Mary's Guidebook

Mary
Mary's Guidebook

Sightseeing

Cong. Sitting on a sliver-thin isthmus between Lough Corrib and Lough Mask, Cong complies with romantic notions of a traditional Irish village. Time appears to have stood still ever since the evergreen classic The Quiet Man was filmed here in 1951. Despite the large numbers of tourists, the wooded trails between the lovely old Abbey and stately Ashford Castle offer genuine quietude. Home to some important monastic ruins and a gloriously over the top castle, Cong also offers some tempting activities such as lake cruises, and falconry lessons. CONG ABBEY. An evocative reminder of ecclesiastical times past, the weathered shell of Cong Augustinian Abbey, founded in 1120, occupies the site of an earlier 6th century church. Several finely sculpted features have survived the centuries of exposure to the elements, including a carved door-way, windows and lovely medieval arches . From the Abbey, take a walk along the path to the river. Here lies the most memorable feature – the monks fishing house built midway over the river so that the monks could haul their catch straight up through a hole in the floor. There would have once been a cord to a bell in the kitchen, letting the cooks know to get the pot on. ASHFORD CASTLE. Once owned by the Guinness family, this Victorian Castle is now a luxurious Hotel. Non residents can walk around the 350 acres of parkland surrounding the castle (for a fee) from 9am-5pm. The Cong area is honeycombed with limestone caves, each of which – in true Irish style has a colourful legend or story to its credit. One of the best is the Pigeon Hole, a deep limestone gash in pine forest about 1.5km west of Cong. It can be reached by road or by walking track from across the river. Steep and slippery steps lead down into the cave, where subterranean water flows in winter.
58 locals recommend
Cong
58 locals recommend
Cong. Sitting on a sliver-thin isthmus between Lough Corrib and Lough Mask, Cong complies with romantic notions of a traditional Irish village. Time appears to have stood still ever since the evergreen classic The Quiet Man was filmed here in 1951. Despite the large numbers of tourists, the wooded trails between the lovely old Abbey and stately Ashford Castle offer genuine quietude. Home to some important monastic ruins and a gloriously over the top castle, Cong also offers some tempting activities such as lake cruises, and falconry lessons. CONG ABBEY. An evocative reminder of ecclesiastical times past, the weathered shell of Cong Augustinian Abbey, founded in 1120, occupies the site of an earlier 6th century church. Several finely sculpted features have survived the centuries of exposure to the elements, including a carved door-way, windows and lovely medieval arches . From the Abbey, take a walk along the path to the river. Here lies the most memorable feature – the monks fishing house built midway over the river so that the monks could haul their catch straight up through a hole in the floor. There would have once been a cord to a bell in the kitchen, letting the cooks know to get the pot on. ASHFORD CASTLE. Once owned by the Guinness family, this Victorian Castle is now a luxurious Hotel. Non residents can walk around the 350 acres of parkland surrounding the castle (for a fee) from 9am-5pm. The Cong area is honeycombed with limestone caves, each of which – in true Irish style has a colourful legend or story to its credit. One of the best is the Pigeon Hole, a deep limestone gash in pine forest about 1.5km west of Cong. It can be reached by road or by walking track from across the river. Steep and slippery steps lead down into the cave, where subterranean water flows in winter.
https://www.coillte.ie/site/clonbur-wood/ This is a looped walk from Clonbur to Cong off road through some amazing new and old trails in woodland. The walk is as long or short as you like as you can double back to your car at any time. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clonbur From Rosshill Cemetery in Clonbur you can access the woodland walks to Big Island and White Island. These are easy and short walks.
9 locals recommend
Clonbur
9 locals recommend
https://www.coillte.ie/site/clonbur-wood/ This is a looped walk from Clonbur to Cong off road through some amazing new and old trails in woodland. The walk is as long or short as you like as you can double back to your car at any time. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clonbur From Rosshill Cemetery in Clonbur you can access the woodland walks to Big Island and White Island. These are easy and short walks.
Leenane Killary Harbour. The small and sleepy village of Leenane ( approx 12 miles from Bencorragh Lodge) is a nice scenic stopover on the dramatic shores of Killary Harbour . Mussel rafts dot the long narrow harbour 16 km long and 45 m deep in the centre, which looks like a fjord but which may not have been glaciated. Mt Mweelrea (819m) towers to the north . Killary Adventure Centre www.killary.com is very well run and worth checking out activities include canoeing, kayaking, sailing, rock climbing, clay-pigeon shooting, wind surfing, waterskiing, and archery to name a few . Leenane Hotel is well worth a visit for snacks or dinner or just to break your journey. There are seaweed baths at the Hotel worth a visit but booking advisable. ( www.leenanehotel.com) Blackberry Cafe Ph: 095-42254 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clonbur in the village near the sweep of pubs beside the bridge, serves Connemara smoked salmon, chunky chowder, hot smoked trout and other treats it is a gem of a bistro.. booking essential also as very busy in high season.,
24 locals recommend
Leenaun
24 locals recommend
Leenane Killary Harbour. The small and sleepy village of Leenane ( approx 12 miles from Bencorragh Lodge) is a nice scenic stopover on the dramatic shores of Killary Harbour . Mussel rafts dot the long narrow harbour 16 km long and 45 m deep in the centre, which looks like a fjord but which may not have been glaciated. Mt Mweelrea (819m) towers to the north . Killary Adventure Centre www.killary.com is very well run and worth checking out activities include canoeing, kayaking, sailing, rock climbing, clay-pigeon shooting, wind surfing, waterskiing, and archery to name a few . Leenane Hotel is well worth a visit for snacks or dinner or just to break your journey. There are seaweed baths at the Hotel worth a visit but booking advisable. ( www.leenanehotel.com) Blackberry Cafe Ph: 095-42254 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clonbur in the village near the sweep of pubs beside the bridge, serves Connemara smoked salmon, chunky chowder, hot smoked trout and other treats it is a gem of a bistro.. booking essential also as very busy in high season.,
Connemara National Park. Immediately south east of Letterfrack, Connemara National Park (www.npws.ie www.heritageireland.ie ) This large park comprises 2,000 hectares of bog, mountain and heath. The visitor centre is in a beautiful setting off a parking area 300m south of the Letterfrack crossroads. The park encloses a number of the Twelve Bens, including Bencullagh, Benbrack and Benbaun. The heart of the park is Gleann Mor through which the River Polladirk flows. There’s fine walking up the glen and over the surrounding mountains. There are also short self-guided walks and, if the Bens look too daunting, you can hide up Diamond Hill nearby. The visitor’s centre offers an introduction to the park’s flora, fauna and geology, and visitors can scrutinise maps and various trails here before heading out into the park. Various types of flora and fauna native to the area are explained, including the Mothra-sixed elephant hawkmoth. Guided nature walks July and August ( check website) depart from the visitor centre. They last two to three hours and cover rough, boggy terrain.
300 locals recommend
Connemara National Park
300 locals recommend
Connemara National Park. Immediately south east of Letterfrack, Connemara National Park (www.npws.ie www.heritageireland.ie ) This large park comprises 2,000 hectares of bog, mountain and heath. The visitor centre is in a beautiful setting off a parking area 300m south of the Letterfrack crossroads. The park encloses a number of the Twelve Bens, including Bencullagh, Benbrack and Benbaun. The heart of the park is Gleann Mor through which the River Polladirk flows. There’s fine walking up the glen and over the surrounding mountains. There are also short self-guided walks and, if the Bens look too daunting, you can hide up Diamond Hill nearby. The visitor’s centre offers an introduction to the park’s flora, fauna and geology, and visitors can scrutinise maps and various trails here before heading out into the park. Various types of flora and fauna native to the area are explained, including the Mothra-sixed elephant hawkmoth. Guided nature walks July and August ( check website) depart from the visitor centre. They last two to three hours and cover rough, boggy terrain.
KYLEMORE ABBEY AND LAKE. A few kilometres east of Letterfrack is Kylemore Abbey ( www.kylemoreabbey.com) visitor centre and church and restored walled Victorian gardens. Magnificently situated on the shores of a lake, this crenellated 19th century neo-Gothic fantasy was built for a wealthy businessman Mitchell Henry, who spent his honeymoon in Connemara. His wife died tragically young. During WW1 a group of Benedictine nuns left Ypres in Belgium and eventually set up in Kylemore, turning the place into an Abbey. They also established an exclusive boarding school for girls which closed in 2010. Kylemore’s tranquillity is shattered in high summer with the arrival of dozens of tour coaches per day , each one followed through the gates by an average of 50 cars ( yes, about 2,750 cars per day)
15 locals recommend
Kylemore (Abbey Entrance) station
15 locals recommend
KYLEMORE ABBEY AND LAKE. A few kilometres east of Letterfrack is Kylemore Abbey ( www.kylemoreabbey.com) visitor centre and church and restored walled Victorian gardens. Magnificently situated on the shores of a lake, this crenellated 19th century neo-Gothic fantasy was built for a wealthy businessman Mitchell Henry, who spent his honeymoon in Connemara. His wife died tragically young. During WW1 a group of Benedictine nuns left Ypres in Belgium and eventually set up in Kylemore, turning the place into an Abbey. They also established an exclusive boarding school for girls which closed in 2010. Kylemore’s tranquillity is shattered in high summer with the arrival of dozens of tour coaches per day , each one followed through the gates by an average of 50 cars ( yes, about 2,750 cars per day)
Roundstone. Clustered around a boat-filled harbour, Roundstone is one of Connemara’s gems. Colourful terrace houses and inviting pubs overlook the dark recess of Bertraghboy Bay, which is home to lobster trawlers and traditional curraghs, with tarred canvas bottoms stretched over wicker frames. Wander the short promenade for views over the water to ribbons of eroded land. Just south of the village, in the remains of an old Franciscan monastery, is Malachy Kearns ‘ Roundstone Musical Instruments ( www.bodhran.com ) Kearns is Ireland’s only full-time maker of traditional bodhrans. Watch him work and buy a tin whistle, harp or booklet filled with Irish ballads. There’s also a small free folk museum and a cafe.
58 locals recommend
Roundstone
58 locals recommend
Roundstone. Clustered around a boat-filled harbour, Roundstone is one of Connemara’s gems. Colourful terrace houses and inviting pubs overlook the dark recess of Bertraghboy Bay, which is home to lobster trawlers and traditional curraghs, with tarred canvas bottoms stretched over wicker frames. Wander the short promenade for views over the water to ribbons of eroded land. Just south of the village, in the remains of an old Franciscan monastery, is Malachy Kearns ‘ Roundstone Musical Instruments ( www.bodhran.com ) Kearns is Ireland’s only full-time maker of traditional bodhrans. Watch him work and buy a tin whistle, harp or booklet filled with Irish ballads. There’s also a small free folk museum and a cafe.
Clifden. Connemara’s capital Clifden is an appealing Victorian-era country town with an imperfect oval of streets offering evocative strolls. It is an attractive small town but also gets very busy in summer and is worth seeing before lunchtime if possible. Heading directly west from Clifden’s Market Square, Sky Road traces a spectacular loop out to the township of Kingston and back to Clifden, taking in some rugged, stunningly beautiful coastal scenery en route. The round trip of 12 km can be easily walked or cycled , or if short on time , you can also drive.
90 locals recommend
Clifden
90 locals recommend
Clifden. Connemara’s capital Clifden is an appealing Victorian-era country town with an imperfect oval of streets offering evocative strolls. It is an attractive small town but also gets very busy in summer and is worth seeing before lunchtime if possible. Heading directly west from Clifden’s Market Square, Sky Road traces a spectacular loop out to the township of Kingston and back to Clifden, taking in some rugged, stunningly beautiful coastal scenery en route. The round trip of 12 km can be easily walked or cycled , or if short on time , you can also drive.

Outdoor activities.

PETERSBURG OUTDOOR EDUCATION CENTRE www.petersburg.ie This wonderful outdoor centre caters for all tastes and levels check out their website for updates, this centre is only 6km from Bencorragh Lodge on the road to Clonbu
14 locals recommend
Petersburg Outdoor Education Centre
14 locals recommend
PETERSBURG OUTDOOR EDUCATION CENTRE www.petersburg.ie This wonderful outdoor centre caters for all tastes and levels check out their website for updates, this centre is only 6km from Bencorragh Lodge on the road to Clonbu
LETTERFRACK . Founded by the Quakers in the mid-19th century, Letterfrack is ideally situated for exploration of Connemara National Park, Renvyle point and Kylemore Abbey. The village is barely more than a crossroads with a few pubs, but the forested setting and nearby coast are a magnet for outdoor adventure seekers. A 4km walk to the peak of Tully Mountain takes 40 minutes and affords wonderful ocean views. Scenery north of Letterfrack along the coast especially from Tully Cross east to Lettergesh and Salruck,Glassil-laun beach is a breathtaking expanse of pure white sand.
18 locals recommend
Letterfrack
18 locals recommend
LETTERFRACK . Founded by the Quakers in the mid-19th century, Letterfrack is ideally situated for exploration of Connemara National Park, Renvyle point and Kylemore Abbey. The village is barely more than a crossroads with a few pubs, but the forested setting and nearby coast are a magnet for outdoor adventure seekers. A 4km walk to the peak of Tully Mountain takes 40 minutes and affords wonderful ocean views. Scenery north of Letterfrack along the coast especially from Tully Cross east to Lettergesh and Salruck,Glassil-laun beach is a breathtaking expanse of pure white sand.
Beautiful grounds and loads of history to explore through with the kids. Keep rain jackets with you for your walk out doors. https://www.museum.ie/en-IE/Museums/Country-LifeMUSEUM OF COUNTRY LIFE, CASTLEBAR The Museum of Country Life is housed in an award-winning, modern design space, beautifully reflected in the lakeside setting of Turlough House and park, close to Castlebar. Admission is free to this museum which attempts to recreate for the visitor 100 years of rural life in Ireland from 1850-1950. The exhibitions are themed to portray the closeness and dependence Irish people had on the land or sea at the time. Which is reflected not just in the objects they designed and often made by hand to fit the task required ie fish traps and animal feeders, but in the wealth of folklore and customs that surrounded the changing of the seasons, including both pagan and Christian rituals. Some of which survive today and many that have been forgotten. What is unique about this collection is that you can get up close and personal with most of the objects on display, as they are not housed in typical, hands off style glass cabinets, giving a real insight into the texture, relevance and authenticity of the While many of the items are originals, kindly donated to the Museum of Country Life, quite a few are modern recreations, assurance again that certain crafts will survive into the 21st century. Indeed there are regular craft workshops and an excellent straw, rushes and hay exhibition, it seems that just about anything was made out of straw once upon a time, from horse bridles to babies cradles. What fascinated me most was the folklore surrounding births, marriages and even death and the customs associated with latter day Christmas, Easter, May Day and Halloween celebrations which had there origin in much older pagan traditions, highly recommended. 10 Hidden Gems near the Museum of Country Life 1 Turlough House in the grounds is worth a visit as it is furnished in the style of landlords house in the 18th century, you can even see where the tenants used to pay their rent through a hole in the wall 2 The restored Victorian greenhouses are also worth a peek, the last time I was there they were bursting with exotic and colourful hot house flowers. 3 Castlebar itself is a large market town with a nice square from which most of the activity and shops in Castlebar radiate.
60 locals recommend
National Museum of Ireland - Country Life
60 locals recommend
Beautiful grounds and loads of history to explore through with the kids. Keep rain jackets with you for your walk out doors. https://www.museum.ie/en-IE/Museums/Country-LifeMUSEUM OF COUNTRY LIFE, CASTLEBAR The Museum of Country Life is housed in an award-winning, modern design space, beautifully reflected in the lakeside setting of Turlough House and park, close to Castlebar. Admission is free to this museum which attempts to recreate for the visitor 100 years of rural life in Ireland from 1850-1950. The exhibitions are themed to portray the closeness and dependence Irish people had on the land or sea at the time. Which is reflected not just in the objects they designed and often made by hand to fit the task required ie fish traps and animal feeders, but in the wealth of folklore and customs that surrounded the changing of the seasons, including both pagan and Christian rituals. Some of which survive today and many that have been forgotten. What is unique about this collection is that you can get up close and personal with most of the objects on display, as they are not housed in typical, hands off style glass cabinets, giving a real insight into the texture, relevance and authenticity of the While many of the items are originals, kindly donated to the Museum of Country Life, quite a few are modern recreations, assurance again that certain crafts will survive into the 21st century. Indeed there are regular craft workshops and an excellent straw, rushes and hay exhibition, it seems that just about anything was made out of straw once upon a time, from horse bridles to babies cradles. What fascinated me most was the folklore surrounding births, marriages and even death and the customs associated with latter day Christmas, Easter, May Day and Halloween celebrations which had there origin in much older pagan traditions, highly recommended. 10 Hidden Gems near the Museum of Country Life 1 Turlough House in the grounds is worth a visit as it is furnished in the style of landlords house in the 18th century, you can even see where the tenants used to pay their rent through a hole in the wall 2 The restored Victorian greenhouses are also worth a peek, the last time I was there they were bursting with exotic and colourful hot house flowers. 3 Castlebar itself is a large market town with a nice square from which most of the activity and shops in Castlebar radiate.
An unmissable experience with Joe and his dogs. This is near to Finny o the shores of lough Na Fooey.
8 locals recommend
Joyce Country Sheepdogs
8 locals recommend
An unmissable experience with Joe and his dogs. This is near to Finny o the shores of lough Na Fooey.
Well worth doing if this is your thing. Located in Cong in the grounds of Ashford Castle.
8 locals recommend
Ashford Equestrian Centre
8 locals recommend
Well worth doing if this is your thing. Located in Cong in the grounds of Ashford Castle.
A place of unspoilt beauty with blue flag beaches. Off the tourist trail, lots of looped walks and cycling. On the Wild Atlantic Way. Doable on a day visit from Finny. Allow two hours to get there.
Blacksod
A place of unspoilt beauty with blue flag beaches. Off the tourist trail, lots of looped walks and cycling. On the Wild Atlantic Way. Doable on a day visit from Finny. Allow two hours to get there.

City/town information

Bright and vibrant even in the depths of winter, Westport is a photogenic Georgian town with tree –lined streets, a riverside mall and a great vibe. With an excellent choice of restaurants and pubs renowned for their music, it’s an extremely popular spot yet has never sold its soul to tourism. A couple of kilometres west on Clew Bay, the town’s harbour, Westport Quay is a picturesque spot for a sundowner. Named Ireland’s tidiest town on more than one occasion, it is also a Heritage Town. Westport consists of two parts: the town proper and Westport Quay on Clew Bay just outside the town on the road to Louisburgh. Westport is Mayo’s nightlife hub and its central location makes it a convenient and enjoyable base for exploring the county.
141 locals recommend
Westport
141 locals recommend
Bright and vibrant even in the depths of winter, Westport is a photogenic Georgian town with tree –lined streets, a riverside mall and a great vibe. With an excellent choice of restaurants and pubs renowned for their music, it’s an extremely popular spot yet has never sold its soul to tourism. A couple of kilometres west on Clew Bay, the town’s harbour, Westport Quay is a picturesque spot for a sundowner. Named Ireland’s tidiest town on more than one occasion, it is also a Heritage Town. Westport consists of two parts: the town proper and Westport Quay on Clew Bay just outside the town on the road to Louisburgh. Westport is Mayo’s nightlife hub and its central location makes it a convenient and enjoyable base for exploring the county.

Shopping.

Galway City. Well worth a visit for shopping and sightseeing. Don’t miss Charlie Byrne’s bookshop in Middle St. Kenny’s bookstore and gallery, High St, Collegiate Church of St Nicholas of Myra on Market St, Spanish Arch, Fish and chips in Galway’s best chipper in MCDonagh’s in Quay St, and Neachtain’s pub in Upper Cross St. Tours. If you’re short on time, bus tours departing from Galway are a good way to see Connemara, the Burren or the Cliffs of Moher, while boat tours take you to the heart of Lough Corrib. Tours can be booked directly from the tourist office. Burren wild tours ( www.burrenwalks.com) seasonal bus tours to the Burren and the Cliffs of Moher incorporating an easy 90 minute guided mountain walk. Corrib Princess www.corribprincess.ie Lally coaches. www.lallytours.com Entertaining, informative bus tours of Connemara, or the Burren and the Cliffs of Moher with local guides.
153 locals recommend
Galway City
153 locals recommend
Galway City. Well worth a visit for shopping and sightseeing. Don’t miss Charlie Byrne’s bookshop in Middle St. Kenny’s bookstore and gallery, High St, Collegiate Church of St Nicholas of Myra on Market St, Spanish Arch, Fish and chips in Galway’s best chipper in MCDonagh’s in Quay St, and Neachtain’s pub in Upper Cross St. Tours. If you’re short on time, bus tours departing from Galway are a good way to see Connemara, the Burren or the Cliffs of Moher, while boat tours take you to the heart of Lough Corrib. Tours can be booked directly from the tourist office. Burren wild tours ( www.burrenwalks.com) seasonal bus tours to the Burren and the Cliffs of Moher incorporating an easy 90 minute guided mountain walk. Corrib Princess www.corribprincess.ie Lally coaches. www.lallytours.com Entertaining, informative bus tours of Connemara, or the Burren and the Cliffs of Moher with local guides.
A designated Heritage Town set in the shadow of the Reek (Croagh Patrick), Westport is a picturesque town with tree-lined boulevards and stone bridges over the Carrowbeg River. With its multi-coloured shopfronts, charismatic cafés and unique restaurants, it is little wonder that this Clew Bay town has become one of Ireland’s most popular destinations. Top 10 Things to Do in Westport Escape the bustle of urban life by cycling (or walking) the award-winning Great Western Greenway, Ireland’s longest off-road cycling and walking trail! Sea to Summit: Whether you are on the top of Croagh Patrick or at the bottom of Bertra Strand, the views are incredible. The Westport area is spoilt with beautiful beaches, and there are many viewing points on the way up to the summit of Croagh Patrick (for those less able to complete the climb). The Pirate Adventure Park (at Westport House) is an ideal place for a family day out, with swinging ships, log flume rides, slides, swan pedalo boats, a miniature railway, go-karting and lots more! Explore the Blueway - a network of water trails where you can experience a variety of water based activities, in a safe controlled environment. At Old Head beach, there’s a snorkelling trail, a kayaking trail, and you can also try coasteering and stand-up paddle (SUP) boarding! Pamper yourself … Westport has an impressive selection of luxurious leisure centres & award-winning spas … perfect for a day of indulgence. There are several Arts venues in Westport, including the Custom House Studios and many private galleries dotted around the town. The Westport Arts Festival has been running for over 40 years and is a beacon for both aspiring and internationally famous artists, performers, writers and musicians. Play a round of golf. Westport Golf Club is one of Ireland’s finest parkland courses, set in the scenic splendour of undulating parklands on the shores of Clew Bay, with breathtaking views of Croagh Patrick. Take the Westport Train Tour - all-weather sight-seeing tour telling the fascinating story of the town. It is 45 mins long and you’ll see at least 46 sights along the way! (March to October) Have a Blast! Westport is a great place for some unique adventures, such as zorbing, archery, paintball, laser combat, bubble soccer, zip-wiring and splatball! As a designated Heritage Town, there are plenty of historical sites to explore in Westport, such as Westport House & Gardens, St. Mary’s Church and Aughaval Cemetery. The town itself is full of historical architecture and you can discover more in the Clew Bay Heritage Centre.
141 locals recommend
Westport
141 locals recommend
A designated Heritage Town set in the shadow of the Reek (Croagh Patrick), Westport is a picturesque town with tree-lined boulevards and stone bridges over the Carrowbeg River. With its multi-coloured shopfronts, charismatic cafés and unique restaurants, it is little wonder that this Clew Bay town has become one of Ireland’s most popular destinations. Top 10 Things to Do in Westport Escape the bustle of urban life by cycling (or walking) the award-winning Great Western Greenway, Ireland’s longest off-road cycling and walking trail! Sea to Summit: Whether you are on the top of Croagh Patrick or at the bottom of Bertra Strand, the views are incredible. The Westport area is spoilt with beautiful beaches, and there are many viewing points on the way up to the summit of Croagh Patrick (for those less able to complete the climb). The Pirate Adventure Park (at Westport House) is an ideal place for a family day out, with swinging ships, log flume rides, slides, swan pedalo boats, a miniature railway, go-karting and lots more! Explore the Blueway - a network of water trails where you can experience a variety of water based activities, in a safe controlled environment. At Old Head beach, there’s a snorkelling trail, a kayaking trail, and you can also try coasteering and stand-up paddle (SUP) boarding! Pamper yourself … Westport has an impressive selection of luxurious leisure centres & award-winning spas … perfect for a day of indulgence. There are several Arts venues in Westport, including the Custom House Studios and many private galleries dotted around the town. The Westport Arts Festival has been running for over 40 years and is a beacon for both aspiring and internationally famous artists, performers, writers and musicians. Play a round of golf. Westport Golf Club is one of Ireland’s finest parkland courses, set in the scenic splendour of undulating parklands on the shores of Clew Bay, with breathtaking views of Croagh Patrick. Take the Westport Train Tour - all-weather sight-seeing tour telling the fascinating story of the town. It is 45 mins long and you’ll see at least 46 sights along the way! (March to October) Have a Blast! Westport is a great place for some unique adventures, such as zorbing, archery, paintball, laser combat, bubble soccer, zip-wiring and splatball! As a designated Heritage Town, there are plenty of historical sites to explore in Westport, such as Westport House & Gardens, St. Mary’s Church and Aughaval Cemetery. The town itself is full of historical architecture and you can discover more in the Clew Bay Heritage Centre.