Local Amenities
Westport is a Heritage Town situated in beautiful countryside on the shores of Clew Bay. It is one of Ireland’s few planned towns and a walk around town shows how beautifully designed it was. At one end of the town the benches placed along the tree lined Mall encourage you to sit and lazily watch the river flow by while at the other end you might want to sit at one of the cafes around The Octagon and watch the world pass by. The town is always bustling with life but still keeps that small town feel that’s so relaxing in these stressful times.
Arts and crafts shops on every street. So many lovely little cafes and restaurants. Not one but four swimming pools to choose from, each complete with gym, sauna and Jacuzzi and all in beautiful settings. Horse riding, golf, an Astroturf; sailing, hill and mountain climbing, surfing and adventure sports are all catered for in the area.
At Knappagh itself there is an Adventure centre and the stables at Bohea offer horse riding for beginners or will take you cantering along the beach at the bay. We are close to Brackloon Woods if you enjoy walking amongst the trees. The famed Croagh Padraig is down the road beside Beartra, only one of the many beaches close by.
If you want to drive, the Leenane Road leads out into the hills and fields of Mayo and on into Connemara. Breathtaking views are the norm around here. Of course you may just wish to enjoy exploring the local walks. And this is our backyard! How blessed are we?
Whether for the beauty of the town or countryside or “something in the water” – or the air or the character of its’ native people, artists, writers and musicians have been drawn to live or to spend some time here. The town boasts of a Folk and Bluegrass Festival in June, a Music festival in August and an Arts Festival in October. There are Art Galleries at The Custom House on the Quay, in James’ St and Bridge St. in town and the Clew Bay Hotel.
The town often hosts evenings with visiting poets and there is a monthly film club in our lovely cinema. Westport is renowned for its music…Matt Molloy’s where there’s always a traditional session in swing, not to mention regular concerts in The Yard Bar, The Porterhouse, An File at the Octagon, The Cobblers, McGings…the list of atmospheric pubs where you’ll often find live music playing goes on. Nearby Castlebar has a vibrant Arts Centre in the Linenhall as well as The Royal Theatre at the TF.
Those of us who live here find it hard to believe how lucky we are.
Old Rectory Retreat 