What to see in Westport,


Westport House | Westport Heritage Centre | Westport Linen Mill and Museum | Croagh Patrick Murrisk Abbey | Clare Island | Aughagower | Ballintubber Abbey | Celtic Furrow | McBride Memorial Clew Bay Heritage Centre | The Mall | Exhibitions

Westport House
One of Ireland's Stately Homes, Westport House was designed by James Wyatt. It is open to the public in summer time and guided tours are available. Telephone: (098) 25430 or 27766.

Westport Heritage Centre
Located in The Tourist Information Office, James St., Westport - Discover the story of Westport. 3-D models and interactive displays bring this charismatic town to life steeped in history and heritage, explore the story of Westport from early Christian times to the present day. Open all year round.
Tel. No. 098 25711.

Westport Linen Mill and Museum
Northern Feather, The Demesne, Westport. Telephone: (098) 25411.

Croagh Patrick
This striking peak 800m (2,510 ft.), lies as an imposing background to Westport town. St. Patrick, patron saint of Ireland prayed here according to legend for 40 days of Lent in 441 A.D. for the conversion of the Irish people to Christianity. A pilgrimage is held on the last Sunday of July each year when over 60,000 people climb to the summit. The pilgrim path starts in Murrisk 8kms from Westport.

Murrisk Abbey
An old Augustinian Abbey which was founded in 1457. It was later destroyed by Cromwellian soldiers. It is located near Murrisk Car Park.

Clare Island
Home of the famous Sea Queen Grainne Uaile (Grace O'Malley). Clare Island is a 15 minute ferry trip away from Roonagh Quay beyond Louisburgh.The island enjoys exceptional views of the Clew Bay area, a Blue Flag beach, Granuaile's Castle, a 12th century Cistercian Abbey with rare medieval paintings, a lighthouse perched on high cliffs, hillwalking on Knockmore & Knocknaveen. It's a great day out for all the family! There is a ferry service to the island from Roonagh Pier (20kms from Westport). Telephone (098) 28288 (Pirate Queen Ferry Service desk in tourist office) or contact (098) 25045 (The Island Princess Ferry Service to Clare Island & Inisturk year round).
June - Sept - a daily mini-bus service operates from Westport to Roonagh Quay.
Oct. - April - mini bus service on Thursdays only.
There is a ferry service to the island from Roonagh Pier (20kms from Westport).
Telephone: (098) 26307 and (098) 25045.

Aughagower
Here is a National Monument, a 12th century Round Tower and a 13th century Church. St. Patrick is reputed to have built a church here. The site also contains several Patrician Relics. It lies 7kms to the South of Westport.

Ballintubber Abbey
A famous Abbey, 17kms from Westport. The Abbey was founded in 1216 by Cathal O'Connor, King of Connaught. Still in use, it is a historians dream. Tóchar Phádraig, an ancient pilgrim's path, runs from the Abbey through Aughagower to Croagh Patrick. Guided tours are available.
Telephone: (094) 30934. E-mail: btuabbey@eircom.net

Celtic Furrow
An exciting guided exploration of our culture through anciet festivals and farming covering 5000 years. For further information telephone (094) 30934.

McBride Memorial
In front of the Roman Catholic Church on the Mall. There is also a Plaque at Westport Quay to commemorate Major John McBride, Boer War Veteran and executed leader of the 1916 Rising.

The Mall
A picturesque waterway running through the heart of Westport town, with a tree lined Boulevard.

Exhibitions
The Waterfront Gallery (Annie Brennans), The Harbour, Westport. Telephone: (098) 28406.
Art Studio, Bridge Street. Telephone: (098) 26732.
Carmel Quinn's, Hillside Art Gallery. Telephone: (098) 27301.
McLoughlins Studios, Shop Street. Telephone: (098) 25631.
Andrew Stone Gallery, Bridge Street. Telephone: (098) 25619.