Westport, Ireland Attractions
Westport (Cathair na mart, "Stone Fort of the Cattle") lies in the northwest of Ireland on Clew Bay, at the southeast corner of which (Westport Bay) the River Carrowbeg flows into the sea.
Before the coming of the railroad the town - a planned settlement established by the Earl of Altamont in 1780, probably to the design of a French architect - was a considerable port; it has now developed into an angling center, with good fishing in Clew Bay.
For many Westport is one of the prettiest little towns in Ireland. The little River Carrowbeg flows down the center of The Mall, the town's main street, with lime trees on both sides of the river, which is spanned by attractive old bridges.
The Protestant church (1880) has Art Nouveau carving.
At the south end of The Mall is a pleasant square, the Octagon, with an unusual clock tower on the site of a monument destroyed in 1922.
Before the coming of the railroad the town - a planned settlement established by the Earl of Altamont in 1780, probably to the design of a French architect - was a considerable port; it has now developed into an angling center, with good fishing in Clew Bay.
For many Westport is one of the prettiest little towns in Ireland. The little River Carrowbeg flows down the center of The Mall, the town's main street, with lime trees on both sides of the river, which is spanned by attractive old bridges.
The Protestant church (1880) has Art Nouveau carving.
At the south end of The Mall is a pleasant square, the Octagon, with an unusual clock tower on the site of a monument destroyed in 1922.
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Westport House
Westport House is the seat of the Marquess of Sligo. It was built in the 1730s and is regarded as one of the finest mansions in the country.
Clew Bay Heritage Centre
Near Westport House (on Westport Quay) the Clew Bay Heritage Centre provides information about the history of the region.
Hours
April 1 to May 31
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | Closed | Closed |
| Close | 14:00 | 14:00 | 14:00 | 14:00 | 14:00 |
June 1 to June 30
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | Closed | Closed |
| Close | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 |
July 1 to August 31
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | Closed | 15:00 |
| Close | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 |
September 1 to September 30
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | Closed | Closed |
| Close | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 |
October 1 to October 31
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | Closed | Closed |
| Close | 14:00 | 14:00 | 14:00 | 14:00 | 14:00 |
Westport Surroundings
Aghagower, Ireland
4mi/6km southeast of Westport, on a side road off the R330, in the village of Aghagower, can be found the ruins of a round tower and a 15th century church (National Monuments) - relics of a monastery founded by St Senach, who was consecrated as a bishop by St Patrick. The round tower, with the top missing and a modern entrance, stands 60ft/18m high.
Carrigahooley Castle
Northwest of Newport, in an inlet on the left of the road, stands Carrigahooley Castle (15th C; National Monument), formerly called Rockfleet Castle, a four-story tower with corner turrets which once belonged to Grace O'Malley.
Curraun Peninsula
The R319 crosses from Mulrany the large Curraun Peninsula to Achill Island. An attractive little road encircles the whole of the peninsula, with constantly changing scenery and views to the south of Clew Bay and Clare Island. In the center of the peninsula rises the hill from which it takes its name, Curraun (1,815ft/553m).
Mulrany, Ireland
7mi/12km beyond Carrigahooley Castle, northwest of Newport, we reach Mulrany, a little place with a mild climate in which fuchsias, rhododendrons and Mediterranean heaths flourish. Golf and tennis are available.
