Westport Greenway Walk: The Westport Sli na Slainte is a traffic free 2.5km linear route along a disused railway line which links Westport's Town with the Quay Area, which was once a thriving commercial port and has enjoyed recent rejuvenation, as a major tourism base.
The disused railway line, now known as the Westport Greenway offers users traffic free walking and cycling and a gentle gradient not greater than 1.6% as well as impressive vista of Croagh Patrick and Clew Bay. More info www.mayowalks.ie
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Westport House and Children's Animal and Bird Park: Ideal day out for parents with young Children. Set in one of Ireland's most historic homes and park land, you and the children can enjoy viewing the animals and birds plus have a go on a large number of attractions including train rides, swan pedaloes (boats), Supabounce, Jungle World, Pitch and Putt, slippery dip, rowing boats and much more!
Visit www.westporthouse.ie
Email: info@westporthouse.ie
Enquiries Tel: 098 27766 or 098 25430
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Westport Leisure Park
A great destination for all the family, especially for rainy days. You can 'Pay and Play' as you go. There is a Children's Playground adjacent to the Leisure Centre and a Cineplex for those rainy days. The Leisure Centre caters for people with disabilities or special needs and there is no charge for carers.
Swimming: Kids and toddlers will love the children's pool area. Exercise in the 35m swimming pool, use the Sauna and plunge pool, relax in a Jacuzzi.
Fitness Suite: State of the art techno-gym system
Health & Beauty Treatments: Massage, Acupuncture, Beauty salon
Enquiries: 098 29160. Email: langan@westportleisure.com
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Westport Cineplex
Westport Cineplex is Mayo's leading multi-screen cinema. Movie news, trailers, online booking and much more!
Visit www.westportcineplex.ie
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Activities for Everyone!
Cruises on the Killary, Connemara - Ireland's only Fjord
You can board the all weather luxury catamaran in Leenane village, about 40 minutes drive from Westport. Four sailings daily. No matter what the weather you can enjoy the beautiful rugged scenery that is unique to this part of the world. Look out for the wild dolphins! Full bar and food available on board.
Enquiries: 091 566736 or visit www.sea-cruiseconnemara.com
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Visit Clare Island, Home of Grainne Uaile, Ireland's 16th Century Lady sea pirate. You can take a ferry to Clare Island from Roonagh Pier, outside of Louisburgh, about a 30 minute drive from Westport. Frequent daily sailings.
For information Tel: 098 25212 or 087 2414653
Visit the remains of Grainne Uaile's castle and explore the many walks around the island. O'Grady's Hotel serves refreshments all day.
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Croagh Patrick - Ireland's Holy Mountain
Just three miles/5kms from Rosmo House. Enjoy the spectacular views from the summit of Croagh Patrick 2,510 feet above sea level. The pilgrim path has been carved by thousands of pilgrims over hundreds of years.
Refresh yourself with a shower, a coffee and home baked snacks in Croagh Patrick Information Centre at the foot of the mountain www.museumsofmayo.com/croaghpatrick.htm
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Explore Inishbofin Island - Bus to Ferry boat depart daily from Westport 10am returning at 7pm. Explore the Island or join in guided walks. Telephone (087) 9811579 or visit www.inishbofindaytours.com
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Achill Island
The biggest island off the coast of Ireland, with unspoilt Blue Flag beaches and breathtaking scenery.
Visit www.achilltourism.com for a visitor's guide to the island.
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Surf Mayo
Surf Mayo operates on Carrownisky Beach, near Louisburgh (14 miles from Westport). Catering for surfboarding enthusiasts, groups are catered for and instruction on technique is available.
Transport can be provided. Tel: 087 2834420
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Ballintubber Abbey and the Celtic Furrow Visitor Centre.
Visit Ballintubber Abbey, which marked the start of the ancient pilgrim path, called Tochar Phadraic, to Croagh Patrick. Enjoy a period of quiet reflection among the ancient walls of the Abbey. View the Audio visual documenting the history of the abbey and visit the small gift shop. The Celtic Furrow Visitor Centre offers guided tours from June to end of August tracing 5000 years of Irish culture from Neolithic farmers, to the Celts and the early Christians. Last tour 4.30pm.
Email: btubabbey@eircom.net or Tel: 094 30709 or 30934
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Knock Basilica - Marian Shrine
The Story of Knock began on the 21st August 1879 when Our Lady, St. Joseph and St. John the Evangelist appeared at the south gable of Knock Parish Church. The apparition was witnessed by fifteen people, young and old. From this miraculous Apparition Knock has grown to the status of an internationally recognised Marian Shrine. For information and programme of events visit www.knock-shrine.ie/
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National Musuem of Ireland - Country Life, Castlebar
The National Museum of Ireland – Country Life is home to the national collection of objects representing the traditional way of life in Ireland since 1850. A visit is a must to explore the lives of the Irish people from the mid 19th to the mid 20th Century. A great destination for all the family, view crafts and exhibitions and enjoy delicious food in the Cafe. To see full list of events visit: www.museum.ie
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Walks in Mayo
There are walks suitable for people of varying ages and levels of fitness from a short 1km stroll to a more ambitious 11 km hike. www.mayowalks.ie/WalkingTrails
Westport Historical Walks
Walks are arranged during the summer months. For more details contact the Heritage Centre at Westport Quay. www.museumsofmayo.com/clewbay.htm
Tel: (098) 26852
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Ceide Fields
Fascinating interpretive centre recounting and revealing the 5000 year old Stone Age landscape of stone-walled fields, dwellings and megalithic tombs that are preserved under the blanket of bogland in Ballycastle, Co. Mayo.
www.ceidefields.com/home.html
Tel: 096 43325
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Bike Hire
A choice of bicycles for the fit and not-so-fit available plus trail information.
Visit www.clewbayoutdoors.com/
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Horse Riding
There are a number of stables offering scenic treks on horse back for all ages and abilities. All have qualified instructors and cater for all ages and levels of ability.
Drummindoo Stud & Equitation Centre
Tel: 098 25616 or visit www.anu.ie/drummindoo/
Knappagh Beg Stables Tel: 098 25617
Carrowholly Stables and Trekking Centre Tel: 098 27057
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Golf
Westport prides itself on the 18 hole championship golf course. The course has recently been upgraded to include significant water features. Course provides some of the best views of Clew Bay and Croagh Patrick; the signature hole (15th) is a long par 5, with initial drive over the sea!! Visitors are welcome.
Bookings: Tel: 098 28262 or 27070 or visit www.golfwestport.ie or email wpgolf@iol.ie
The Clew Bay 9-hole Golf Course is aptly named as it is positioned right beside Clew Bay itself! It is open to the public and plays 2,500 metres, par 35. The most exciting hole is the par 5, 480 yards long 5th. It plays along an inlet of Clew Bay which demands a tee shot of accuracy and a courageous second shot.
Tel: 098 41730 or 41739
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Sea Angling
Fishing Trips on Clew Bay on the west coast of ireland, offering prolific sea angling and breathtaking scenery. To arrange visit:
www.clewbayangling.com/index.php/trips.html
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Restaurants:
There is a plethora of restaurants to choose from, open all year, catering for all tastes from seafood specialities and fine dining to pub grub. Most of our restaurants are child friendly and offer 'early bird' specials to suit family requirements.
We recommend Sol Rio; restaurant on Bridge Street in the heart of Westport for a wide variety of freshly cooked food. Children are welcome. Visit www.solrio.ie
For bookings Tel: 098 28944.
The Asgard, The Quay. Sitting on the quayside with panoramic views of Clew Bay and Clare Island, this stylish bar and restaurant is proving to be a dynamic force in the area, offering the right combination of genuine atmosphere, food and craic. Tel: 098 25319
The Sheebeen Pub is just a few minutes stroll from Rosmo House, along the coast road. You can enjoy the the atmosphere and the chat in this thatched pub on the seashore or dine in the restaurtant overlooking Clew Bay. Tel: 098 26528.
For a special treat, we recommend The Quay Cottage in Westport Harbour, specialising in imaginative seafood dishes and attractive marine decor. Tel: 098 26412
The Towers Bar and Restaurant, at Westport Quay, offer good food in cosy surroundings often accompanied by live traditional music in the evenings. Tel: 26534.
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