Five Ways to Unwind in Westport

If you're looking for a relaxing holiday in Ireland, there are many destinations to choose from. However, if you're seeking a tranquil and rejuvenating getaway, Westport should be at the top of your list. Here's how our charming town can help you unwind and chill out during your relaxing holiday in Ireland.

Westport has become a bit of a yoga mecca in recent years. The Yoga Root is Westport’s first dedicated yoga studio tucked away in a beautifully restored 18th-century mill at Westport Harbour. The studio hosts lots of drop-in classes and workshops suitable for all body types and flexibility. The state of the art studio is spacious, warm and welcoming, the perfect spot to unwind while on your hols.

For those looking for a truly immersive experience, check out Cloona Health Retreat just outside the town, besides beautiful Brackloon Woods, which offers a range of five-day health retreats that include daily yoga. Or a short hop across the sea lies, Clare Island’s Macalla Farm retreat centre offers mindfulness, food preparation and yoga courses. You can even practise ‘equine assisted mindfulness’ through interactive activities with the farm’s ponies and horses.

Many of the hotels in Westport boast world-class spas, each offering their own signature treatments. Head to Westport Plaza’s Spa Sula thermal suites and find a tranquil sanctuary – and an outdoor hot tub. Knockranny House Hotel’s Spa Salveo offers everything from lavender floatation therapy to its Scandinavia-inspired Sami Zen treatment package.

Senses Spa at Hotel Westport offers a taste of Turkey with a hammam experience and traditional mud and steam treatments. Feel like a little bit of India in the west? The Spa at the Westport Coast Hotel offers a range of rejuvenating Ayurvedic treatments.

Luxuriate in a hot bath filled with locally sourced seaweed, and allow the wrack’s minerals, vitamins and trace elements work their magic on your skin, leaving it soft, silky and hydrated. Muscles release tiredness and tension. Whether you slide into a slippery reverie or spend the session pretending to be a monster from the deep, you’ll emerge detoxed and glowing.

Check out the seaweed baths at the Westport Woods Hotel’s Beech Club Spa, or take a spin down to Leenane for a salt-water seaweed bath in the Leenane Hotel.

Discover some of the best beaches in Ireland and experience the natural beauty of Mayo's coastline. Breathe in the unpolluted salt air and let the sound of the Atlantic ocean roll over your senses, calming your mind and washing away busy thoughts. Bertra beach, Old Head, Carrownisky, Carramore, Mulranny and Silver Strand are some of the best beaches in Mayo and are all within a short drive from the town.

Lose yourself in one of Westport’s many art houses, such as the Custom House Studios Gallery, the Green Fuse Gallery or the Clew Bay Hotel Gallery. Whether you choose to quietly contemplate work by internationally acclaimed artists or work by the many renowned local artists, you won’t find it hard to find.

Looking for a place to stay while unwinding in Westport? You will find some top places to stay here.