What to Do in Westport

Information on ferry services to Clare Island and Inishturk from Roonagh Pier

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.

Louisburgh is a beautiful small town in the midst an area of immense natural beauty, with award-winning beaches and mountains close at hand.

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.

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.

Killary Harbour is Ireland’s only true fjord and extends 16km in from the Atlantic to its head at Aasleagh, below Aasleagh falls. It forms the border between Galway and Mayo and boasts some of the most spectacular scenery in the West of Ireland.

Mayo's hundreds of pristine beaches, from small sheltered coves to vast expansive strands, are some of the best in the country, if not the world.

The Brackloon Wood trailhead is about 6km south of Westport on the Leanne road. The walk is 4km long over a gentle grade.

Achill island has seen the arrival of Christianity, the power of Granuaile, plantations from Ulster, great rows between Protestants and Catholics and the disappearance of the ancient booleying way of life.

Coarse Angling – Eleven coarse fishing lakes in the area hold bream, roach, and perch. Sea Angling- Boats can be chartered for angling, cruising on Clew Bay. Game angling allows visitors to fish for salmon and trout.