Destination Guide: Westport, Co Mayo

Main Image; @destination_westport

Celebrate an Irish Summer with our Fly The Flag Destination Guides featuring travel tips, restaurant recommendations, luxurious hotel stays and a focus on Irish shops and produce. If you are planning an Irish getaway – scroll and save for your next trip …

WHERE TO STAY

Glamping Village at Westport House

Nestled in Westport House’s 400-acre estate is a beautiful glamping village – just a stone’s throw away from Westport’s hotspots. Each idyllic, 5-metre long glamping tent is thoughtfully furnished with comfortable beds, free wifi, bedside lockers, electrical outlets and even personal decking. This glamping experience is perfect for a romantic weekend away, or an active family trip with each tent sleeping four. But that is not all. As a valued guest this season you will receive exclusive discounts of 25 per cent off Westport House visits, Pirate Adventure Park tickets and the Ocean leisure centre, plus free entry to The Interactive Gaming Zone – as well as enjoying 50 per cent off all pizzas ordered from Graceys pizza on your first night. Pricing for two adults, per night starts at €170. Terms and conditions apply to the offers so be sure to check the website and get glamping… www.westporthouse.ie

Knockranny House Hotel

Nestled in a hillside overlooking the picturesque town of Westport, Knockranny House Hotel and Spa is one of Ireland’s finest four-star hotels. It boasts beautiful views of Croagh Patrick and Clew Bay’s islands to the west and Nephin Mountains to the north. Owned and run by Adrian and Geraldine Noonan, the hospitality at Knockranny House is second to none. The vibe is warm, welcoming and relaxing with the antique decor furthering the charm, along with the delicious food created by award-winning head chef Seamus Commons and the suburb spa facilities. Step through the doors and you will figuratively put your feet up. Rooms start at €200 per night. www.knockrannyhousehotel.ie

WHERE TO SHOP

Paula Flynn of TheShopkeepers.com and THE GLOSS collated a fabulously diverse and exciting list of independent retailers around Ireland for The Best Shops Ireland and we couldn’t resist featuring some of them in our Irish Destination Guides for the summer. Look no further, here is where to shop in Westport, Co Mayo.

Tertulia, Unit 2, The Harbour Mill, The Quay

With its sunny yellow exterior and reading nook under the stairs, Tertulia in Westport, Co Mayo, is a great place to spend time in the company of books, old vinyl and coffee. Proprietors Neil Paul and Bríd Conroy, who have their own Youtube books show, “Tertulia TV”, named the shop from an old Spanish word meaning a social forum and have made it a popular spot for book club events, literary launches and book signings. www.tertuliabookshop.com

The Gaiety Islandeady, Westport

The Gaiety, a former dancehall built in 1938, was repurposed as an antique and vintage store in 2011 by Clodagh O’Connor and Sean McCaughey. Clodagh, a psychotherapist, juggles a psychotherapy practice and The Gaiety (with some heavy lifting from Sean). The perfect spot for some treasure hunting on your travels.  www.thegaiety.ie

Townhouse Westport, Shop Street, Cahernamart

At the Townhouse Westport, owned by Ally Murphy and Paul McCarthy, you’ll find Irish iconic brands (McNutts, Molloys of Ardara), European furniture, chic tableware, and a great coffee bar! www.townhousewestport.ie

WHERE TO EAT

Top tips and hidden gems as recommended by our Food Editor Ciara McQuillan …

An Port Mór, 1 Brewery Place 

Another Mayo gem, An Port Mór is a Westport institution and it shows. A buzzy spot with charming staff and a varied menu featuring an array of Irish produce, there is a lot to love and a room full of tourists on our recent visit appeared to agree. The treacle bread to start is dangerously moreish, the crab and apple salad zingy and fresh and the not to be missed Basque cheesecake is as light and fluffy as a cloud. www.anportmor.com

Savoir Fare, Bridge Street, Cahernamart 

This tiny daytime wine bar, bistro and deli is serving up some of the best food in the country in a relaxed setting and with charming Gallic flair. The pâté en croute changes daily and a recent dish of salmon with wild garlic oil, beurre blanc, rainbow chard and asparagus was simply stunning. The selection of Irish cheeses is suitably comprehensive and served with delicious house made baguette. Adding a glass (or two) of wine is optional, but recommended. @savoir_fare

This Must Be The Place, High Street, Cahernamart

This cosy, bustling café is located in the heart of Westport, placed right behind the Clock Tower. The Clock Tower; erected in 1947, is a favourite meeting spot for locals and visitors alike and a landmark worth visiting. Aptly named, This Must Be The Place café – has an unrivalled view of the whole town. Owners Susan Timothy and Andrew McGinley opened in 2018 and have been working consistently with head chef Eoghan Kelly to serve fresh and original in this relaxing setting. Made with a host of local produce, the café serves up top notch, mouthwatering sourdough toasties, killer coffee, fresh salads, soups, homemade sweet treats and arancini to boot. You are guaranteed quality in this joint. @thismustbetheplace_westport

WHERE TO VISIT

The Westport Estate

Adventure lovers, zen seekers and fun-loving families will all find something to enjoy at this west coast wonder. The Westport Estate is 400 acres of luscious greenery and natural walking perfect for getting into nature and leisurely following long trails. At Westport House you can take a guided tour and learn the incredible history of the house with stories of kings, queens and pirates, slave emancipators and see historic art and artefacts. For the children (and whoever is willing), Westport House is home to an Adventure Park, Gaming Zone and Leisure Centre and certainly offers something for everyone. Not to mention Hotel Westport is an idyllic place to stay, after all the fun and games. www.hotelwestport.ie

The Great Western Greenway

Get stuck into the action of Westport and hire a bike for the week. It is the perfect spot for a cycling holiday, with a route for everyone from beginners to experienced cyclists, and to those looking for a leisurely wheel. With breathtaking landscapes, bridges, Greenways, lakes, rolling hills and beautiful a Atlantic coastline to experience, hopping on a bike is a great way to immerse yourself in Westport. The beautiful Great Western Greenway is a popular route. www.destinationwestport.com

Westport Cruise

Take in the views, wonders, wildlife and water of Westport in luxury on a Westport Cruise. The 90 minute journey starts at Westport Harbour and explores the 365 islands of the world famous Clew Bay formed during the last Ice Age, a seal colony of approximately 400 harbour seals, Inishgort Lighthouse, Croagh Patrick and John Lennon’s island.  An on-board guide will tell you the history of the tour while you can enjoy the scenery, the bar, café, toilets and a lounge and upper deck. Tickets are €20 for adults and €12 for children. www.westportcruises.com

Croagh Patrick

While you are in the area, why not charge the mountain and take a day trip to Croagh Patrick, just 9km west of Westport. The mountain is one of Mayo’s most famous landmarks with an incredible height of 765 metres. Climb to the top and enjoy the beautiful views of Clew Bay and the western coastline but also learn of the holy traditions and pilgrimages associated with the mountain. Thousands will climb the Holy Mountain on the last Sunday of July or “Reek Sunday,” with some stopping at the Stations of the Reek. It will be a very special day for the community and an experience you will never forget. www.destinationwestport.com

If you visit any of these spots on your next trip to Westport, Co Mayo, be sure to let us know! Tag us on Instagram using #FlyTheFlag and @theglossmag. Or email us on digital@thegloss.ie, we would love to hear from you …