The United Kingdom is home to numerous delightful villages and towns. If you are in search of charming cobbled streets nestled in picturesque countryside, coastal whitewashed settlements, or quaint cottages sprinkled across hillsides, you have come to the right place.
However, for those willing to explore a bit further, there are towns that rival the best of Britain. Westport in County Mayo, Ireland, stands out as one of the finest destinations. Accessing Westport is convenient, with airlines like Ryanair, British Airways, and Aer Lingus offering flights to Knock, the closest airport to Westport.
A mere hour’s journey west from Knock leads you to the designated Heritage Town set along a stunning stretch of coastline. Along the way, you will traverse through increasingly breathtaking landscapes as you near the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding peaks rise majestically.
Located just five miles from Westport is Croagh Patrick, known as Ireland’s “Holy Mountain,” with its iconic cone-shaped summit overlooking Clew Bay. This mountain is a popular pilgrimage site and tourist attraction. Every last Sunday of July, devoted pilgrims endure a challenging ascent to the summit to visit a chapel, attend Mass, and often partake in acts of penance, such as walking barefoot or on their knees.
For those seeking a more relaxed holiday experience, Westport itself offers a plethora of activities. The town boasts a Georgian town center, with stone bridges connecting tree-lined paths along the Carrowbeg River.
One of the town’s standout features is its cleanliness and high quality of life. Westport has been recognized for its tidiness, winning the Irish Tidy Towns Competition in 2001, 2006, and 2008, and being named the Best Place to Live in Ireland in 2012 by The Irish Times.
Unsurprisingly, Westport is not short on traditional Irish pubs. Popular establishments like Matt Molloy’s, MacBride’s, Porter House, and JJ O’Malley’s often host live music performances in the evenings.
On pleasant days, visitors can leisurely stroll along the Quay and proceed to The Point, a favorite spot for locals to swim in Clew Bay’s shallow waters. It offers a charming setting to observe the community interacting and socializing.
Many visitors to Westport choose to explore the surrounding natural beauty beyond the town. Clew Bay is said to have “an island for every day of the year,” with approximately 120 named islands and numerous smaller limestone formations visible at low tide. Clare Island, the largest genuine island, is a popular destination for birdwatchers, offering sightings of various bird species, including puffins.
For a more remote island experience, a short ferry ride from Roonagh Pier takes you to Inishturk, described as a “little piece of paradise” by the local tourist board. This island features beautiful beaches, sea cliffs, and unique flora, making it an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts.
Westport has garnered widespread acclaim for seamlessly blending Ireland’s natural beauty with a warm and welcoming atmosphere, making it a top choice for travelers seeking an authentic Irish experience.
“I am a huge fan of Westport and County Mayo,” wrote one enthusiast on Reddit, praising the town’s charm and recommending activities like cycling the Great Western Greenway. Another visitor shared their positive experience, highlighting the friendly locals and the abundance of outdoor activities available in the area.
With its stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and welcoming community, Westport continues to captivate visitors seeking an authentic Irish getaway.
