The car park at Croagh Patrick is now closed to the public. The decision was taken on behalf of Mayo County Council to close the car park in Murrisk following the request by local Gardí.

This is the second time that the car park has been closed during the pandemic along with an advisory not to climb the mountain during the tightening of restrictions. The decision was made after considering the added risks both Mayo Mountain Rescue and front line services face in rescuing climbers.

For more updates, follow Destination Westport social media accounts.

After reading last Friday’s Irish Times piece ‘Covid 19: Westport braces for tough times ahead’ with interest. Japers, we thought. That’s a bit downbeat.

Now, we’re not saying that this isn’t a really, really hard time for everyone – but if there’s one thing we are not here in Westport, it’s defeatist.

We know this weird new normal is only temporary. It will pass, and when it does, we’ll be ready for the bounce. And in the meantime we’re seeing this as a challenge – and another opportunity to prove the strength of our community bonds and the depths of our compassion for one another as businesspeople, as fellow citizens and as friends.

As a town, we’re pulling together and doing our best to make sure that our amazing home-grown businesses are getting the support they need so that when this virus is kicked, those businesses will be still standing, ready to pick up where they left off.

Westport Chamber of Commerce is offering free membership to all the town’s businesses who sign up during the pandemic. Here at Destination Westport, we’re promoting a host of new ways that people can support local retailers, producers, hotels, tourism operators, fitness and wellbeing businesses, spas and more in our latest Shop Local Feature. And we’re looking forward to the bounce that will bring all our visitors back to our beautiful, friendly town.

Our Westport-based local newspaper, The Mayo News, is keeping people up to speed on the services and schemes that are there to support businesses and community members – and keeping our spirits raised too with stories that show our meitheal and community spirit, as well as tips for mental health and practical day-to-day advice for life during the crisis.

Businesses are also reaching back to the community and finding new ways to support the people who have supported them in the past – and who will again in the future. From The Yoga Root offering free and donation-based online yoga classes to Tertulia Bookshop offering to do home deliveries, and from Cornrue Bakery setting up pre-orders for its addictive sourdough to our local craft-beer producer Mescan Brewery organising a big ‘Post-Corona Party’. (We’re looking forward to that hooley…!)

Westport people are rallying to support our volunteer sector too, with the charities that look after our vulnerable members – charities like Westport Meals on Wheels and Westport Lions Club – doing stellar work and getting huge support from the community and businesses.

Yes, these are challenging times, yes this is unprecedented and bit scary. But in Westport we’re pulling together, and so we will survive together, and maybe even come out of this even stronger. Because that’s what we do here. We weren’t voted the Best Place to Live in Ireland for nothing you know!

The National Tourism Development Authority and Fáile Ireland are working closely with the Government and tourism industry here in Westport as the COVID-19 situation unfolds.

We would like to reassure locals and visitors that we are taking all the steps we possibly can to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Latest Updates:

• 19:00 March 15th – All pubs in Westport will close as of midnight tonight for two weeks.

• Our hotels & businesses that are open are maintaining the highest possible standards of cleanliness, in line with the advice and guidelines from the Health Service Executive (HSE).
• The tourism industry here is monitoring the situation closely and are following official recommendations for the protection of all here in Westport.
• Please practice social distancing, hand washing & cough ettiquite in line with the HSE guidelines.

For the latest measures that the Irish Government have taken to tackle COVID-19 please see the latest statement from the Taoiseach here.

Government Recommendations 

• We advise all visitors to Westport to adhere to recommendations from the Department of Health with regard to protecting yourself & others. If you have travelled from an affected area please note the advice given with regard to quarantine. You will find all information on the Governments of Ireland’s Website and on The Health Services Executive’s Website.

Travel and Public Transport to Westport

• For the latest travel advice, please visit the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade website.
• Public transport will continue as normal but the public is asked to follow guidelines on social distancing.
• If you’re concerned about how the COVID-19 situation could affect your travel plans, we recommend that you check with your airline, tour operator, transport and accommodation provider here in Westport directly.

Tourism Sites, Activities and Events 

• All cultural institutions and many local visitor attractions will be closed until 29th March or until further notice. This includes Westport House, Westport Leisure Park, The W Cinema, The Heritage Centre & The Town Hall Theatre.  In most instances, our walking trails (Great Western Greenway) and parklands at Westport House will remain open.
• All indoor mass gatherings of more than 100 people and outdoor mass gatherings of more than 500 people have been cancelled. This advice will be in effect until 29th March 2020. Please see our events section for event cancellation updates.

We will be updating this page as soon as we recieve further information.

Useful websites:

World Health Organization (WHO)
Visit the HSE website for updated guidance of COVID-19  (HSE)
European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)

An advert placed in Faulkner’s Dublin Journal on March 17 1767 sought people and tradesmen to help build a new town of Westport situated around an Octagon enclosed with large, well-finished slated houses, together with avenues for streets of houses.

So with 250 years of history to celebrate, the townsfolk have planned a range of events to compliment their vast existing events programme. The goal of Westport 250 is to engage with the local community, the covey diaspora, and visitors to celebrate this landmark anniversary. Listed below is a comprehensive, month-by-month run-down of the events, festivals, and celebrations associated with the Westport 250 programme.

March:
Westport 250 Launch
Street Entertainment
250 Themed Parade
Westport Lions Club Clew Bay People of the Year Awards- March 24
Connacht Series Duathlon- March 25th
National Tidy Towns Conference (With RTE’s Dermot Bannon)- March 25th

April:
Coileán: Children’s Arts Festival- April 6-9th
4 day with Drama Music and Arts events
Workshops/ Theatre Performances/ Street Acts
Mayo Day: Celebrating the Mayoness of Westport– April 30th

May:
Acoustic Yard (Song writers) Festival– 5th to 7th
Westportif – Saturday 13th
Pedal Paddle Pilgrimage – Saturday 20th
The Westport Air Show
Spraoi at The Quay- Friday 19th to Sunday 21st
A festival weekend at Westport Harbour
International Mini Meet/ Rally – Thursday 25th to Sunday 28th
1,500/2,000 Mini Cars

June:
Grainne Ale/ Pirate Queen Festival- 2nd-4th June
50th Annual Westport Horse Show- 3rd and 4th June
Westport Folk and Bluegrass Festival-9th-11th June
Westport Triathlon- 17th June
Sea Angling Festival- 23rd-25th June
Westport Food Festival- 23rd-25th June
Gael Force- 24th June
Clew Bay Garden Trail

July:
Covey Week 250 Special
Laurence Collection Exhibition
Westport Cycling Crit- 8th July
Last One Running- 23rd July
Traditional Croagh Patrick Pilgrimage Weekend- 28th-30th July

August:
Harvest Country Music Festival- August 26th-27th
Holiday Time Special
Free Family Street Events
A Variety of Street Performers

September:
Festival of Chamber Music- 8th-10th September
Westport of the Worlds- 14th-17th September
Visitors from Westports all over the world
Westport Arts Festival
250 Special

October:
Traditional Horse Fair
Westport Duathlon
Skate Festival
Halloween Fest- 27th-30th October
The Leeson Legacy – Irish Georgian Society Conference
History of Westport – Book launch
Launch of THE GREAT LEVIATHAN: The Life Of Howe Peter Brown 2nd Marquess of Sligo

November:
Rolling Sun Book Festival- 3rd-5th November
Sea to Summit- 11th November

December:
Westport Wonderland
Spectacular Christmas Themed Festival
Ice Rink – Fun Fair – Market Stalls

March 17 – March 18

In 1767, an ad was placed in Faulkner’s Dublin Journal by the 2nd Earl of Altamont Peter Browne Kelly advertising for tradesmen to build a new town as designed by architect William Leeson. This is considered the foundation year of Westport Town.

A group of people has gathered in 2017 to commemorate this landmark anniversary – to plan, oversee, promote & find the finances for a year-long programme of celebrations.

The brand new programme will run all year long and will include an Air Show, a historical conference, children’s arts festival, a worldwide gathering of Mini car enthusiasts as well as the return of the Westports of the World. The Wesport250 Steering Committee is busy raising sponsorships from corporates, funding from the council and grants to make the entire programme happen. This week, they are also giving individuals – like YOU – the opportunity to contribute to the Launch Celebrations.

The Westport250 Launch Celebration take place on St. Patrick’s weekend – the same date as the advert – and features:
• Thursday, 16th – ‘Patrick’ the hit theatre show in Westport Town Hall
• St. Patrick’s Day, Friday, 17th – A full day’s festivities on the national holiday, open-air traditional session at 1.00pm followed by the rejuvenated Westport250 themed parade culminating in open-air céilí and street musicians.
• Saturday, 18th – At noon, the Piper’s Trail and animated street theatre Westport Story will take off. Later on, the Harbour at Westport Quay is the location for Saturday’s festival programme featuring street performers including Arcana’s giant U2 heads and a spectacular fireworks extravaganza at dusk.
Let’s make it a magic moment of civic pride and a brilliant recognition of everything that we love about Westport. We are asking you to help set the tone for this year-long celebration by donating what you can – we have pledges (with rewards!!) from €25 right up to €1,000 to fit all budgets.

Lend your support and take away a pride in knowing that you’ve made this memorial event happen but also a Westport250 mug or bag, tickets to Patricks or join in the VIP Viewing of the Fireworks from the best vantage spot on top of the Coast Hotel, Westport.
Check out our FundIt Campaign for the Westport250 Launch Celebrations on St. Patrick’s Day and enjoy Alan Clarke’s inspirational video at http://fundit.ie/project/launch-of-westport250

In 1767, an ad was placed in Faulkner’s Dublin Journal by the 2nd Earl of Altamont Peter Browne Kelly advertising for tradesmen to build a new town as designed by architect William Leeson. This is considered the foundation year of Westport Town.

A group of people has gathered in 2017 to commemorate this landmark anniversary – to plan, oversee, promote & find the finances for a year-long programme of celebrations.

The brand new programme will run all year long and will include an Air Show, a historical conference, children’s arts festival, a worldwide gathering of Mini car enthusiasts as well as the return of the Westports of the World. The Wesport250 Steering Committee is busy raising sponsorships from corporates, funding from the council and grants to make the entire programme happen. This week, they are also giving individuals – like YOU – the opportunity to contribute to the Launch Celebrations.

The Westport250 Launch Celebration take place on St. Patrick’s weekend – the same date as the advert – and features:
• Thursday, 16th – ‘Patrick’ the hit theatre show in Westport Town Hall
• St. Patrick’s Day, Friday, 17th – A full day’s festivities on the national holiday, open-air traditional session at 1.00pm followed by the rejuvenated Westport250 themed parade culminating in open-air céilí and street musicians.
• Saturday, 18th – At noon, the Piper’s Trail and animated street theatre Westport Story will take off. Later on, the Harbour at Westport Quay is the location for Saturday’s festival programme featuring street performers including Arcana’s giant U2 heads and a spectacular fireworks extravaganza at dusk.

Let’s make it a magic moment of civic pride and a brilliant recognition of everything that we love about Westport. We are asking you to help set the tone for this year-long celebration by donating what you can – we have pledges (with rewards!!) from €25 right up to €1,000 to fit all budgets.

Lend your support and take away a pride in knowing that you’ve made this memorial event happen but also a Westport250 mug or bag, tickets to Patricks or join in the VIP Viewing of the Fireworks from the best vantage spot on top of the Coast Hotel, Westport.
Check out our FundIt Campaign for the Westport250 Launch Celebrations on St. Patrick’s Day and enjoy Alan Clarke’s inspirational video at http://fundit.ie/project/launch-of-westport250

James KG Hoare

Angel Cara Knight Rainbow Grace

Halford J. McKirdy

Rainbow Grace is a magical, musical adventure for the whole family now showing this summer at Westport Town Hall Theatre.  It is rated Five-F of course, for Fantastic-Family-Friendly-Fun-For Everyone!

Shows are all summer long, every Wednesday and Saturday at 2pm until August 31st. Rainbow Grace is an original tale performed by award winning brother and sister duo, James KG Hoare and Angel Cara Knight. The music and lyrics are composed by the talented and accomplished singer and songwriter, James KG Hoare.

Synopsis:

Have you ever wondered what lies at the Rainbow’s End? Grace certainly has! And now she wants to take you on an adventure, through Rainbow Space, to find out! On the journey you’ll meet some extraordinary characters; inhabitants of strange and exotic realms! There’ll be charming and wondrous music, sublime song and joyous dance. Firstly though, I must ask you three questions; Are you a kind person? Are you true of heart? Are you Brave? You see, if we are to uncover the gifts at the end of the Rainbow, we must answer YES to all these things… For the Rainbow is my friend and it’s my job to keep her precious treasures a secret!

Yours most Sincerely,

Shaun…

Shaun, The Leprechaun

So come along and dare to be dazzled and amazed! Suitable for ALL AGES 1-92! (Over 93s must be accompanied by a child.)

Here’s what audience members are saying:

Sharon Ryder reviewed Rainbow Grace — 5 star

7 hrs ·

Amazing show the kids absolutely adored it. What a talented team to write, produce and perform from scratch. The music alone is a reason to go.

Aoife M Creaby reviewed Rainbow Grace — 5 star

July 10 at 10:44am ·

Hugely entertaining for children and adults. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. A show not to be missed !

Lorraine Bullard reviewed Rainbow Grace — 5 star

July 2 at 10:12am ·

Rainbow Grace is a beautiful show which has both children and adults captivated alike. With catchy music and songs which you will be singing for days after. My 2 and a half year old son was enthralled by the beautiful singing & charismatic characters. Two amazing actors, filled with boundless energy & enthusiasm. A must see for all families over the Summer months. A wonderful production which will leave you full of love & happiness.

Melanie Smyth reviewed Rainbow Grace — 5 star

June 27 at 12:19pm ·

This is an enchanting production!! I would have to echo the sentiments from the previous reviews! I took my 2, 4 and 6 year old to see Rainbow Grace..they were completely engaged, start to finish! We will definitely be back  Congratulations to all involved, superb for the whole family, we loved it.

Catherine Hastings reviewed Rainbow Grace — 5 star

June 26 at 11:35am ·

I attended this yesterday with my four year old grandson. He is still talking about it today. Good wholesome family show. Great to see a show that has a little boy jumping, clapping, dancing, singing and shouting along. Well done to the team involved.

Sarah Billington reviewed Rainbow Grace — 5 star

June 25 at 6:24pm ·

A superb show. A must see for young families. The music is beautiful and the acting first class. It’s funny, engaging,warm and full of lovely messages. Well done Angel and James-we’ll definitely be back again over the summer. X

Between the 6th – 8th May Westport will host The Acoustic Yard Singer/Songwriters Festival primarily in the Town Hall Theatre. Over 30 international acts from around the world will be playing around the town with some free events, open mic and showcase gigs.

On Friday 6th of May the festival opens with an evening concert in the Town Hall featuring Declan O’Rourke, Anna Mitchell and Craig and Willoughby.

Declan’s debut album in 2004 ‘Since Kyabram’, debuted at no. 5 on the Irish Charts and scored double-platinum sales with his song ‘Galileo (Someone Like You)’ has been recorded and performed by many artists,including singer Josh Groban

Bap Kennedy will be playing Saturday 7th of May in the Town Hall with Kathleen Turner and they will be joined from the USA by Teresa Storch and Jeff Brown.

Belfast singer/songwriter Bap Kennedy has won a global audience for his music, which fuses elements of folk and rock with a decidedly Celtic world view. He has collaborated in the past with Van Morrison, Mark Knopfler (Dire Straits) and Galway Girl writer Steve Earle. His song “Moonlight Kiss,” also landed in the Hollywood movie Serendipity starring John Cusack.

Tickets for these two events can be booked online at www.westporttheatre.com or at the booking office 098 28459.

All other events are free including the Saturday afternoon songwriters collective between 12pm  and 5pm that includes international acts Daithi Rua from Belgium and Zia Land from Norway to popular local acts like Graham Sweeney and Brian Duffy. There is an open mic in the foyer with sign in at 11.45am and showcase gigs in the bar area.

The last day of the festival is called ‘The Songwriters Trail’ where listeners can follow the music from The Creel at the Quay via Mono Cafe, Hight St, The Gallery Wine Bar and Matt Molloy’s Bridge St. Artists on the day include Warren Attwell, Elaine Griffin, Brigid O’Neill and Kate O’Callaghan.

There is a special commemorative 20 track The Acoustic Yard Compilation CD on sale for 10 euros featuring some of the acts playing at this year’s festival. It can be bought at the Town Hall Theatre or online at www.theacousticyard.com.

The main focus of the festival is for singer/songwriters to have a platform to perform their own songs and for audiences to listen to original music in a relaxed environment and most importantly to enjoy a wonderful weekend of entertainment. Tickets for main evening gigs are €22 each night and can be bought online at www.westporttheatre.com or at the booking office (098) 28459.

‘The Acoustic Yard’ singer/songwriter sessions’ initially started up as a monthly event in Matt Molloy’s Yard Bar in Westport in February 2014. The main focus was for singer/songwriters to have a platform to perform their own songs and for audiences to listen to original music in a relaxed environment. A key aim was to help to invigorate and stimulate songwriting and to supply an evening of entertainment.

Due to the success of this event, the idea of ‘The Acoustic Yard Singer/Songwriters Festival’ was born and developed into the festival which will take place from Friday 6th – Sunday 8th May 2016, primarily in The Town hall Theatre, Westport.

The main auditorium of the Town Hall Theatre will host the headline concerts on the Friday and Saturday nights with further concerts and workshops on Saturday afternoon. The local cafes will also host some free concerts on the Sunday with a final gig to wind up the festival in Matt Molloy’s Yard Bar in the evening. The musicians will be encouraged to play and busk around the town that weekend to bring an air of festivity to the streets.

We have already booked over 30 international acts from the USA, UK, Europe and Scandinavia playing alongside some of our own home grown talent. Artists already booked include Declan O’Rourke, Bap Kennedy, Craig and Willoughby (USA/UK), Teresa Storch (USA), Daithi Rua (Belguim), Zia Land (Norway), Kathleen Turner, Anna Mitchell and many more.

The Saturday afternoon session in The Town Hall Theatre will be of an educational nature as people from all ages can meet professional songwriters who in turn will pass on their knowledge through workshops and concerts. There will also be an art exhibition in the Town Hall Theatre for that weekend around the theme of songwriting. Our festival of original music in one of the most popular music towns in Ireland will help to show a different emphasis to life here in the West of Ireland.

More info and tickets @ www.westporttheatre.com