For big kids and little kids, the young and young at heart, there’s fun and frolics aplenty on our wild western shores. If you're wondering where to go on holidays in Ireland and you’re in the market for making some memories, Westport has everything you need to create those Kodak moments. Action and adventure is never far away, whether you’re exploring the coast by bike, dive bombing off a pier, building sandcastles on a Blue Flag beach or discovering local flora and fauna on a forest walk.
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Family Fun
Family Time At Westport House
If you've got family in toe, Westport House is the place to keep the kids (and big kids) entertained. Family highlights include The Pirate Adventure Park, Halloween festival and Winter Wonderland.
Their Pirate Adventure Park, voted Ireland’s Best Family Visitor Attraction is open during mid-term breaks and throughout the summer season. Your adrenaline will race as you hurtle down the Plunge Log Flume Ride, before holding on for dear life aboard the Pirate Queen Swinging Ship.
Chill-seekers can cruise around the grounds on the Westport House Express, or take a tour of the lake on the swan-shaped pedalos. It’s the perfect place to spend a fun-filled day with family in Westport, and if you’re looking to stay on-site check out Hotel Westport on the grounds or their camping and glamping options!
Wet and Wild in the Atlantic Ocean
They don’t call it the Wild Atlantic Way for nothing. The sea roars and slaps against the rugged coastline, inspiring fear and awe in equal measures. We’re lucky that Westport is home to two of Mayo’s pristine Blue Flag beaches, in Achill and near Louisburgh.
Climb through the dunes or build a sandcastle by the shore on Bertra Beach. On a calm day, take the kids stand up paddle boarding at Old Head, or if the surf is pumping, rent a board and cruise the waves on Carrownisky Strand or Cross Beach.
Saddle Up
There’s perhaps no better way to discover Westport’s expansive landscapes, as well as its nooks and crannies, than on horseback. This activity is a hidden gem as many visitors are of the opinion its one of the most exciting things to do in Westport.
From windswept beaches to narrow country lanes, trotting around Clew Bay is the best way to experience the Wild West. Guided horse and pony treks are offered through hotels and stables in the Westport area, and kids and adults alike will get a thrill out of being in the saddle. There’s really nothing more wholesome than a pony trek with all the family!
Run Wild, Run Free
Kids have a lot of energy to burn, and parents can struggle to keep up - after all, it’s their holiday too! So why not get someone else to do the heavy lifting by packing the kids off to a designated kiddy zone? Many of Westport’s hotels run Kids Clubs, while The Wild West Indoor Play Village is a western-themed play centre that will keep the little ones occupied for hours.
Splatball and FootGolf are some of the more zany activities on offer in this corner of the country, and the town’s greenway has its very own skatepark for the scoot and skate maniacs that run amongst us.
Animal Planet
Family pend your kids company. For a fun family activity, head out to Achill Island’s aquarium, home to both local and exotic fish.
Get up close and personal with the west’s famous sheep population at Glenkeen Farm, and make friends with pigs, rabbits, puppies, llamas and alpacas at Graune Pet Farm. Be careful though, the kids might just want to start their own farm when you get back home!
Freaky Forests
ts are great, but what if they can’t come with you on holidays? Well never fear, Westport has plenty of creatures to keep you a
Experience the spooky beauty of Westport’s woodlands. From Ireland’s only Atlantic oak forests at the tip of Old Head to winding river walks through Letterkeen Woods, there’s no end of forests to explore for those who enjoy outdoor activities in Westport.
Let your imagination run wild in the eerie wooded environs of the ruin of Moore Hall, or get out and earn your breakfast with a brisk walk around the Brackloon woods. Check out the informational plaques dotted at the entrances to and the paths through the woodlands to learn more about the local flora and fauna.
Bike Gang on Clew Bay
Biking around Clew Bay/Greenway
Get your bike gang together and explore the many greenways that link Westport to other towns, communities and natural wonderlands around Clew Bay. The Great Western Greenway follows the region’s historic railway tracks all the way out to Achill Island and Clare Island, and a new greenway is in the works that connects to Louisburgh and beyond.
Pick a still day for the ride to enjoy one of the best tourist attractions in Ireland, as the wind can blow out more than the cobwebs. The trails are suitable for all levels of experience and fitness, making it the perfect activity for families with kids.
