About Westport

The town of Westport is situated near the mouth of the Carrowbeg river in the corner of Clew Bay. The earliest habitation in the area dates back some 5,000 years and Westport is designated one of Failte Ireland's Heritage Towns.

One of the few planned towns in the Country, Westport was designed in the 18th Century by James Wyatt. It has become one of Ireland's established tourism centres, with many outstanding features, most notably the beautiful tree lined boulevard known as The Mall, running parallel to the Carrowbeg River.

Croagh Patrick, one of Europe's best know places of Pilgrimage, has provided a tough ascent for many pilgrims each year, climbing barefoot in the memory of St. Patrick, who spent forty days and forty nights fasting on the summit more than 1,500 years ago. A small church at the summit of the mountain welcomes penitents, while magnificent views of Clew Bay, with an island for every day of the week, provides inspiration for many walkers and visitors throughout the year.

Westport is, of course, home of Westport House and Country Estate, one of Ireland's top Day Visitor Attractions. This fine Georgian mansion, home of Lord Sligo, is open to visitors from April to September each year.