Best of Westport

Top itineraries and travel advice in and around Westport
Set along an idyllic stretch of the Carrowbeg River, Westport is a small town with tree-lined streets, a vibrant music scene and an array of historic sights. You can venture back in time at the Westport House, a Georgian mansion full of 18th-century period furnishings, or join locals over frothy pints at Matt Molloy’s and other music-filled pubs around town. Westport’s leafy lanes and verdant greenways make pleasant settings for a stroll, but even more dramatic scenery lies outside of town. Croagh Patrick is Ireland’s holiest mountain, and photogenic Clew Bay is said to have an island for every day of the year. 

Westport is a famous destination for cycling. The Great Western Greenway connects Westport with Achill Island on a 27-mile (44-km) route that follows the coastline and passes through villages, forests, farmlands and bogs along the way. You can learn about Ireland’s marine life while looking for seal colonies and dolphins on a guided kayaking tour of Clew Bay. Hikers shouldn’t miss the half-day hike up Croagh Patrick. At the 2507-foot (764-m) summit, you can admire the view (assuming the clouds are cooperating) and contemplate the stomping ground of St Patrick, who allegedly spent 40 days fasting on the mountaintop. Another memorable place to explore is Achill Island, with its sea cliffs, pristine beaches and top-notch seafood restaurants.
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View of Achill Island
Map of Hiking Ireland's Atlantic Way - 8 Days
Hiking Ireland's Atlantic Way - 8 Days

Immerse yourself in the culture and nature of western Ireland on this 8-day hiking trip. Enjoy hearty Irish pub meals, spend your days hiking on the rocky cliffs and wind-swept moors, and spend the night in comfortable accommodations in town. See medieval and prehistoric ruins and hear stories of bygone eras as you explore Mayo County's highlights: iconic Croagh Patrick, beautiful Clew Bay, and the stunning views of Killary Fjord.

Wander Northern Ireland's Belfast and hop aboard the Belfast Eye
Map of North Ireland Road Trip: Belfast, Donegal, Westport & Galway - 10 Days
North Ireland Road Trip: Belfast, Donegal, Westport & Galway - 10 Days

This relaxed 10-day trip takes you on a scenic self-drive tour of Ireland's north. Pick up your car in Dublin and head to Northern Ireland to spend two days exploring Belfast and the Giant's Causeway. Cross into Ireland to journey through the counties of Donegal, Sligo, Mayo, and Galway, where you'll stand atop the majestic Slieve League cliffs, hike up Connemara National Park's rugged mountains, and drive sections of the spectacular Wild Atlantic Way. Spend your evenings in charming and atmospheric towns like the music hub of Westport, the picturesque harbor of Portstewart, and the bustling bayside of Donegal.

Stop for a photo-op at Antrim's Dark Hedges
Map of Family-Friendly Travels in Northern Ireland & the West - 14 Days
Family-Friendly Travels in Northern Ireland & the West - 14 Days

This two-week family adventure starts with a drive from Dublin to Belfast, Northern Ireland's capital city. Learn about the historic HMS Titanic and see the murals of Belfast's Peace Walls, then visit the natural wonders of the Giant's Causeway and Antrim Waterfalls. Tour a working sheep farm, see wild deer in Glenveagh National Park, and explore the night skies at County Mayo's Dark Sky Park. Your trip ends back in Dublin with the interactive EPIC Museum and the city's many family-friendly parks.

Winding roads through Connemara National Park.
Map of North Ireland Road Trip: Belfast, Donegal & Galway - 8 Days
North Ireland Road Trip: Belfast, Donegal & Galway - 8 Days

Discover the scenic highlights of Ireland's north on this varied 8-day self-drive trip. Starting in the ancient streets of Dublin, you'll set off by car to tour wild coastlines and charming towns at your own pace. Explore Belfast and tick the Giant's Causeway off your bucket list in Northern Ireland before crossing into Ireland to hike in the majestic Connemara National Park, discover the atmospheric music town of Westport, and end your adventure in the vibrant cultural capital of Galway. 

The Giant's Causeway
Map of Northern Ireland & Dublin Road Trip - 8 Days
Northern Ireland & Dublin Road Trip - 8 Days

Independent travelers will experience the magic of Northern Ireland on their own terms with this self-guided road trip itinerary. Start with an informal walking tour of Dublin, then pick up your rental car and begin your adventure. You'll experience the vibrant culture of Galway, go hiking in Connemara and Glenveagh National Parks, tick the Giant's Causeway off your bucket list, explore Belfast, and see more charming corners of the Emerald Isle.

Stay two nights in the charming town of Westport while exploring County Mayo
Map of Ireland's Ultimate Self-Drive Adventure - 15 Days
Ireland's Ultimate Self-Drive Adventure - 15 Days

Take 15 days to loop around the island of Ireland at a relaxed pace. Starting in Dublin, head clockwise to check off several beautiful counties in the south and west, like Wicklow, Cork, Kerry, Clare, Mayo, and Donegal while staying in charming towns along the way. Spend the last few days of the trip exploring Northern Ireland's transformed capital and its coastal gems to complete this once-in-a-lifetime journey.

Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way
Map of Road Trip Adventure on Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way - 15 Days
Road Trip Adventure on Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way - 15 Days

Explore Ireland's famous Wild Atlantic Way on this adventurous 15-day road trip. Start in Dublin, where you'll walk the River Liffey and visit historic Trinity College. Then, it's off to Cork and Kenmare for a drive of the scenic Sheep's Head Loop and the ancient stone circles of Bonane Heritage Park. Travel via cable car over the ocean to Dursey Island, drive the rugged coastlines of the Ring of Kerry, and hike to the top of the majestic Sliabh Liag before returning to Dublin for museum visits and whiskey tastings.

Hiking at Slieve League in Donegal
Map of Northern Ireland Self-Drive Adventure - 10 Days
Northern Ireland Self-Drive Adventure - 10 Days

Looking for a trip to Ireland that mixes culture and history with outdoor adventure? This ten-day road trip has it all. Kick off the trip in Dublin, where you'll sightsee and taste locally brewed beer, then move onto colorful Galway before visiting one of the Aran Islands. You'll hike in Connemara National Park and visit 19th-century Glenveagh Castle, finishing up the trip with a trip to Giants Causeway and a final day and night in bustling Belfast.

Begin and end your Irish adventure in Dublin
Map of Ireland Self-Drive Cultural Tour - 9 Days
Ireland Self-Drive Cultural Tour - 9 Days

Go off the beaten track on this self-drive history and cultural tour of Ireland that takes you to some of the country's most beautiful regions and noteworthy landmarks. From Dublin, you'll visit ancient burial mounds, travel the Wild Atlantic Way, hike through national parks, and tour historic castles. For a bit of fun, you'll enjoy nights out at local pubs and walking tours of vibrant cities like Galway and Dublin.

the sea cliffs at Downpatrick Head on the coastline of County Mayo, Ireland
Wild Atlantic Way Self Drive Adventure - 14 Days

Get ready for mile after mile of unforgettable memories. On this road trip along the Wild Atlantic Way— the longest defined coastal route in the world—you'll enjoy rugged scenery, gorgeous coastline, and off-the-beaten-path adventures from County Donegal’s remote Northern Headlands down to the picturesque southern peninsulas.

Cliffs of Moher
Map of Ultimate Ireland Road Trip: Dublin, Killarney, Doolin, Westport & More - 14 Days
Ultimate Ireland Road Trip: Dublin, Killarney, Doolin, Westport & More - 14 Days

This ultimate self-driving tour of Ireland is filled with adventures in historic towns and along scenic coastlines. Start in Dublin before exploring the villages of Laragh, the medieval Rock of Cashel in Cork, and the hiking trails in Kinsale. Then, tour Killarney, the Ring of Kerry, and Inch Beach off the Dingle Peninsula. The final leg of the road trip takes you to the must-see Cliffs of Moher, bohemian Galway, and two historic national parks before a final night in Derry.

Kick off the trip in Northern Ireland as you drive along the scenic Antrim Coast
Map of Irish Self-Drive Adventure: Belfast to Dublin - 11 Days
Irish Self-Drive Adventure: Belfast to Dublin - 11 Days

Explore the cities, coast, villages, and countryside of Ireland's north on this active 11-day adventure. It begins in Belfast with city tours, followed by a road trip to highlights like the Antrim Coast, Giant's Causeway, and Glenveigh National Park. After sampling fine Irish whiskeys at the Bushmills Distillery, you'll visit castles and hill forts on your way to colorful Galway, eventually finishing the trip on the wild streets of Dublin.

Cross the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge in Ballycastle
Map of Northern Ireland & the West Coast - 13 Days
Northern Ireland & the West Coast - 13 Days

Experience highlights of both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland on this adventure-filled 13-day trip. Pick up your SUV rental car in Dublin and drive counterclockwise, first to Belfast, then on to the dramatic northern Causeway Coast, and down the west coast's Wild Atlantic Way. There'll be castles and culture aplenty, but the driving itself is one of the stars of the show, with spectacular views of mountains, lakes, cliffs, and sweeping beaches.

Walk up to a waterfall in Northern Ireland at Glenariff Forest Park
Map of Best of Northern & Western Ireland - 13 Days
Best of Northern & Western Ireland - 13 Days

This exciting self-guided road trip creates a major loop through the upper half of the Emerald Isle, hitting an impressive number of key attractions along the way. Start your adventure in Dublin and Belfast before heading counterclockwise along the northern coast, west to County Donegal, and south on the Wild Atlantic Way. Active types will appreciate the many opportunities to hike among Ireland's awe-inspiring scenery—and your feet will be rewarded with a luxury castle stay at the end of the trip.

Brightly painted houses in the seaside town of Cobh
Map of Ultimate Ireland Road Trip: Dublin, Galway & Belfast - 14 Days
Ultimate Ireland Road Trip: Dublin, Galway & Belfast - 14 Days

Get ready to immerse yourself in Irish culture, history, and landscapes with this two-week, self-drive adventure. Starting in Dublin, you'll head south to explore highlights like the Rock of Cashel, the Ring of Kerry, and Killarney National Park. Continue up the wild west coast to the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher, and make a quick detour to the windswept Aran Islands. Revel in the culture and traditional music of Doolin, Westport, and Galway before crossing into Northern Ireland, where you'll discover the otherworldly geology of the Giant's Causeway and end your journey in the bustling streets of Belfast.

Other popular travel destinations in Ireland
Dublin · County Kerry · Killarney · Galway · Dingle Peninsula · Doolin · Dingle Town · Northern Ireland · Belfast · Killarney National Park · Cork · Kenmare · County Cork · Kinsale · Donegal · Birr · Tralee · Ballycastle · Letterkenny · Laragh · Clifden · Sligo · Limerick · Aran Islands · Kilkenny · Waterford · Donegal town · Portmagee