Westport, Ireland Tourist 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.

Westport House

At the south end of Westport's The Mall is a pleasant square, the Octagon. Continuing south from The Mall and bearing right, we come to the entrance to Westport House, seat of the Marquess of Sligo, built by Richard Cassels in 1730-34 and enlarged by James Wyatt, and one of the finest mansions in Ireland. In the Long Gallery the family portraits can be viewed, while the Dining Room is decorated with stucco work. Landscape paintings, depicting scenes from the nearby area, hang in the upper floor. In the basement there is a shopping arcade and various attractions for children.

In the beautiful grounds there are fountains operated by tidal power and a zoo.

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Clew Bay Heritage Centre

Near Westport House (on Westport Quay) the Clew Bay Heritage Centre provides information about the history of the region.

Surroundings

The surroundings of Westport have many features of interest.

Newport

7mi/11km north of Westport of the N59, which leads into Northern Mayo, is Newport, a fishing center (sea fishing in Clew Bay, trout in the neighboring loughs) dominated by an old railroad viaduct. In the church (1914) can be seen a beautiful stained glass window (Last Judgment) by Clarke (1930). In the surrounding countryside are numerous drumlins (mounds of boulder clay left by glaciers), and many of the islets in Clew Bay are drumlins which have been engulfed by the sea.

North of Newport in a quiet bay, are the ruins of Burrishoole Abbey (15th C: National Monument), a Dominican house. Of the church there remain the nave, choir and south transept (windows) and the squat central tower. There is also a fragment of the cloister.

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.

Mulrany

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.

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).

Aghagower

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.