Westport

Westport is a heritage town overlooking Clew Bay, and very close to Croagh Patrick, an important Christian pilgrimage site. It’s a compact village, with several colourful houses and shop fronts, lots of cafes, tearooms and restaurants, and an overall cosmopolitan feel. Walk down the tree-lined boulevard called the Mall, which runs parallel to the River Carrowbeg, which is criss-crossed by pretty stone bridges. From Westport, you can also go on a Clew Bay Archaeological Trail, tracing the history of the region all the way back to the Stone Age. If you’re travelling with kids, make sure you stop by at Westport House. This 500-year old mansion, surrounded by lush gardens and rich woodlands, has a long history going back to the Pirate Queen of Connacht, Grace O’Malley. Her direct descendants still own and run the place. Children will love the Pirate Adventure Park with bouncy castles and fun rides, as well as the Adventure Activity Centre with activities such as a high ropes course, tree climbing, archery, zorbing and zip lining. The house itself has a historical exhibition, which extends down to the dungeons. Children will also love the pony rides on the beaches of Westport.