Contact Pat Or MaryThings to do in Westport
Westport House and Country Park
Located in a most spectacular setting, Westport House is still owned and operated by the Browne family who are direct descendants of the legendary 16th centaury pirate queen, Grace O'Malley (Granuaile). Ireland's top day visitor attraction, Westport House has welcomed over 3 million visitors. Facilities include tours of the stately home, children's zoo. fun park with rides, woodland, rowing boats, mini-train, wax works etc.
Contact 098 27766
Located underneath the Tourist Office, the centre traces the history of Westport back to its origins, including connections with the Browne family of Westport House whose own history has been interwoven with Westport for more than half a millennium. Many of the superb photographs come from the Lawrence Collection and truly bring the past to life. The centrepiece is a wonderful interactive scale model of the town featuring individual video screens, and illumination of interesting areas linked to a voiceover in a selection of languages.
Contact 098 25711
The National Famine Memorial is located opposite the care park at the base of Croagh Patrick, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, facing to the west where so many emigrants sailed. The memorial is a starkly beautiful bronze sculpture by John Behan entitled 'Coffin Ship'. It takes the form of an emigrant ship, the rigging of which is composed of skeletal figures. The Irish National Famine Memorial was commissioned by the Irish Government and was unveiled by President Mary Robinson in 1997.
Westport is ideal for a golfing holiday with two local golf courses and many others very close by.
Westport Championship Golf Course is an impressive 18 hole course which has
hosted both the Irish Open and the Ryder Cup. the course is a challenging
combination of links and parkland with very impressive views
every step of the way. Group discounts are available throughout the year.
Contact Westport Golf Club at 098 28262 or 098 27070
Clew Bay Golf Course is a beautiful 9 hole course on the shores of the bay. It is scenic and a very enjoyable course to play.
Contact Clew Bay Golf Course 098 41739
Clew Bay offers some of the best sea angling in Europe located as it is on the western perimeter. Every species of fish found in Irish waters has been caught here. Inshore surf casting and rock fishing are very rewarding. Boats can be chartered for angling and also for just cruising and exploring the islands of Clew Bay, perfect examples of drowned drumlins from a bygone ice age.
Contact 098 26514
The freshwater angler is well catered for on the many lakes and rivers in the area. Daily or weekly fishing is available for a modest licence fee. The Erriff and Delphi fisheries are among the best known but there are also many other lakes and streams to enjoy.
Contact Western Fisheries 091 563118
The Western Way passes through Westport and there are five shorter signposted walks in and around the town. (Brochures are available from the Westport Tourist Office). More challenging hill walks and scenic beach walks are also plentiful.
Contact Gerry Greensmyth 098 26090
Pony or horse trekking around the roads, beaches and hills are available as well as lessons for all standards. Connemara ponies are native to this area and there are a selection of studs. Westport also hosts a Horse Show and a number of Horse Fairs during the year.
Contact Paddy Joe Foy at Drumindoo Stud
098 - 25616
Carrowholly Stables at 098 27057
Since the days of Grainne Mhaoil (The legendary Pirate Queen of Ireland) Clew Bay has attracted sailors and sea lover. Mayo Sailing Club race on Thursday nights during the summer from Rosmoney which is also the point for the ferry to internationally famous Glenans Sailing School who provide courses for all standards.
Contact Glenans at 098 26852
Clew Bay Heritage
Centre.
Located at the Harbour beside The Quay, this fascinating centre offers a local genealogical service and has an excellent display of local and marine artefacts. Guided walking tours of the town are provided all year round with expert leaders.
Contact 098 26852
For sunny days, rainy day or any day, the new Westport Leisure Park right in the town centre has all the answers. It's located behind the Tourist Office on James Street and has its own car park. Superb facilities include a 25m swimming pool, children's fun pool and a fantastic kids Aqua challenge. There is a full fitness suite, an aerobic studio, therapeutic foot baths and health spa. Westport Leisure Park is suitable for all ages from kiddies upwards.
This year 2004, will see the opening of the long awaited three screen cinema in Westport.
Home of the famous Sea Queen Grainne Uaile (GraceO Malley), Clare Island is a short trip away from Roonagh Quay, beyond Louisburgh. The island enjoys exceptional views of the Clew Bay area, a Blue Flag beach, Granuaile's Castle, a 12th Century Cistercian Abbey, medieval paintings, a lighthouse perched on high cliffs, hillwalking on Knockmore and Knocknaveen. It is a great day out for all the family. There is a ferry ser vice to the island from Roonagh Pier (20kms from Westport) Telephone (098)28288