The town of Westport in County Mayo is often overlooked by tourists. It is about two hours north of the invisible line between Dublin and Galway.
In Westport, your kids can discover the Legend of Pirate Queen and Westport House, climb the Croagh Patrick, cycle around the Great Western Greenway, saddle up on horseback and more.
In this guide, let’s cover the top 8 things that you can enjoy as a family in Westport.
Westport House and Pirate Adventure Park
Are you a fan of Pirates of the Caribbean? Want to have the real pirate feeling? Then Westport house is the best place for you! Here, the Pirate Adventure Park, Halloween festival and Winter Wonderland are on top of the list.
Westport house was first built in 1650 by Colonel John Browne and his wife Maud Burke. The interesting fact is, Maud Burke was one of the Pirate Queen’s great-great-granddaughters!
This house remained in the Browne family but recently almost 30 rooms are open to the visitors. For activities, the grounds of Westport House have a Pirate Adventure Park, Birds of Prey centre, and Adventure Activities including archery and orienteering.
You will be surprised to know the Pirate Adventure Park, voted for Ireland’s Best Family Visitor Attraction! It is open during mid-term breaks and throughout the summer season. Your kids can’t calm them down riding the Plunge Log Flume Ride and the Pirate Queen Swinging Ship.
Also you can chill on cruises around the grounds on the Westport House Express, or take a tour of the lake on the swan-shaped pedalos.
Learn the details about the Westport adventure from here. Also, make your trip from here.
Croagh Patrick
Croagh Patrick is considered the holiest mountain in Ireland. Interestingly, the tradition of pilgrimage to this holy mountain stretches back over 5,000 years!
But what’s the history behind the name Croagh Patrick? In 441 AD St. Patrick climbed this mountain and fasted for forty days. The hike to the top can be strenuous and is not for everyone.
If you want to hike into this Holy Mountain then do rent walking sticks from the visitor centre and plan at least 3 hours for your climb.
Or if you have the view of Croagh Patrick from the base, then the National Famine Monument, Clew Bay Archeological Trail and Murrisk Abbey are also worth visiting!
The Great Western Greenway
Do you kids love cycling? If yes then the Great Western Greenway will be a treat for them! You can explore many greenways that link Westport to other towns, communities and natural wonderlands around Clew Bay.
Stretching 43 km from Achill Island to Westport, the Great Western Greenway is the perfect route for your bike. Also, the Great Western Greenway follows the region’s historic railway tracks all the way out to Achill Island and Clare Island. Here, you can choose to ride the entire route, or just a small portion of it.
For the kids, the greenway has to offer riders an easy ride across some of Ireland’s most beautiful natural landscapes. The trails are suitable for all levels of experience and fitness, making it the perfect activity for families.
If you want to rent a bike, Clew Bay Bike Hire is a good option. Beside cycling, they can also arrange a soothing kayak experience.
The Wild Atlantic Ocean
From Westport, you can enjoy the best view of the Atlantic ocean. You will witness the roaring sea, slapping against the rugged coastline. And the best thing is, Westport is home to two of Mayo’s pristine Blue Flag beaches, in Achill and near Louisburgh.
You can chill or build sandcastles with your kids on The shore on Bertra Beach. If you are visiting on a calm day, then go for paddle boarding at Old Head. Or you can rent a board too and cruise the waves on Carrownisky Strand or Cross Beach.
The Wild Atlantic Way will surely refresh your mind.
Horse Riding
One of the most interesting activities in Westport is Horse riding. And when children come in, then it becomes a must do activity for sure! Plus from horseback, you will discover Westport’s expansive landscapes the most.
With your horse, you can trot around Clew Bay, and enjoy from windswept beaches to narrow country lanes on your own! Besides, guided horse and pony treks are also offered through hotels and stables in the Westport area. Your kids will get the thrill and you don’t need to worry about their safety.
From here, you can book your ride!
The Wild West Indoor Play Village
Want to occupy your kids for hours?
Then the Wild West Indoor Play Village can be a treat!
Here, you don’t need to book in advance, just show up on the day and enjoy the indoor activities. Splatball and FootGolf are some of the more eccentric activities on offer in this corner of the country. There is also a cool place named “sensory room” for brain development.
Besides, campsite, caravan park and glamping village has different facilities where you can stay! Join their adventure club to build the confidence of your child.
Here, you will find everything about this place!
Graune Pet Farm
Your kids will get to make friends with sheeps, pigs, rabbits, puppies, llamas and alpacas. Yes, it is a little far from Westport town (about 50 minute drive), but it is worth it.
They also have school tours which start from just €13.00. There are also options for accommodation!
You can pack your bags for a few days and get in touch with nature with your kids. And no need to worry about the food. Restaurant is available inside from where you can watch your kids playing around.
Here are all the details you need to know.
Letterkeen Woods
If you want to go for a challenging task then Letterkeen Woods is a good option for you. This wonderful yet challenging looped trail provides views of pristine landscapes. This trail is wild and remote but the scenery is truly breathtaking.
This 10.1 km loop trail is considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 3h to complete. This is a popular trail for hiking and running, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. The best time to visit this trail is August.
The trail is marked by purple arrows as signpost still downloading the offline map before setting out is better. It is also boggy in parts all year round so appropriate footwear is needed.
That’s it. That’s our guide for things to do in Westport as a family. I tried to pick the ones that I think will suit the most. I have had personal experience with most of them and can vouch that you will have a good time, no matter whichever one you pick.
