Westport
An 18th-century plan gives Westport its orderly streets, and Clew Bay gives it its outlook. Pubs and family summers do the rest, on the bay in County Mayo.
Best sites to see in Westport
Westport House
The historic house at the western end of the town, home of the Browne family for centuries, set in parkland on the Carrowbeg River with gardens and a lake.
The Octagon and Bridge Street
The planned Georgian centre of Westport, with the Octagon square, its column and clock, and the tree-lined Mall along the Carrowbeg River.
Westport Quay and Clew Bay
The old harbour area west of the centre, with restaurants, the Clew Bay Heritage Centre and views across the bay to Croagh Patrick.
Croagh Patrick
Ireland's holy mountain rises south of the town above Clew Bay; the traditional pilgrim path climbs from Campbell's pub at Murrisk, a short drive from Westport.
Where to stand, and when
- Westport Quay: Sunset over Clew Bay, with Croagh Patrick across the water, is the town's classic view.
- The Octagon and the Mall: Morning light suits the Georgian streets and the tree-lined river walk through the centre.
- Westport House grounds: Photograph the house across its lake in calm early-morning conditions.
Westport through history
Westport was laid out in the 18th century as a planned town for the Browne family of Westport House, with the architect James Wyatt involved in its design.
The town's Irish name, Cathair na Mart, means the fort of the beef markets, after an earlier settlement near the quay.
Croagh Patrick, visible from the town, has been a place of pilgrimage associated with St Patrick for centuries; the main pilgrimage climb, Reek Sunday, falls on the last Sunday of July.
The original port settlement stood at what is now Westport Quay, before the planned town was built inland.
Practical tips
- The Great Western Greenway runs from Westport to Achill Island; book bike hire ahead in summer and arrange a shuttle back if riding one way.
- The town is exceptionally busy on Reek Sunday and during summer weekends, so book accommodation well ahead.
- Climb Croagh Patrick only in settled weather with proper boots, and allow several hours for the round trip from Murrisk.
What's on
No anchor festival is based here, but the Irish year is full: next up nationally is TradFest (20–24 Jan 2027, Temple Bar, Dublin). See the full events calendar