Here are our top 10 tips for what to do in Westport:

1. Visit Westport House & Gardens. There in an entrance fee but both the house and gardens are well worth a visit and the views of the Atlantic Coast, Clew Bay and Croagh Patrick are spectacular.
2. Vist Spa Sula at the Westport Plaza Hotel. Yes, we know it is one of the hotels promoted on this site but the Spa is one of the best around and if you book any of their treatments you will emerge relaxed and refreshed and feeling a lot better than before you went in. Go on, spoil yourself.
3. Visit Matt Molloy’s pub. Now our idea of the best time to visit is on a quiet winter afternoon with the fire blazing and a fresh pint of Guinnes in your hand. But anytime of year, day or night,  it is just the quintessential Irish pub. It helps that it is owned by one of the best musicians in Ireland who played the flute with the Chieftains, one of Ireland’s most famous traditional bands. And you never know who will be playing there tonight.
4. Go fishing in Clew Bay. When the weather is right there is nothing better than a day on the water with an experienced captain and a fishing rod in hand. You can hire a boat at the Quays in Westport and you will get all the information you need at your local hotel . Booking in advance is recommended in summer. One of the skippers, Reg Varley might even grill some fresh mackerel and boil new potatoes in seawater, especially if you ask him nicely.
5. Climb the sacred mountain. Croagh Patrick has long been a place of pilgrimage for people all over the world. It is quite close to Westport, although you will need a car to get there. There is a car park and a small souvenir shop at the base and there is a well defined path to the summit. It is not a climb for the faint hearted but if you do make it, you will not only have a great sense of achievement, you will be rewarded with spectacular views of Clew Bay and the Mayo countryside. Bring sturdy climbing boots and suitable clothing, and remember, the weather can be changeable!
6. Take the kids to the beach. There are lots of beautiful sandy beaches on the road from Westport to Louisburgh. They are easy to find – just follow the signs. Most of the beaches have blue flag status and even in summer they won’t feel crowded. Dipping your toe in the North Atlantic is not allowed – go on, take the plunge, you will feel refreshed and ready for a great night out.
7. Take in a Westport festival. You don’t really need an excuse to visit Westport – but here are a few anyway! In June there is the Westport Sea Angling festival – yes we like fishing. In August there is the Westport Music festival and there is great craic in the town for the four days of the festival. In September there is the Westport Horse and Pony Show and in October there is the daddy of all Westport festivals, the Westport Arts Festival, which has something for everybody. Just enter any of the above into Google and you will find all the details. Don’t forget to come back and book your hotel!
8. Visit the Clew Bay Heritage centre. Sometimes the best way to enjoy a destination is to understand its history and heritage. The centre will give you a history of the town from pre-Christian times to the present and it is located on the Quay in Westport. And if you think your ancestors are from Mayo, well this is the place to find out more. Their genealogical service has an extensive database on computer of school records, church records, census returns, rent rolls and cemetary records.
9. Soak up the scenery. If you drive from Westport to Louisburgh, and then take the road to Leenane, you will experience some of the most beautiful scenery in Ireland. On the way to Louisburgh you will get magnificent views of Clew Bay and the islands and on the road to Leenane you will enjoy beautiful hills and mountains rising steeply from the lake shores. Look out for the National Famine monument a few kilometres outside Westport.
10. Shop till you drop. Okay, you have probably guessed with all the reference to fishing, pubs and driving that this was written by a male. But I have already thought of the kids, and it would not be fair to the fairer sex (pardon the pun) to ignore shopping in Westport. The quality of shops in Westport is simply excellent. It is very different to the big shopping centres in other parts of Ireland, it is truly local and it is truly enjoyable. The combination of narrow streets, traditional shop fronts in different colours, qulaity products both modern and traditional, and friendly professional service, makes for an enjoyable, stress free experience. And of course there are plenty of places for breakfast, lunch or refreshments – just to keep you going through the day.