Westport – Find hotels for your stay

Westport combines short routes around town, cycling options, art and historical themes with activities on Clew Bay. When planning your stay, you can choose between compact routes in town and longer routes, some of which depend on ferry services. A visit to the gallery or a trip around the bay also offers a distinct experience. These differences can help you weigh the themes that matter when choosing a hotel in Westport for your trip.

Cycling and routes in Westport

The Westport Greenway is a linear, 2.5 km traffic-free route between the historic centre and the Quay Quarter. It runs entirely away from road traffic and is suitable for walking and cycling. The route takes about 30 minutes. The Greenway follows the former Westport to Achill railway line and offers views of Croagh Patrick and Clew Bay.

The Clew Bay Bike Trail covers a different scale: it passes through Westport and other coastal towns in Mayo and circles Clew Bay as a combined cycling and ferry route. Clare Island and Achill Island are included. The route is 105 km long in total, including 14 km by ferry. An optional 10 km loop on Clare Island is also part of the route description. This clearly distinguishes the short Greenway in town from a longer route that includes islands. Ferry services are seasonal and may change; check ferry-dependent details before travelling.

The Clew Bay Archaeological Trail offers a different focus. It starts at the Clew Bay Heritage Centre, runs from Westport to near Louisburgh and continues to Clare Island, taking in 21 archaeological and historical sites. This means you can choose historical places along a route as well as cycling, without needing to factor in a walking or cycling time.

Culture, town tours and art

The Clew Bay Heritage Centre offers guided walks through the historic planned town of Westport once a week during the summer season. At other times, walks can be arranged by appointment. On another guided tour, a guide uses a scale model of Westport to lead visitors through the town and the Clew Bay area. The two experiences present local history in different ways: through a walk around the planned town or with the help of the model.

The Custom House Studios & Gallery in Westport houses seven fine art studios, a print room and two gallery spaces. The historic customs house that houses the gallery has been carefully restored, preserving its historic architectural features. Exhibitions and studio availability may change. If you are planning a visit, it is therefore a good idea to check the current exhibitions and studio operations.

Clew Bay and Westport Estate

Westport Cruises offers daily 90-minute sightseeing trips to explore Clew Bay. The experience also features the story of the pirate queen Grace O’Malley, and the trips visit a lively seal colony. Wildlife sightings depend on natural conditions. Check the timetable before travelling.

Westport Estate covers 430 acres. The grounds are home to Westport Adventure, an outdoor adventure park in County Mayo. Activities include zip lines, high ropes courses, giant slides and Ireland’s largest Net Park. These activities offer a different focus from the town tours, gallery spaces or routes around the bay.

Croagh Patrick in County Mayo

Croagh Patrick in County Mayo is a distinct regional highlight for pilgrims and hikers. The 764 m mountain has been a pilgrimage destination since pre-Christian times. The main summit route starts in Murrisk on the Louisburgh Road (R335) and is 7 km long, including the return journey.

The Croagh Patrick Heritage Trail is a separate route: this long-distance walking trail is 59.9 km long and takes three days. It connects ancient monastic heritage with the mountain landscape of County Mayo and views of Clew Bay. The 7 km summit route is therefore quite different from a multi-day hike; the two routes have clearly distinct scales and timeframes.

Discover more destinations: Toormakeady, Kilsallagh, Bunnacurry, Ballytoohy, Ballyglass, Gweesalia, Killala, Killadoon

For the wider travel overview: County Mayo.