When’s the Best Time of Year to Visit Westport?

While some outdoor pursuits are best enjoyed in certain seasons, if you have the right gear you can get out there any time of year. Summer certainly tends to be our busiest month due to the opening of additional seasonal eateries, activities and warmer weather. Autumn is another popular time to visit due to the increase in wildlife and a bounty of colours.

If you’re excited about the prospect of visiting Westport this year and taking in our scenic surroundings, trying your hand at a new activity, or having an adventure with family and friends, here are some ideas to make the best of your trip to Westport.

Spring (March, April, May) brings the beginning of warmer air, fewer storms, and an abundance of mushrooms, birdlife, and new buds. It’s a fantastic time to enjoy our trails at a quieter time of year, whether you’re running, hiking, cycling, horse riding, or bird watching.

Serious cyclists and pleasure riders make the most of clear spring mornings to explore our expansive off-road Greenway or many cycling routes. Water enthusiasts enjoy Kayaking and paddle boarding at Old Head with Summer Sup School and our boating excursions from Westport Quay start up for the season ahead.

Key Spring Events:

Gathering for Patrick - St Patricks Festival. March 15th - 18th. A four-day hoolie in multiple venues around town celebrating the main man himself. Also a popular time to start climbing the iconic Croagh Patrick again after the winter months.

Westport Marathon - April 13th. The Westport Marathon is one of the most stunning marathon routes in the world, taking you through picturesque countryside, spectacular coastal roads, and the charming town of Westport itself. The perfect spring challenge for both seasoned and first-time marathoners alike.

Mayo Day - May 4th. Celebrating its tenth year, Mayo Day has celebrated all things Mayo since 2015 with fantastic annual lineups of events throughout the county and further afield.

Our surrounding countryside and trails come alive with hikers while our shorelines play host to families and picnickers in June, July & August. Adventure seekers take day trips to Achill, Clare and InishTurk islands. Popular sports that are best enjoyed on longer days include golf at Westport Golf Club or leisurely hikes up our surrounding mountain ranges.

Outside of sports, our food scene thrives with many restaurants serving seasonal fare on outdoor patios while most of our local pubs host free live music sessions 7 nights a week.

Key Summer Events:

Mayo Pride - 30th May to 3rd June 2024. An annual explosion of diversity, inclusivity and colour in multiple venues around the town with the inclusion of many outdoor pride adventure activities.

Clew Bay Garden Trail - June, July & Aug, 2024. The trail provides a wonderful opportunity for visitors and residents to explore the unique gardens in private homes along the shores of Clew Bay along with workshops for those keen to learn more about sustainable gardening.

Folk & Bluegrass Festival - 7th - 9th June 2024. An international festival and annual highlight on the calendar. The busy programme will consist of concerts, pub gigs, sessions, workshops, a square dance, gospel hour and much more.

Autumn is still the perfect time for enjoying some of our most popular summer activities, like hiking and camping, with less heat (and fewer bugs!). Our woodland trails come alight with colour and on cooler days many people enjoy an afternoon in one of the town's many spas and thermal suites.

Key Autumn Events:

Westport Festival of Chamber Music - 5th - 8th Sept 2024. A boutique festival that has been delighting audiences with exceptional Chamber Music performances from talented musicians both from Ireland and around the world.

Rolling Sun Book Festival - 17th - 20th Oct. A great line-up of local, national and international authors with a range of events planned for over four days.

Westival - Westport Music & Arts Festival - 23rd - 28th October 2024. Our annual Arts festival takes place in multiple venues across town with a packed and esteemed programme of music, theatre, literature and visual arts.

People who live in Westport will often tell you that winter is their favourite time here. It's when life slows down, people come together in the town's cosy eateries and pubs while Mother Nature provides the entertainment outside. Our indoor activities come to life in winter: trad sessions by the fire in the pub, taking a class at one of our local yoga or fitness studios, sitting back to enjoy a locally produced play at Westport Theatre or catching a gig by one of the many talented touring musicians that grace its stage.

In peak storm season, you’ll find many who come to watch Mother Nature put on a show that rolls in across the Atlantic. Some seek out some windswept yet picturesque locations while others enjoy watching the drama unfold from their cosy retreats.

Key Winter Events

Sea to Summit Adventure Race - 9th November 2024. An adventure race incorporates all the thrills that Westport has to offer; Croagh Patrick, Clew Bay, the Sheaffry Mountains and the Greenway.

Mayo Dark Sky Festival - 1st to the 3rd November 2024. A unique festival celebrating Mayo's unparalleled and unpolluted nighttime skies.

Winter Wonderland at Westport House - 1st November - 22nd December 2024. A firm favourite with locals and visitors alike, meeting Santa in the beautiful surroundings of Westport House.

Truth be told, there is never a bad time to visit Westport. We look forward to welcoming you, no matter what the season…or the weather!