As autumn swirls around us, changing the colours and cooling the breeze, the lure of Westport only grows stronger. If you’ve never been here during this beautiful, bountiful season, you’re in for a real treat. From the great outdoors to the safe indoors, we have everything you could dream of for a golden autumn getaway. And rest assured, all the indoor activities listed below operate in accordance with the highest health and safety standards and follow government public-health guidelines, with patrons’ safety always top priority.

1. Westport House

While the famous Pirate Adventure Park is closed because of the pesky pandemic, there’s loads more to do at Westport House. Explore the splendour of the historic house, wander through the stately gardens, go off track and follow the woodland trails, dine at Gracy’s Pizzeria and Bistro, enjoy a stay at the campsite or live it up at Hotel Westport, the only hotel on the estate’s grounds. Or why not learn how to survive in the great outdoors at the new Family Bush Camp run by retired a retired army sergeant and UN Peacekeeper? So many choices!

2. The Yoga Root

Feel like stretching out and enjoying a healthy short break? Look no further than The Yoga Root, Westport’s first embodied health and fitness studio, where the ancient art yoga is blended with a scientific twist. The state-of-the-art waterside studio at beautiful Westport Quay offers a full line up of safe, socially distanced classes and workshops to suit all bodies and experience levels – and all in a spacious, warm and welcoming environment. Pure holiday bliss!

3. Foraging Fun

Westport’s lush hedgerows will soon be bursting with plump sweet blackberries just waiting to be plucked by eager hands. For more-organised foraging, let archaeologist Will Williams of Walk on the Wild Side bring you searching for mushrooms and other deliciously free delicacies in Westport’s woods and hedgerows and along its coastlines. With over 50 years of foraging under his belt, Will certainly knows his Chanterelles and Hedgehogs from his Fly Agarics, so you’ll be in the safest of hands while learning loads about wild food while enjoying a cook up at the end.

4. Éalú Escape Rooms

Fancy a bit of competitive fun? Teams of all ages can test their skills at the challenging games in Éalú Escape Rooms. An escape room is a game in which a small team of players are put into a themed room and they must work together to find clues, solve puzzles and crack codes to escape in the time allotted. The craic is mighty. Pit your wits against Éalú Escape Rooms’ House in the Woods, Hidden Temple and Room of Doom, or choose an outdoor escape hunt with the ‘Escape Tommy Two Thumbs’ challenge. Themes that are guaranteed to get you in the mood for Halloween!

5. The W Cinema

Settle down with a bucket of popcorn and go back in time with a classic movie at The W Cinema. Though the cinema is, of course, showing the latest blockbusters, the curse of Covid means that new releases are a little thinner on the ground. But the good people at The W have turned that into a wonderful opportunity to escape into the fantastical world of films gone by. With much-loved older films filling out the line-up, it’s a great chance to experience a classic like The Shawshank Redemption, The Karate Kid or Pretty Woman on the big screen again.

6. The Wild West

Little humans will go wild for Westport’s dedicated indoor play village, The Wild West. Let the kids run amok and tire their little legs out as you relax in the knowledge that they are happy out, safe as can be. The facilities include a toddlers’ play area, a huge wild-west-themed activity frame, numerous party rooms, a café (yes, Mum and Dad, coffee!), and a sensory room. They have thought of everything, even sourcing a hand sanitiser that is safe for toddlers and kiddies, so you can rest easy while they play the day away.

7. Savour the season

Westport is famous among the foodie set, who flock to our restaurants and gastro pubs knowing they offer the very best locally sourced, seasonal fare. You’ll find all the season’s tasty bounties on local menus – think pumpkin soup, root-veg stew, nut loaf, mountain lamb, wild mushroom risotto, venison roast, wild rabbit and platters of new-season native oysters. And for dessert, mouthwatering autumnal favourites like apple and blackberry crumble, plum and almond tart, baked pears with walnuts and Westport honey… Drool… And sure soon enough, we’ll all be searching for rings in barmbracks.

8. Forest Walks

Is there anything more autumny than kicking your way through piles of colourful freshly fallen leaves? Westport is blessed with plenty of fantastic woodland walks close by, full of deciduous delights for vibrant autumn displays. Feast your eyes on the changing colours of ancient Brackloon Woods, just 7km out the Leenane Road – or head to Old Head oak forest near Louisburgh – it’s Ireland’s only Atlantic-Oak forest that grows right on the coast. Take a half-an-hour’s spin down to the enchanting Tourmakeady Forest and its magical waterfall, or stay in town and enjoy the majestic woodlands of the Westport House Estate.

9. Westival

Craving that festival feeling? Well Westival, Westport’s much-loved music and arts festival, is going ahead this year from October 21 to 26. With a strong emphasis on homegrown talent and closer-to-home culture, it will be appropriately themed the ‘Home Fires Burning Edition’. The organisers have been working on creating a programme of events that is both exciting and safe for audiences and artists alike, so keep an eye on the Westival website and the festival’s socials to find out what’s in store.

10. Sunsets and skies

In these crazy times, there’s something really reassuring about the predictability of nature’s natural rhythms, from the changing of the seasons to the shortening of the days. And one thing’s for sure: nothing beats a sunset in the west for colour and drama, especially in the autumn. So while you’re here, be sure to head to a good vantage spot, like Westport Quay or nearby Bertra beach, to watch the sun slip below the horizon while that cleansing Atlantic breeze gently blows your worries away. It’s a hug for the soul. And we could all do with a hug right now.

Now in their 30th year, the awards recognise the best hotels and tourist attractions across Ireland based on feedback from over 25,000 customers throughout the year. Each winner achieved a customer satisfaction rating of over 92 per cent from CIE Tours International visitors, with gold award winners achieving the highest satisfaction ratings in their categories. Basking in the warm glow of a gold award is Westport’s Clew Bay Hotel, which was named Ireland’s Best 3 Star Hotel. And we’re not one bit surprised; sitting pretty on James Street, in the heart of the town, this hotel’s is a real gem – great rooms, great service, great food, great atmosphere.

Also snapping up gold, Westport Walking Tours was named Ireland’s Best Walking Tour. A well-deserved accolade if ever there was one. The yellow-clad guides of Westport Walking Tours have built a stellar reputation for entertaining visitors with their informative, hour-long guided walks around Westport town. The operation was set up by Stephen and Alan Clarke, whose family have been part of the fabric of Westport since its beginnings, and each of the Westport Walking Tour guides know just about all there is to know about the area.

And the plaudits did not end there! Four-star Hotel Westport received a Merit Award of Excellence for delivering an exceptional quality experience and welcome to tourists, while another Merit Award of Excellence – this one in the Visitor Attraction category – went to beautiful Westport House, which encompasses the heritage house itself, its stunning grounds and its famous Pirate Adventure Park.

Kudos must also go to two other Mayo tourism offerings that also won awards: Close-by Ballintubber Abbey also received a Merit Award of Excellence in the Visitor Attraction category, while The Lodge at Ashford Castle, down the road in Cong, was named Best 4 Star Hotel.

Congratulations to all the winners – we’re very proud of you!

Are you ready to scare yourself silly this Halloween?!

Westport House will be hosting it’s annual Halloween Fest in the Basement from 26th and 31st October from 11:00am to 5:00pm.

Get ready for plenty of ghoulish delights, scary stories and creepy fun that all the family will be able to enjoy!

• Head to the Haunted Basement of the Historic House, transformed for Halloween Fest.
• Gather ‘round the cauldron for Scary Story Time, with wicked tales from the White Witch of Westport.
• Brave souls can visit the dark dungeons, where the Pirate Queen Grace O’Malley locked up her prisoners.
• Carve a creepy pumpkin* and decorate some ghoulish goblin cakes at the Spooky Spoons Workshop.
• Get your Michael Jackson zombie moves on at the Thriller Dance Class.

Your ticket to Halloween Fest includes all of the above AND  full use of the Pirate Adventure Park where you will enjoy thrilling and exciting rides like:

• Cannonball Run, the Pirate Queen Swing Ship and the Pirates Plunge!.
• Run amok and enjoy all of our new attractions for 2019 including the Mini Ferris Wheel, Jump Around,  Kiddie Zipwires,
• If you enjoy the great outdoors, try Disc Golf  or stroll along our new 3.5km walking trail
• If you or your little one has sensory needs, please visit our Sensory Space.
• The tiny ones will love the Pirate’s Den  Indoor Softplay and Tiny Town Imaginative Play – two indoor experiences for the smallies to enjoy.
• Slow it all down with a relaxing lake drift in the Swan Pedalos or hop aboard the Westport House Express.

You and all the family will be sure to have a ‘spooktacular’ time this Halloween at Halloween Fest!

Have a Howl at Halloween Fest at Westport House. Shauna Baynes, Jude Rowland aged 2 from Belcarra, Castlebar who took part in a Jack O’Lantern Workshop at Westport House Halloween Fest. Pic: Michael Mc Laughlin

With a tingle of terror, we offer you five frighteningly fabulous Halloween events that are taking place in Westport or close-by. Something to sink your teeth into at Samhain. So rev up your broomsticks and read on… if you dare…

1. Halloween Fest at Westport House

Can you imagine a more perfect setting for spooky shenanigans than a historic house, complete with its own real-life dungeons? 

Westport House’s renowned annual Halloween Fest is specially designed for families, with loads on offer – from the bone-chilling basement, ghoulishly transformed for the season that’s in it, to Scary Story Time with wicked tales from the Westport’s very own White Witch. There’s pumpkin carving, goblin-cake decorating, and even a Thriller dance class, where little ones (and big ones!) can learn Michael Jackson’s legendary zombie moves. 

This year’s Halloween Fest runs from October 26 to October 31, from 11am to 5pm each day. Tickets (€70) include full access to the estate’s famous Pirate Adventure Park. For more, see westporthouse.ie.

2. Spooky Tours

Ireland is the heartland of all things Samhain, and to find out more about our eerie heritage, head over to the National Museum of Country Life in Turlough Park on Tuesday, October 29. Learn about changelings, fairies, banshees and bogeymen as tour guide Brendan McDonnell brings you on a terrifyingly good Halloween-themed tour of the National Folklife Collection.  

This event, which starts at 2.30pm, is part of the Halloween at the Museum programme, which runs from October 26 to November 2 and includes talks about bats and scary storytelling. See museum.ie/country-life for more details of all events. Booking required.

3. Yarns for Youngsters

Part of the Westival programme, Yarns for Youngsters sees storyteller return with grisly tales to thrill little ones and get their imagination bubbling. Kids will be enthralled as she reads from the famous classic folk-story collection, ‘Old Peter’s Russian Tales’ – including ‘Baba Yaga’, the story of a child-eating witch who lives in a house that walks on chicken’s legs, and ‘Prince Ivan and Witch Baby’, the tale of a young prince’s adventures as he runs from the clutches of his little witch sister, who has iron teeth and likes to eat people. Perfect Halloween fare! 

Yarns for Youngsters takes place in West Coast Rare Books, James Street, Westport, on Saturday, October 26, at 11am, and again at Books at One in Louisburgh on Sunday, October 27, at 12.45pm. This family event is free of charge.

4. Dracula Live

Experience Dracula like you never have before, with Westival’s screening of the 1931 classic starring the legendary Bela Lugosi, complete with a dramatic live score that was commissioned by the Bram Stoker Festival in 2016 – think macabre music performed live, with haunting vocals and nerve-shredding guitar riffs. The film’s heart-stopping visuals and scintillatingly scary musical score are guaranteed to unsettle, startle and fill you with dread. How delicious! If an evening with the blood-thirsty Count doesn’t get you in the mood for Halloween, nothing will…  

Dracula Live takes place in the state-of-the-art Westport Town Hall Theatre on Monday, October 28, at 7pm. For tickets (€15) and more details, see westival.ie.

5. Festival Halloween Ball

Who says Halloween is just for kids? Westival – Westport Music and Arts Festival – takes place from October 23 to October 28, and the Westival Halloween Ball is a devilishly delightful opportunity for grown-ups to create startling costumes and slither, shiver and shimmy alongside fellow creepy creatures of the night. 

This year’s theme is Shock and Awe… Will your frock shock, or will your outfit inspire awe? Go on, get your ghoulish garb on and dance the night away to terrifyingly good tunes from three top-tier Irish acts – zombie-dance the night away to funky Zaska, hip-hop duo TPM and deck diva DJ Glamo. 

The Westival Halloween Ball takes place at Westival Club at The Mill Times on Sunday, October 27, from 10pm. For tickets (€25), see westival.ie.

The wonderful, lush estate of Westport House is being extensively and sensitively restored, with some major landscaping projects underway. Many have been finished, while others are ongoing. All are worth taking the time to see and admire. Make sure to take in the Italianate gardens, with their 3,000-year-old Greek sarcophagus; the rose garden, with its rows of crimson blooms; the colourful freshly planted terraces; the enchanting river walk and much, much more.

2. Adventure park

Ah now, who doesn’t love the heart-stopping thrill of a good fun-ride? Westport House’s famous Pirate Adventure Park has thrills galore, from the Plunge Log Flume Ride to the Pirate Queen Swinging Ship to the Cannon Ball Run Slide. The Pirate Adventure Park also boasts a brand new inflatable – the Pirate Ship Obstacle Course. A whole 24 metres of pure playfulness, it features a high slide and plenty of hoops for children to jump through. Have fun watching the kids wobbling around, trying to get from one end of the course to the other.

3. Gracy’s

Gracy’s Pizzeria and Bistro, just beside the farmyard and campsite, is a firm favourite all year round with locals and visitors alike. With mouthwatering meals, delicious local craft beers and plenty of live entertainment in the evenings, this all-day restaurant serves a wide selection of gastro grub to tickle all taste buds. 

The guardians of little humans will be delighted to know that Gracy’s is also right beside the Pirates’ Playground, which has a slide, climbing frames, rockers and a gorgeous traditional carousel. Sit back and watch on as the kids burn off the calories while you loll around chatting over a local tipple. Perfect!

4. Pedaloes

No trip to Westport House would be complete without a ride on the famous pedaloes on the estates beautiful lake. These eight-foot-high swan-shaped pedalo boats allow four pedalling passengers to take in stunning views of the house and gardens, with the real swans that reside on the lake gliding alongside. What a perfect way to work off that pizza from Gracy’s.  

5. Dungeons

Brave souls and macabre minds will want to inspect the house’s dungeons, formed from the foundations of the castle built almost five centuries ago by the Pirate Queen, Grace O’Malley or Grainuaile. Dark and dank, exactly as dungeons should be, visitors can easily imagine the chained prisoners, the chests of gold, and the plotting of pirates past.

6. Westport House Express

Who needs the Orient Express when you’ve got the Westport House Express? Hop aboard thid brightly-coloured, fully-enclosed miniature train and take a guided tour around Westport House Estate, Westport Quay and Westport Town. This train ride is a simply brilliant way to get a feel for your surroundings and hear some fascinating local stories – a great experience for passengers of all ages.

For fans of the outdoor life, why not take the family camping without any of the hassle?  Hire your own Bell Tent from Westport House Caravan and Camping Park and you won’t have to worry about putting your tent up or taking it down, phew! With a wonderfully laid-back vibe, a genuine community spirit, great bathroom and showering facilities, sleeping under the stars with the kids has never been easier.  Air mattresses with sheets and pillows, kitchen box, lights and bins are all provided, all you need to bring is your bedding and towels. Westport House Caravan and Camping Park sits in the farmyard of the historic 400-acre estate grounds, the ideal spot to rest your head after a busy day touring the Wild Atlantic Way or running riot around the Pirate Adventure Park.

Tucked away in a beautifully restored 18th-century cut-stone mill, The Harbour Mill’s award-winning four-star holiday apartments are a great base for Westport adventures.
Check out their Family Wild Atlantic Way Midweek Offer for the summer season where you can enjoy a two night midweek stay in a 2-bedroom (sleep 4) apartment from just €319. This offer includes 1 day bike hire to cycle the highly acclaimed Great Western Greenway which, at 42km, is the longest off-road walking and cycling trail in Ireland. Don’t worry if you and your crew are not fit enough for all those miles, the bike hire includes one way shuttle service, allowing you to cycle as much, or as little, as you wish. Your complimentary breakfast hamper contains all the ingredients you’ll need to set yourself up for the day ahead on yer bike!

This summer, Knockranny House Hotel encourages guests to see the Wild Atlantic Way from another perspective entirely, with their summer SUP (Stand Up Paddleboarding) package from €160 pps. Enjoy two nights bed and breakfast with dinner on one night created by multi-award-winning chef Seamus Commons, and the added excitement of an SUP session out on the water at Old Head beach with their paddleboard experts showing you the ropes…or the ores!

Four-star Hotel Westport located on the grounds of Westport House is the perfect haven for families this summer. Grab your family a bargain with 1 nights B&B from €109 in total for 2 adults & 2 kids under 12 yrs. If that wasn’t enough you can also avail of the 25% discount for Pirate Adventure Park in Westport House with free entry the following day exclusive to Hotel Westport guests only. This offer is valid from valid 3rd June – 12th July & 25th August – 1st September.

In the heart of Westport, the family-run Clew Bay Hotel is offering guests a really great gastronomic getaway. Their midweek dine around package from 2 nights for €150 pps in June, give guests a taste of Westport on each evening of their stay in a choice of Westport’s Award-Winning Restaurants. Enjoy a two-course dinner in the hotels newly refurbished Madden’s Restaurant & then choose from any of the following four top restaurants in Westport the following night which includes; Sage, An Port Mór, Cian’s on Bridge St and The Corkscrew & Pantry, all within 3-5 minute walk from Clew Bay Hotel itself.

To burn off those extra holiday calories they also have a great stay & cycle package from just €119 pps which includes a two nights B&B, 1-day bike hire and transport to Achill Island to begin your cycle.

If you’re looking for the perfect family hotel break in Westport, then the go!kids! Club at Westport Woods Hotel is designed especially for you. Your children will love it and – just as importantly – so will you as Westport Woods Hotel & Spa is a family-friendly hotel. The club is designed for the enjoyment of kids and the peace of mind of parents. So while your children are having a blast in the club, you’re free to enjoy our gym, our pool, our sauna, or just sink into a couch in the lobby with the newspaper and a fresh cup of coffee. 2 Night Family Break start from €335 in total for 2 Adults and 2 Kids Sharing.

Westport Hotel Group is comprised of three beautifully appointed four-star hotels – the Westport Plaza Hotel and The Castlecourt Hotel (pictured) in the heart of the town, and the Westport Coast Hotel overlooking the shores of Clew Bay at Westport Quay. The three sister hotels have the following fabulous summer deals.

The Castlecourt Hotel

One night B&B for 2 Adults and 2 Children from €178 in total. The hotel also offers family-friendly dining at the Mini Orchard Restaurant where the kids get to create their own dessert.

Westport Plaza

One night B&B from €69 per person sharing.

Westport Coast Hotel

Fancy a family break by the coast? One night B&B for 2 adults and 2 children from €178 in total.

Easter egg hunt at Westport House

Every year, Westport House and Estate throw a massive Easter egg hunt on Easter Sunday, from 11am to 6pm. Anyone with a ticket to Westport House’s famous Pirate Adventure Park can join in, no extra charge. The house’s own mascot – the legendary Pinkie Rabbit – will be on hand to add some extra hoppiness to the fun.
The first 300 children to complete the hunt will receive a free Easter egg and be in with a chance to win some great prizes in a draw that will take place at 5 pm. If that wasn’t enough, the estate’s theme park is opening eight new attractions this Easter with exciting new rides and activities aimed at keeping the little ones entertained. A day of hunting for chocolate and exploring a pirate-themed adventure park? Yes please!

Westport Easter Walking Festival

The days are longer at last, and the pull of the mountain path is strong. Westport’s annual Easter Walking Festival, which traditionally takes place over the Easter weekend, is the perfect way to get back in your stride. The two-day hike includes an ascent of Connacht’s highest mountain, Mweelrea (814m) and an ascent of Leenane Hill (730m), just over the county border. The whole adventure is led by experienced guide Gerry Greensmyth, a fount of knowledge about the local history and folklore of the routes covered. See Croagh Patrick Walking Tours for information on special hotel rates for festival goers, as well as more information on the festival.

Divine chocolate

What do you think of when you think of Easter? For many people, it will be some strange combination of religion, chocolate, lambs and bunnies. At Kylemore Abbey in Letterfrack, just a 40-minute drive from Westport, you’ll find a wonderful combination of the first three. The abbey’s Benedictine nuns are not only esteemed educators, they are also master chocolatiers, producing heavenly homemade chocolate so divine you’d think the devil himself was at work. Best of all, they make gorgeous lamb-shaped chocolates too! Who needs Easter eggs when you can have chocolate lambs?! After gorging yourself on chocolate and the other delights on offer at the abbey’s café or its tea house, you can head out and walk off all those extra calories by taking a stroll in the beautiful grounds of the abbey, admiring the gardens and estate in their full springtime glory.

Ballintubber

For those wishing to experience Easter in its true Christian sense, the moving and inspiring ‘Passion Play’, or ‘The Triumph of Easter’ as it is also called, is staged annually each Holy Week in the grounds of historic Ballintubber Abbey. Every year since 1982, the men, women and children of Ballintubber (it involves around 90 people altogether) come together to put on this powerful drama, which centres on Jesus’s journey on the Road to Calvary, his crucifixion and subsequent rising from the dead.  This is no amateur show – the production, the lights and the sound are top quality and a stand, and sheltered seating has recently been erected to shelter the audience from any stray drops of rain. The performances take place on the  Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of Holy Week, with shows starting nightly at 9 pm. Patrons are advised to arrive from 8.30pm to be seated and to dress warmly. There is no admission fee, but donations will be accepted by local bucket collectors after the performance. The usual Easter ceremonies take place during the rest of the week, including an early morning lakeside Mass on Easter Sunday.

Count sheep

Lambing season is in full swing around Easter time, and where better than Westport to get up close and personal with an adorable little ball of fluff? A two-minute drive out of town in any direction and you’re bound to see a gang of them gambolling and gallivanting around a green field. Could anything be more uplifting than watching a little troupe of little lambs running, jumping and springing, full of the joys of life? Guaranteed to melt the hardest heart. If you’d like to get closer, visit Catherine O’Grady Powers (pictured) at Glen Keen Farm, 14 miles south of Westport Town. Family-run and one of the largest sheep farms on the Wild Atlantic Way, it sits smack-bang in an area that has been deemed a special area of conservation for its natural beauty, unique habitats and wildlife. Visiting families can experience all sorts of demonstrations, from sheep herding to sheep shearing and even wool spinning!

Westport

Westport House

The English name ‘Westport’ dates from around 1780. However, references to the town by its Irish name, Cathair na Mart, go back a good two centuries earlier. It was referred to as Cathair na Mart in the Annals of the Four Masters (c. 1583), and later Anglicised as Cahernamart in a letter from Sir Richard Bingham (1592) and as Cahernamarte in the Strafford Survey of Co Mayo in 1635.

Cathair na Mart, or Stone Fort of the Beeves, refers to a 16th-century castle owned by the powerful sea-faring O’Malley family, who controlled the Clew Bay area. The most famous of the O’Malley clan was of course the strong Pirate Queen Grace O’Malley, chieftain of the clan and ancestor of the Brownes of Westport House.

The castle forms the foundations of Westport House, and amazingly, a portion of it is still visible in the building’s dungeons. The historic home, open to the public, is situated in a magnificent parkland setting, with a lake, terraces and gardens overlooking Clew Bay, not to mention an adventure park for lots of pirate-based family fun.

Murrisk

Killadangan West Standing Stone is situated on a salt marsh on the southern shore of Clew Bay, about 5km west from Westport and 2km east of Murrisk, Co. Mayo. Pic: Michael Mc Laughlin

Murrisk lay at the centre of Umhall, one of the old Irish Kingdoms of Connacht. Meaning ‘low’,  Umhall referred to the land between Clew Bay and Killary to the south, part of the lands ruled by the O’Malley clan. The name Murrisk is an Anglicisation of old Irish – either ‘Muir-Iasc’, a sea monster worshipped by people in Pagan times, or ‘Muir-Riasc’, a marsh by the sea. The latter does seems more plausible, if a little less colourful.

Murrisk does boast an amazing sea marsh. Not only is it a haven for wildlife, it contains an archaeological complex that dates to the Bronze Age, and contains a circular enclosure and a mysterious row of five standing stones. Four of the stones are upright, while the fifth has fallen down. This last stone points towards Croagh Patrick.

Archaeologists believe these stones could be bronze-age burial markers, territorial markers or even key solar- and lunar-event markers. The most recognised theory is that they mark the winter solstice. The height of these stones increases from north to south drawing the eye up to a niche on Croagh Patrick’s slope. On December 21 each year, at about 1.50pm, the sun dips into this niche, directly in line with the row of stones; it rests there for about ten minutes before disappearing the far side of the mountain.

There is also a local legend about these stones. The King of Killadangan, Queen Maedb’s brother-in-law, sent a lazy servant called Thulera to the stones to check the upcoming tide, as he wanted to find a way to force the sea and tide under his command. However, the lazy servant fell asleep and both king and servant drowned.

Or maybe the sea monster ate them.

Aughagower

If you think you’re going to be tripping over goats when you visit Aghagower and its ancient round tower, you’d be wrong. Agha comes from Achadh, meaning ‘field’; and while ‘gobhair’ does mean ‘goats’, in this instance, ‘gowar’ actually refers to ‘ghobhair’ or ‘fhobhair’, which mean ‘spring’ – so Aughagower means Field of the Springs.

True enough, a crystal-clear spring did once flow up through the Well of the Deacons (Tobair na nDeachan), which can still be seen in the village today. Pilgrims would stop here to quench their thirst as they travelled to Croagh Patrick. Dabhach Phádraig (Patrick’s vat or tub) is also still in the village – a circular bath surrounded by a stone wall, which St Patrick is thought to have used as a washing place. Cleanliness is next to godliness after all.

Mulranny

Trawoughter Bay Mulranny

Mulranny (sometimes spelled ‘Mallaranny’) comes from the Irish term ‘Mhala Raithní’, meaning ‘the hill-brow of the ferns’. This gorgeous seaside village at the foot of the Nephin Mountain Range sits prettily on the N59, alongside the 42k Great Western Greenway.

With a name like that, it’s no surprise that the village and its surroundings are blessed with bountiful beautiful fauna, which include colourful giant fuchsias, atmospheric ferns and rare Irish heath (also known as Mediterranean Heather).

Ireland’s only stand of Mediterranean Heather is found above the seashore here, thriving in the area’s mild climate since the Ice Age. Its brittle evergreen foliage offers up deep-pink, honey-scented flowers in winter and spring. The latter is celebrated each summer during the Mulranny Mediterranean Heather Festival. Mulranny also boasts an EDEN (European Destination of Excellence) award – not hard to see why!

Ballintubber

Celtic crosses stand silent in the graveyard of ballintubber Abbey as the sun rises near Westport Co. Mayo. Pic: Michael Mc Laughlin

Nestled at the foot of the Partry Mountains is the ancient and picturesque village of Ballintubber, which derives its name from the Irish ‘Baile an Tobair’ meaning the village of the well – St Patrick’s Well, no less. Before the patron saint’s time, it was known among pagan people as the Well of Creevagh (from ‘craobhnach’, meaning ‘shrubbery’), and it is said that it was the lush greenery around the well that first attracted the saint to the site.

When Patrick arrived in 441AD, he used its waters to baptise those who he converted to Christianity. Beside the well lies a stone that is believed to carry an imprint of the saint’s knee, where he knelt to pour water on the newly recruited Christians’ heads.

The well is located on the grounds of the magnificent Ballintubber Abbey, and open for viewing.

Spring is a great time to visit Westport. Outside the hustle and bustle of the summer season, it’s the perfect time to watch the town really come to life. We have compiled a list of the best hotel offers this spring to suit any type of traveller from family adventures, gastronomic getaways to the perfect couples retreats. There’s never been a better time to go west so why not come and see for yourself?

The Wyatt Hotel is a charming 3* boutique style hotel located in the heart of Westport town boasting a renowned welcoming atmosphere popular with visitors and locals alike. This bustling property has 90 tastefully decorated rooms, an upmarket Brasserie, a lively traditional Irish Bar, as well as an award winning Restaurant.

To celebrate the launch of the Wyatt’s 30 new deluxe bedrooms, they’ve just launched a “New Bedroom Sale” offering overnight B&B for just €65 in total for 2 sharing. You’ll stay in one of their beautifully appointed new rooms which feature lavish decor, deluxe beds, air conditioning & contemporary finishes throughout.  All guests can also avail of free leisure centre access at the 4* Westport Leisure Park, Wi-Fi, Parking and amazing atmosphere throughout the hotel. The Wyatt is also Westport’s only Pet-Friendly hotel if you fancy bringing your four-legged friend! Nightly supplements apply on Pet-Friendly bedrooms.

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In the heart of Westport, the family-run Clew Bay Hotel is offering guests a great priced midweek spring break, two nights B&B and dinner in their restaurant (which is a real hit with the locals) for €75. The hotel is located right in the heart of town and within walking distance of all of Westports best sights and sounds. This offer is only available from February 2020 to April 2020 excluding Bank Holidays so get booking quick!

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You can’t beat the warm welcome of the family run Knockranny House Hotel which boasts panoramic views of Westport town, Clew Bay and of course the majestic Croagh Patrick. A perfect vantage point to watch Westport come into bloom. Their spring break deal for €115pps includes two nights midweek with breakfast each morning overlooking Clew Bay, a scrumptious Afternoon Tea for two along with a two-course meal in either La Fougère Restaurant or Brehon Bar on the night of your choice.

And while your there, make sure to visit Knockranny’s gorgeous Spa Salveo’s vitality pool and thermal suite which is complimentary with this package or book a blissful spa treatment to melt away any leftover winter woes!

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Westport Hotel Group is comprised of three beautifully appointed four-star hotels – the Westport Plaza Hotel and The Castlecourt Hotel (pictured) in the heart of the town, and the Westport Coast Hotel overlooking the shores of Clew Bay at Westport Quay. The three hotels are beautifully appointed and all have a great atmosphere. Recently the Castlecourt have refurbished their leisure centre which is well worth checking out if you decide to stay in The Plaza or in their sister hotel next door. If scenery is your thing, The Coast hotel located down on Westports Harbour is a must stay with beautiful walks and views of Clew Bay right on it’s doorstep.

The Plaza Hotel – Westport Town Center
Mega 40! One Night B&B from €40pps available Midweek 1st Feb – 2nd April.

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The Coast Hotel – The Quays Westport
Mega 30! One Night B&B fr 30pps Available midweek 1st February – 2nd April.

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The Castlecourt Hotel – Westport Town Centre

Mega 30! One Night B&B fr 30pps Available midweek 1st February – 2nd April.

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Four-star Hotel Westport located on the grounds of Westport House is rolling out the red carpet for family breaks this spring. Check out their fantastic two or three-night offers for Febuary midterm from €360 & St Patrick’s weekend from €499, for two adults & up to two children under 12yrs sharing a standard family room. These offers also include a four-course dinner on one evening of choice for the adults in The Islands Restaurant. Guests are also free to use of the leisure facilities which include 20m pool with children’s splash pool plus your little VIPS will have hours of fun in the hotels PANDA CLUB. Kids dinner is served each evening and they will get to hang out with Petie the Panda while adults can sit back and enjoy a leisurely bite to eat in the AA Rosette Islands Restaurant or in the Maple Bar.

The hotel is great for a family break as it’s located in 400 acres of woodland, lakes and parkland in the heart of Westport Town and only a hop, skip and a jump away from Westport House & Pirate Adventure Park.

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Nestled in a 300-year-old wood, just outside the town, the 4 star Westport Woods Hotel is popular amongst returning visitors to the area. This spring they are offering a two night Family Break for two adults and two kids sharing just €249 in total. Enjoy breakfast each morning and a three-course evening meal on one evening. Their GoKids Club will ensure that your kids are kept busy and their leisure centre with 18-metre swimming pool will be open for you all to splash around in. Catch a family bargain with February Midterm, 14th – 23rd just €249 in total.

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