours round trip.
The Croagh Patrick Visitor Centre in Murrisk is your starting point. It is 8 kilometres (11-minute drive) from our house at the Quay. There is a carpark there and facilities. And stop in Campbells pub at the foot of the mountain for a well deserved pint after the hike!
132 locals recommend
Croagh Patrick
You can’t visit Westport without seeing the majestic Croagh Patrick. It’s nickname is “The Reek,” coming from the Irish Cruach Phádraig, meaning Patrick’s stack. Saint Patrick fasted there for 40 days in 441 AD; pre-Christian artifacts show activity centuries before. At 2500 feet, it’s not the tallest mountain, even in County Mayo, but each year a million pilgrims come to climb partway or to the top. And the views from the top on a clear day are spectacular!
This is a half-day hike; on average, it takes 3-4 hours round trip.
The Croagh Patrick Visitor Centre in Murrisk is your starting point. It is 8 kilometres (11-minute drive) from our house at the Quay. There is a carpark there and facilities. And stop in Campbells pub at the foot of the mountain for a well deserved pint after the hike!
The Western Greenway bike trail starts on our doorstep where Westport Quay’s train station once stood. While the train station is long gone, the cycle route is very much alive with walkers, runners and cyclists. Rent bikes from Kathleen & Jerry at 'Westport Bike Hire' now at the Quay just around the corner near the Harbour Mill– they’ll give you a map and give you details on the shuttle to take you to Achill island for the cycle back to Westport. Escape the bustle on the 42km Great Western Greenway, the longest off‐road walking and cycling trail in Ireland that runs between Westport town and Achill Island. The shuttle bus ride to Achill Island runs twice daily (summer).
54 locals recommend
Great Western Greenway
The Western Greenway bike trail starts on our doorstep where Westport Quay’s train station once stood. While the train station is long gone, the cycle route is very much alive with walkers, runners and cyclists. Rent bikes from Kathleen & Jerry at 'Westport Bike Hire' now at the Quay just around the corner near the Harbour Mill– they’ll give you a map and give you details on the shuttle to take you to Achill island for the cycle back to Westport. Escape the bustle on the 42km Great Western Greenway, the longest off‐road walking and cycling trail in Ireland that runs between Westport town and Achill Island. The shuttle bus ride to Achill Island runs twice daily (summer).
Cruise company operating at Westport Quay. Walking distance from the house. Daily public sailings from 1st May - 31st October each year. The 90 mins cruise around Clew Bay takes in Croagh Patrick, 365 Islands, Seal Colony, John Lennon's Island and much more." Make reservations in advance at westportcruises dot com.
7 locals recommend
Westport Cruises
The QuayCruise company operating at Westport Quay. Walking distance from the house. Daily public sailings from 1st May - 31st October each year. The 90 mins cruise around Clew Bay takes in Croagh Patrick, 365 Islands, Seal Colony, John Lennon's Island and much more." Make reservations in advance at westportcruises dot com.
Westport House, one of Ireland’s best loved heritage attractions – is a very short walk away. Rising out of a majestic 400-acre woodland estate, stately Westport House drips with history, while its stunning grounds are home to a myriad of wonderful walks and gorgeous gardens. Stroll through the beautiful landscaped gardens to Westport town center and walk home via the “Greenway” Trail.
111 locals recommend
Westport House
Quay RoadWestport House, one of Ireland’s best loved heritage attractions – is a very short walk away. Rising out of a majestic 400-acre woodland estate, stately Westport House drips with history, while its stunning grounds are home to a myriad of wonderful walks and gorgeous gardens. Stroll through the beautiful landscaped gardens to Westport town center and walk home via the “Greenway” Trail.
Swimming at 'the Point' walking distance from our house
A swimming area that is not a beach but the view alone will make up for the lack of sand. This swimming spot has been recently redeveloped and is very popular with the locals. On a sunny day, a dip here at high tide while watching the sunset is truly sublime. Turn left at 'the Helm' and walk down the road to the carpark at 'the Point'. Look for the steps leading down to the water. Ask any local if unsure.
15 locals recommend
Westport Quay
Swimming at 'the Point' walking distance from our house
A swimming area that is not a beach but the view alone will make up for the lack of sand. This swimming spot has been recently redeveloped and is very popular with the locals. On a sunny day, a dip here at high tide while watching the sunset is truly sublime. Turn left at 'the Helm' and walk down the road to the carpark at 'the Point'. Look for the steps leading down to the water. Ask any local if unsure.
Take a drive out to the country village of Aghagower, 6km out of town via the Ballinrobe road. Walk around the picturesque village and visit the Patrician Church and Round Tower dating to the 10th century. Be sure to drop in to “Scotts XL”, the village grocery store/pub/post office beside the Church for a drink in the yard bar! Tell the owner JP we sent you, and you’ll get a free ‘99’ ice cream cone! 😀🍦
Aghagower is said to have been visited by St. Patrick, on his journey to Croagh Patrick. The village lies mid-way along Tóchar Phádraig, formerly an important pilgrimage route from Ballintubber Abbey to Croagh Patrick.
There’s also a very nice children’s playground in the village opened in 2020.
7 locals recommend
Aghagower
Take a drive out to the country village of Aghagower, 6km out of town via the Ballinrobe road. Walk around the picturesque village and visit the Patrician Church and Round Tower dating to the 10th century. Be sure to drop in to “Scotts XL”, the village grocery store/pub/post office beside the Church for a drink in the yard bar! Tell the owner JP we sent you, and you’ll get a free ‘99’ ice cream cone! 😀🍦
Aghagower is said to have been visited by St. Patrick, on his journey to Croagh Patrick. The village lies mid-way along Tóchar Phádraig, formerly an important pilgrimage route from Ballintubber Abbey to Croagh Patrick.
There’s also a very nice children’s playground in the village opened in 2020.
Beautiful sheltered beach, with stunning views of Croagh Patrick. Lovely pier, with coastal walks and plenty of amenities for families. Have a refreshing swim on the sandy side on the left hand side of the pier and visit the sauna & coffee truck nearby. Book the sauna online in advance at . https://www.thewildatlanticsauna.ie/
36 locals recommend
Old Head Beach
Beautiful sheltered beach, with stunning views of Croagh Patrick. Lovely pier, with coastal walks and plenty of amenities for families. Have a refreshing swim on the sandy side on the left hand side of the pier and visit the sauna & coffee truck nearby. Book the sauna online in advance at . https://www.thewildatlanticsauna.ie/
Just 15 mins drive from Westport Quay, tucked away down a backroad past Lecanvey village (watch out for the sign!) lies lovely Lecanvey Pier and Beach. A gorgeous little sheltered cove at the foot of Croagh Patrick, it’s great for families looking for a quiet spot for a swim. Very popular for pier jumping too at high tide only.
Lecanvey Pier
Just 15 mins drive from Westport Quay, tucked away down a backroad past Lecanvey village (watch out for the sign!) lies lovely Lecanvey Pier and Beach. A gorgeous little sheltered cove at the foot of Croagh Patrick, it’s great for families looking for a quiet spot for a swim. Very popular for pier jumping too at high tide only.
Carrowniskey beach is located just a few kilometres past Louisburgh, and the 35 mins drive over is as beautiful as the beach itself with Croagh Patrick on your left and Clew Bay on your right.
Two kilometres past Louisburgh, you make a sharp right and turn down to Carrowniskey Beach.
Carrowniskey beach faces straight west which means it is one of the few locations on the entire coast of Ireland which picks up swell all year round so it’s ideal for surfing. It’s also a great beach to walk on.
8 locals recommend
Carrownisky Beach
Carrowniskey beach is located just a few kilometres past Louisburgh, and the 35 mins drive over is as beautiful as the beach itself with Croagh Patrick on your left and Clew Bay on your right.
Two kilometres past Louisburgh, you make a sharp right and turn down to Carrowniskey Beach.
Carrowniskey beach faces straight west which means it is one of the few locations on the entire coast of Ireland which picks up swell all year round so it’s ideal for surfing. It’s also a great beach to walk on.
Plan a day trip to Connemara only one hour from Westport. Visit the picturesque Kylemore abbey and the nearby Connemara National Park in Letterfrack. Take a hike up Diamond Hill in the National Park for spectacular views first and then stop off at the cafe at Kylemore Abbey for a delicious lunch. Allow a couple of hours to visit the Abbey, Gothic Church and beautiful gardens.
Kylemore
Plan a day trip to Connemara only one hour from Westport. Visit the picturesque Kylemore abbey and the nearby Connemara National Park in Letterfrack. Take a hike up Diamond Hill in the National Park for spectacular views first and then stop off at the cafe at Kylemore Abbey for a delicious lunch. Allow a couple of hours to visit the Abbey, Gothic Church and beautiful gardens.
Start your own Irish “Camino” with this beautiful walk called the Tochar Phadraig from Ballintubber Abbey to Aughagower, a 14km point-to-point trail.
The Tochar Phadraig is a mixture of roads and cross-country with a variety of terrains, and because much of the walk is over private land, pilgrims are asked to respect the property of landowners who generously allow people to access the way.
Ireland’s ancient ‘Camino’ pilgrimage routes are getting a new lease of life.
Five routes through the valleys and mountains of Ireland can now be completed.
Ballintubber Abbey Visitor Centre
Start your own Irish “Camino” with this beautiful walk called the Tochar Phadraig from Ballintubber Abbey to Aughagower, a 14km point-to-point trail.
The Tochar Phadraig is a mixture of roads and cross-country with a variety of terrains, and because much of the walk is over private land, pilgrims are asked to respect the property of landowners who generously allow people to access the way.
Ireland’s ancient ‘Camino’ pilgrimage routes are getting a new lease of life.
Five routes through the valleys and mountains of Ireland can now be completed.
In the area surrounding County Mayo’s majestic Nephin Beg Mountain range lies the Wild Nephin Ballycroy National Park, a place once referred to as “the very loneliest place in this country” by naturalist Robert Praeger.
The third largest of Ireland’s six National Parks, this is the place to escape to when it’s time to go truly off-grid and get back to nature.
Wild Nephin Ballycroy National Park comprises 15,000 hectares of Atlantic blanket bog and mountainous terrain, covering a vast uninhabited and unspoilt wilderness. Nestled within the park you’ll find Letterkeen Woods, which contains three looped trails, varying in length and difficulty. It’s about 40 mins drive from Westport. Take the free shuttle bus from Westport in August for a great day trip!
46 locals recommend
Ballycroy National Park
In the area surrounding County Mayo’s majestic Nephin Beg Mountain range lies the Wild Nephin Ballycroy National Park, a place once referred to as “the very loneliest place in this country” by naturalist Robert Praeger.
The third largest of Ireland’s six National Parks, this is the place to escape to when it’s time to go truly off-grid and get back to nature.
Wild Nephin Ballycroy National Park comprises 15,000 hectares of Atlantic blanket bog and mountainous terrain, covering a vast uninhabited and unspoilt wilderness. Nestled within the park you’ll find Letterkeen Woods, which contains three looped trails, varying in length and difficulty. It’s about 40 mins drive from Westport. Take the free shuttle bus from Westport in August for a great day trip!
Dun Briste – an Impressive Sea-Stack in North Mayo. In the town-land of Knockaun, 80 meters off Downpatrick Head stands a colossal, 50 meters in height, sea-stack called Dun Briste (The Broken Fort). The surrounding cliffs, including the rock formation, were formed about c. 350 million years ago, when the sea temperatures were much higher than today.
Every year, Downpatrick Head is visited by birdwatchers who come to observe and record the many different species on the stack.
1.5 hrs drive from Westport - make a day trip out if it and plan to visit the Ceide fields as well.
6 locals recommend
Dun Briste Sea Stack
Dun Briste – an Impressive Sea-Stack in North Mayo. In the town-land of Knockaun, 80 meters off Downpatrick Head stands a colossal, 50 meters in height, sea-stack called Dun Briste (The Broken Fort). The surrounding cliffs, including the rock formation, were formed about c. 350 million years ago, when the sea temperatures were much higher than today.
Every year, Downpatrick Head is visited by birdwatchers who come to observe and record the many different species on the stack.
1.5 hrs drive from Westport - make a day trip out if it and plan to visit the Ceide fields as well.
The remarkable neolithic site at Ceide Fields in North Mayo, Contains the oldest known stone-walled fields in the world – dating back nearly 6,000 years. Lovely place, beautiful views, Very nice exhibition and tour. Nice place to have a coffee. As it’s 1.5 hrs from Westport, plan to visit Dun Briste sea stack as well and make a day trip of it.
17 locals recommend
Céide Fields Visitors Centre
The remarkable neolithic site at Ceide Fields in North Mayo, Contains the oldest known stone-walled fields in the world – dating back nearly 6,000 years. Lovely place, beautiful views, Very nice exhibition and tour. Nice place to have a coffee. As it’s 1.5 hrs from Westport, plan to visit Dun Briste sea stack as well and make a day trip of it.
Food scene
There are so many dining options just round the corner from the house - also takeout pizza, prepared food for your picnics, snacks etc. Park the car at the house and take a stroll along the Harbour.
Great coffee, scones and breakfasts just around the corner! And check out the Creel deli for great takeaway sandwiches, picnic fixings, baked treats etc!
23 locals recommend
The Creel Restaurant
The QuayGreat coffee, scones and breakfasts just around the corner! And check out the Creel deli for great takeaway sandwiches, picnic fixings, baked treats etc!
Just a few mins walk around the corner, the staff is friendly, service is great, and the food is excellent. They have the best steaks and seafood chowder in town and an outstanding pint of Guinness. Their seafood is fresh and local, and the menu has something for everyone, kids included. The atmosphere is cozy and unique, with live music on occasion and a warm fire in the winter. Open for breakfast or dinner (closed for lunch). Reservations recommended.
24 locals recommend
The Helm Restaurant
The QuayJust a few mins walk around the corner, the staff is friendly, service is great, and the food is excellent. They have the best steaks and seafood chowder in town and an outstanding pint of Guinness. Their seafood is fresh and local, and the menu has something for everyone, kids included. The atmosphere is cozy and unique, with live music on occasion and a warm fire in the winter. Open for breakfast or dinner (closed for lunch). Reservations recommended.
Luseas is a brand new rooftop restaurant now open at the Westport Coast hotel just around the corner! Pop in to check it out.
9 locals recommend
Westport Coast Hotel
The QuayLuseas is a brand new rooftop restaurant now open at the Westport Coast hotel just around the corner! Pop in to check it out.
Cronin’s Sheebeen overlooking Clew Bay, about 7 mins walk from the house. Turn left when you exit to the main road and walk along the path by the water. Local produce with a great emphasis on supporting local & artisan producers and reducing food miles. Hearty, unfussy dishes feature shellfish and lobsters from the bay, and lamb and beef. Call ahead for reservations. Ask for a table in ‘The Snug’ inside the door.
15 locals recommend
Cronin’s Sheebeen
Cronin’s Sheebeen overlooking Clew Bay, about 7 mins walk from the house. Turn left when you exit to the main road and walk along the path by the water. Local produce with a great emphasis on supporting local & artisan producers and reducing food miles. Hearty, unfussy dishes feature shellfish and lobsters from the bay, and lamb and beef. Call ahead for reservations. Ask for a table in ‘The Snug’ inside the door.
Best hot chocolate in Westport! Be sure to stop in to their new location on James St.
Marlene's Chocolate Haven
James StreetBest hot chocolate in Westport! Be sure to stop in to their new location on James St.
At An Port Mór Restaurant, you’ll find great food using the finest Irish ingredients cooked to perfection. The menu changes every day - they take their food very seriously. Think Grilled Turbot with Sweet Cured Pork Belly or Salmon and Leek Terrine. This is a true West of Ireland restaurant on the Wild Atlantic Way inspired by superb local produce. Reservations required.
27 locals recommend
An Port Mór Restaurant
At An Port Mór Restaurant, you’ll find great food using the finest Irish ingredients cooked to perfection. The menu changes every day - they take their food very seriously. Think Grilled Turbot with Sweet Cured Pork Belly or Salmon and Leek Terrine. This is a true West of Ireland restaurant on the Wild Atlantic Way inspired by superb local produce. Reservations required.
Great place for brunch! Casual and contemporary space to enjoy with friends and family. Food is locally sourced, of excellent quality and designed by their chefs for the utmost flavour. 2 locations in Westport - check out social media for menus.
Servd
Bridge StreetGreat place for brunch! Casual and contemporary space to enjoy with friends and family. Food is locally sourced, of excellent quality and designed by their chefs for the utmost flavour. 2 locations in Westport - check out social media for menus.
Finest, freshest and most natural foods .. visit their website for more information and to book a table.
The Curious Fish
Mill StreetFinest, freshest and most natural foods .. visit their website for more information and to book a table.
You cannot beat the setting. First, it's about 2 mins walk from the house and is a stunning location right on the water front awaits. Ask for an indoor table by the winter or sit outside on the patio overlooking the water.
The Towers
You cannot beat the setting. First, it's about 2 mins walk from the house and is a stunning location right on the water front awaits. Ask for an indoor table by the winter or sit outside on the patio overlooking the water.
Take out dining
A pub with a double- decker bus/pizza truck!!
Check out Pizzeria Stromboli in the double decker bus 🚌(Thurs-Sun evenings) located outside the Quays pub just around the corner. Tasty takeout pizza. CASH ONLY! They sell out quickly so get your order in early! Check out their Facebook page for specials, opening times and call ahead or just walk over to order! Enjoy a glass of wine or a pint on the back patio of the Quays while you wait for your pizza! Beautiful views of the bay and Croagh Patrick!
8 locals recommend
The Quays
A pub with a double- decker bus/pizza truck!!
Check out Pizzeria Stromboli in the double decker bus 🚌(Thurs-Sun evenings) located outside the Quays pub just around the corner. Tasty takeout pizza. CASH ONLY! They sell out quickly so get your order in early! Check out their Facebook page for specials, opening times and call ahead or just walk over to order! Enjoy a glass of wine or a pint on the back patio of the Quays while you wait for your pizza! Beautiful views of the bay and Croagh Patrick!
Great takeaway for fish & chips in town, 5 mins drive from the house. Be sure to ask for a side of curry with your chips. Order in advance on their website.
Danolla's Fish & Chips
Church StreetGreat takeaway for fish & chips in town, 5 mins drive from the house. Be sure to ask for a side of curry with your chips. Order in advance on their website.
Great supermarket at Westport Quay, excellent for takeout food, baked goods and all the conveniences you may need nearby. Take the shortcut up the hill from the house!
Centra The Quay, Westport
The QuayGreat supermarket at Westport Quay, excellent for takeout food, baked goods and all the conveniences you may need nearby. Take the shortcut up the hill from the house!
Handy little convenience store overlooking the Harbour, minutes from the house. Daily newspapers, coffee, sandwiches, pizza, snacks, baked goods, milk, wine, biscuits, ice cream etc... And a nice gift shop for those last minute gifts you may have forgotten. Open early and late.
The Harbour Store
The QuayHandy little convenience store overlooking the Harbour, minutes from the house. Daily newspapers, coffee, sandwiches, pizza, snacks, baked goods, milk, wine, biscuits, ice cream etc... And a nice gift shop for those last minute gifts you may have forgotten. Open early and late.
Cornrue bakery makes what many regard as the best sourdough bread in Ireland! Get there early for the best selection. Great coffee, scones, toast available too.. and a natural wine & grocery shop.
Open Tuesday -Saturday , 8am - 1pm.
Located near LIDL grocery store.
6 locals recommend
Cornrue Bakery
New RoadCornrue bakery makes what many regard as the best sourdough bread in Ireland! Get there early for the best selection. Great coffee, scones, toast available too.. and a natural wine & grocery shop.
Open Tuesday -Saturday , 8am - 1pm.
Located near LIDL grocery store.
Book shop
A unique bookshop at Westport Quay. Staff are very welcoming and helpful and there’s space to enjoy a coffee and read a book. Also very child friendly with memorabilia from the set of Harry Potter and other movies! This bookshop is home to a perfectly curated collection of books that you would not normally find in your usual bookshop. There's something to peak your interest, no matter your age. Great activity for a rainy day in Westport or any day!
Tertulia Bookshop
The QuayA unique bookshop at Westport Quay. Staff are very welcoming and helpful and there’s space to enjoy a coffee and read a book. Also very child friendly with memorabilia from the set of Harry Potter and other movies! This bookshop is home to a perfectly curated collection of books that you would not normally find in your usual bookshop. There's something to peak your interest, no matter your age. Great activity for a rainy day in Westport or any day!
Art Gallery
Wonderful gallery at Westport Quay featuring locally based artists who recognised the need for a centre for the Arts - for studio space and an exhibition space. The building has been carefully restored to conserve its historical architectural features, housing seven studios, a printmaking workshop and a gallery space.
Also check out the newly opened Quayside Gallery just steps away.
The Custom House Studios
The QuayWonderful gallery at Westport Quay featuring locally based artists who recognised the need for a centre for the Arts - for studio space and an exhibition space. The building has been carefully restored to conserve its historical architectural features, housing seven studios, a printmaking workshop and a gallery space.
Also check out the newly opened Quayside Gallery just steps away.
Yoga
Neighborhood yoga studio just around the corner in the Harbour Mill. Check out their website for schedules and pop in to join a class!
The Yoga Root
Neighborhood yoga studio just around the corner in the Harbour Mill. Check out their website for schedules and pop in to join a class!
Neighborhoods
Along the water front is the Harbour (the Quay) a cluster of refurbished warehouses transformed into bars, cafes and shops. In the evening, enjoy a glass of wine at one of the waterfront bars or cafes and savor the dramatic views of the sunset over Clew Bay. Take a walk through the beautiful grounds of Westport House to the town center and return to the Quay via the “Greenway “. Westport town center is approx a 20 minute walk away.
15 locals recommend
Westport Quay
Along the water front is the Harbour (the Quay) a cluster of refurbished warehouses transformed into bars, cafes and shops. In the evening, enjoy a glass of wine at one of the waterfront bars or cafes and savor the dramatic views of the sunset over Clew Bay. Take a walk through the beautiful grounds of Westport House to the town center and return to the Quay via the “Greenway “. Westport town center is approx a 20 minute walk away.