Westport Directory

Newport is a third of the way along the Great Western Greenway from Westport to Achill. Its beautiful viaduct over the Black Oak river and majestic church beguile the eye.

On a rocky headland at the harbour on Clare Island is the square tower which served as Granuaile's (Grace O'Malley's) castle. It is said that the Pirate Queen's head is buried near this castle.

Kildavnet Castle, on Achill Island, was Granuaile's fortress guarding the entrance to Achill Sound, linking Clew Bay to the south and Blacksod Bay to the north.

Inishbiggle (Inis Bigil, “island of the fasting”, in Irish) is an unspoilt and unique island, where life runs at a relaxed pace. Ferries run from the mainland and Achill Island, and the loop walks are popular with visitors.

Ballycroy National Park was established in November 1998. It is Ireland’s sixth National Park and comprises of 11,000 hectares of Atlantic blanket bog and mountainous terrain, covering a vast uninhabited and unspoilt wilderness dominated by the Nephin mountain range.

Inishturk – the island of the wild boar. A short trip from Westport, offers hillwalking, fishing, walking, swimming, scuba diving and sites of historical interest.

Knock Shrine is a major international Catholic site, which attracts over 1 million pilgrims annually. The Virgin mary, St Joseph and St John the Evangelist are said to have appeared on the South gable of the Knock Parish Church on August 21, 1879. Knock Shrine is open all year round.

Ballintubber has several of the most important historic sites in central Mayo, including Ballintubber Abbey and St. Patrick's well.