Gather in Westport in 2013 and celebrate your Irish connections

The Octagon, the centre-piece town square and monument from James Wyatt's 18th century plan. Pic: Bert Kaufman/Creative Commons

Whether you’re Irish born, Irish bred or Irish in spirit, The Gathering is a great chance for you to get involved in a year-long celebration of Irish connections. It’s about asking everyone to come and join us for a series of amazing and diverse events throughout 2013. Many of Westport’s multitude of festivals are planning extra-special events in 2013 and if you visit Westport during The Gathering Ireland 2013 you’ll witness it all for yourself.

The great outdoors

One of the many new bridges built on the Great Western Greenway, with the ancient Burrishoole Bridge in the background.

Westport is fast becoming the top spot in Ireland for lovers of the great outdoors, both on land and on the water. Mayo’s distinctive and unspoilt natural beauty is a stunning backdrop for any outdoor activity. People of all ages use Westport as a base for walking, surfing, cycling, kayaking, horse riding and sailing.

The Great Western Greenway, a walking and cycling trail along the disused railway track from Westport to Achill, is complemented by many more trails in the hills and mountains. Clew Bay and the Atlantic coast have a host of uncrowded surf waves and pristine Blue Flag beaches.

This call of the wild is reflected in events like Gaelforce, a race which sees 2,000 people climb Croagh Patrick, kayak across Killary Harbour and cycle 45.5km.

Arts and culture

Seasick Steve headlined Sunday night at Westport Festival of Music 2012

Westport also has a thriving year-round cultural and social scene, packed with events like Westport Festival of Music and Performing Arts, Westport Arts Festival and Westport Folk and Bluegrass Festival. Music of all kinds is a regular feature in many pubs, and Westport has a strong reputation for quality Trad music, with Matt Molloy of Chieftains fame regularly playing in his own pub.

Westport’s thriving community of artists exhibit all year round in Custom House Studios and in the many galleries, restaurant and coffee shops around the town.

Food

You’ll also find some of the best restaurants in the country, many using the finest local ingredients to create fabulous food. Westport’s growing reputation as a place for great food is being cemented by the annual Westport Food Festival.

Attractions

Attractions like Westport House and the Ceide Fields are within easy reach, as is the National Museum of Country Life near Castlebar if you’d like to delve into our history and learn how Ireland has changed. And if you’re more interested in your own connection to Ireland, there are plenty of genealogy resources on offer.