A great Heritage town to visit
Westport, has miles of coastline and many beautiful beaches, these are ideal for swimming and walking.There are sailing and yachting facilities available in Westport. Westport also has a water leisure complex. There is something to do for everyone with coastal, forest and historical tracks with good, interesting and relaxing walks. For the cyclist there are also a number cycling tracks to enjoy to fantastic view as you travel along them. The famous Westport Arts Festival is on every year in September, which is a great treat for the whole family. On Reek Sunday which is the last Sunday in July a pilgrimage takes place, people of all ages from all over come to climb the mountain many in their bare feet. It is said that St Patrick spent forty days of Lent on top of the mountain praying and fasting. Fantastic views of Clew bay can be enjoyed from up there, the mountain is aproxamately six miles from the town. About 3.5 miles off the Mayo coast lies Clare Island the largest of 365 islands with awsome views and spectacular cliffs and is worth a visit. On the Quay of Westport is Clew Bay Heritage Centre a museum with full genealogical service where you can learn about the traditions of people and places. Designated as one of Irelands heritage towns Westport is an attractive and lively town. With a row of lime trees over hanging the Carrowbeg River the mall is ideal for the shopper, where you can purchase locally produced knitwear and pottery as well as everything else that you fancy. The shop fronts still have their old-world shop fronts.
More things to do
Deep sea fishing, boat fishing as well as shore fishing is very popular in Westport and cater for fishermen of all ages. For the fishermen that prefer fly fishing Mayo offers good salmon angling both on rivers and lakes throughout the county. Some of the most famous fly fisheries are Burrishoole, Delphi, Errif and Newport. Brown trout fishing is particularly good on the Moy system, Lough Cara and Mask also provide good brown trout averaging 1.5 lbs. Lough Mask is well known for the large ferrox trout which often weigh in excess of 10 lbs.
You can visit the Mayo Archery Club, they offer archery lessons for the beginner. 3D archery can be practicted on 20 3D targets in a natural area over 5 hectares, the shots vary in distance,size and elevation.
Clay pigeon shooting is also offered, the targets comply with international standards and are made to exact specifications. It is located amongst surrounding mountain ranges with fantastic views of the ocean. It is great fun if you are in a group testing out your shooting skills against one another.
A great way to discover Mayo is on cycle where you can travel along the many quiet country roads and pathways, the scenary is just breathtaking and well worth doing. The Newport/Mulranny Great Western Greenway is an 18 km cycling and walking route, this traffice free route is the longest off road cycling experience in Ireland.
For another worth while experience there are many horse riding centres, for the experienced rider as well as riding lessons for the beginner. They have a great selection of horses and ponies. On horse back you can discover many spectacular landskapes, seascapes and green fields. The horse riding centres also offer great riding treks to suit everyone.
If you’re into water sport then you can take advantage of great surfing, sailing and windsurfing offered. There are also pleasure cruises on offer where you can relax and enjoy the scenary.
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