Pictured: View of Westport Quay from the Harbour Mill apartments
If there’s one I place I love visiting in Ireland, its Westport.
Last year we went to the Westport Festival, which sadly is no longer running as it was the best fun ever (you can see what I wore to it here) and just last month we returned for our first family holiday with a new baby on board.
Train at Westport House
A visit to Westport House is a must-do. Once the home of pirate queen Grace O’Malley, who lived there in the 16th Century, the ‘big house’ is now owned and operated by her direct descendants, The Browne Family. You can do a self-guided tour of the 30 rooms of the house and a beautiful walks within the grounds and gardens or if you don’t feel like walking, there’s a fun train ride which runs during the summer months, visiting Westport House, Westport and the Quay.
The more adventurous can try kayaking, zorbing, zip lining and archery in the grounds of Westport House and for families with little ones there’s excellent camping located within the grouds of the house as well as giant ‘Swan’ gondolas and the Pirate Adventure Park, which I will definitely be returning to in a few years time when Ruby is older.
Picnic area at camping grounds at Westport House
Shopping in Westport
When I visit somewhere, I am always on the lookout for cool and quirky shops and eateries and Westport did not disappoint.
Guna Nua
Guna Nua is a boutique which is great for occasion wear- wedding guest and mother of the bride outfits, dresses, jackets, jumpsuits and short suits. Their sale was on when I visited so I duly scooped up a beautiful cowl neck jumper.
Carraig Donn (carraigdonn.com)
Carraig Donn was founded in Westport and now has 35 stores throughout Ireland. You’ll find everything from Aran Knits to dresses and separates; ideal for smart work wear and occasion wear. There’s a brand stocked there called J’aime la Vie which I love for smart harem pants and dresses.
Liberties
Located at Westport Quay, this boutique sells homewares and designer clothing by Second Female, Marella, Pinko and Michael Kors.
Foxford Woollen Mills
Look out for their woollen throws and blankets and for their bed linen collaboration with designer Helen McAlinden.
Beaches
Westport is located on the banks of Clew Bay with many beaches between the town and Louisburg. There is a gorgeous blue flag beach at the foot of Croagh Patrick called Old Head that I have been heading to for the past few summers – it’s a sandy beach which is great for swimming and for walks- so, the minute the temperature rose, we went back there for a dip.
Ruby’s first time at Old Head beach, Croagh Patrick
Places to eat
Shebeen
For amazing seafood (especially the chowder and chips!) head to Cronin’s Shebeen.
Just Baked
There are a few coffee shops along the Main Street which have outdoor seating in summer months. A favourite is ‘Just Baked’, which is a good coffee pit stop and perfect for a salad or a sandwich.
The Idle Wall
A reader recommended this new restaurant, located at the Westport Quay entrance to Westport House. It’s a new addition to the town and the food there is delicious.
The Creel
Located at Westport Quay, this coffee shop and restaurant does great coffee, baked goods and breakfasts.
Morans pub Westport
Pubs in Westport
Westport has no shortage of good pubs and a lot of them have live Traditional Music in the evenings- you’ll see a sign in the window telling you when the next ‘session’ is happening. A favourite pub with tourists is Morans. There’s also Matt Molloys (Matt was a musician in the ‘The Chieftains’ band), so be sure to get there early to nab a seat, as the place gets really busy.
View of Harbour Mill apartments & Westport Coast Hotel at night
Accommodation in Westport
What with having a baby on board we stayed at the The Harbour Mill Apartments (4*) www.theharbourmill.com self catering apartments with views over Westport Quay. They really do family holidays exceptionally well with a playroom, sauna on site and a parting gift for the kids to keep them busy on the, what will inevitably be, a sad journey home.
Previously, I have stayed in the Westport Coast Hotel which has lovely views of Westport Quay (ask for a room with a view) and a swimming pool and spa for those who want to relax.
Other places to stay in Westport are listed below.
Castlecourt Hotel (4*) www.castlecourthotel.ie
Westport Plaza Hotel (4*) www.westportplazahotel.ie
Hotel Westport (4*) www.hotelwestport.ie
The Wyatt Hotel (3*) www.wyatthotel.com
Clew Bay Hotel (3*) www.clewbayhotel.com
Mill Times Hotel (3*) www.milltimeshotel.ie
Knockranny House Hotel (4*) www.knockrannyhousehotel.ie
Westport Woods Hotel (3*+) www.westportwoodshotel.com
Westport Coast Hotel (4*) www.westportcoasthotel.ie
The Harbour Mill Apartments (4*) www.theharbourmill.com
You can find more information on Westport on www.destinationwestport.com
Disclosure: I was a guest of Destination Westport at Harbour Mill apartments.
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July 21, 2015 at 12:30 pm
I am delighted that you enjoyed your holiday in Westport and thanks for the shoutout in this article. Much appreciated! Hope you come back to Westport again sometime in the near future.
All the best,
Eithne Cosgrove
Director of Sales & Marketing at Hotel Westport & also a member of Destination Westport.
PS Ruby looks very happy at Old Head Beach – such an amazing place! Hope its her first time there of many…