Things to do in Westport

Ride a horse along the beach with sweeping views of Clew Bay. Explore the coastline at a leisurely pace and admire views of local landmarks including Croagh Patrick and the Seals Rock. Choose between two different tour lengths and set out on horseback to ride along the beach. Meet your guide at the stables and get kitted out with a riding hat and boots. After a short assessment, set out on horseback to ride along the beach with sweeping views of Clew Bay. Explore the coastline at a leisurely pace and admire views of local landmarks including Croagh Patrick and the Seals Rock. Pass by “The Seals Rock” and try not to disturb the seals as they bask on the rocks. See Dora Inch Island, formerly owned by John Lennon of the Beatles fame. Enjoy magnificent views of Clew Bay and its enchanting islands on horseback, with Croagh Patrick, Ireland's holy pilgrimage mountain in the background.

Laid out in Georgian style with tree lined promenades, this picturesque town is bursting with character. Explore the colourful shop fronts that house local artisan foods, quality restaurants and lively pubs. In the company of a local guide, immerse yourself in the culture and heritage of this beautiful town with plenty of tall tales and laughs along the way. Leave with new friends and lifelong memories of one of Ireland’s most beloved towns. Tours starts and ends at Westport Townhall Theatre at the Octagon Westport.

Day 1: From Dublin, journey north to Belfast, known for its industrial history and tumultuous past. Explore the city's highlights on a short tour covering its triumphs, tragedies, and essence. Afterwards, enjoy lunch and discover the Titanic Quarter, where the famous ship was constructed in 1911. Explore the Titanic museum, board the HMS Caroline, or take a black cab tour. Leaving Belfast, marvel at the breathtaking scenery of the Antrim Coast and Glens, designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Continue along winding roads to reach the awe-inspiring Giant's Causeway, where history and myth collide amidst stunning geological formations. Conclude the day in Portrush, a picturesque fishing village where you'll spend the night. Day 2: Go to the walled city of Derry, designated a UK City of Culture in 2013. Enjoy some free time to explore the old city center, and visit one of the many museums or galleries. Then cross the border to the Republic of Ireland, traveling into one of the most remote and unspoilt areas of the country. Explore County Donegal’s dramatic scenery and Gaelic culture. Pass through Glenveagh National Park and the Errigal Mountains, before following the coast through traditional fishing villages. Stop for nature walks along the way, and soak up the local culture before checking into your overnight accommodation in Donegal. Day 3: In the morning, head south along the coast near Donegal into County Sligo, known for its stunning views of the majestic Benbulben mountain. Just outside Sligo Town lies Carrowmore, home to the largest collection of megalithic tombs in Ireland, some dating back over 6000 years. Continuing westward into County Mayo, a region marked by the Great Potato Famine, you'll navigate winding roads through picturesque farmlands, bogs, and open moors, with glimpses of distant hills and the Atlantic coast. Stop at Achill Island to soak in its rugged sea views and tranquil beauty before a short drive to Westport, your base for the next two nights.. Day 4: Today’s itinerary is weather dependent, and your guide will advise the best things to see. Explore the beautiful house and grounds of Kylemore Abbey, or marvel at the wilderness of Connemara National Park. Go to Clifden to see where the first transatlantic flight landed. Other options include the scenic Sky Road and 12 Bens of Connemara. Return to Westport for an evening at leisure, and the chance to sample some local seafood in one of the many excellent restaurants. Day 5: Enjoy a leisurely start to the day, before leaving Westport and going inland through the heart of Connemara. Visit the village of Cong on the shore of Lough Corrib to see where the classic movie “The Quiet Man” was filmed. Explore Cong Abbey, or the Quiet Man Museum, before driving through the Maam Valley to Galway City. Enjoy free time sampling the town's seafood before heading to Kilbeggan Distillery, Ireland's oldest licensed distillery, for a tasting and museum visit. Return to Dublin.

A warm welcome by Mary and Carmel, your hosts, who have been firm friends since their schooldays! Mary, a Failte Ireland Tour Guide will tell the story of the origins of Irish soda bread. Carmel, a former Home Economics teacher will guide you while baking your very own white soda scones. No experience is required! We will pass around our modern-day churn for a "turn" to make butter for those delicious scones when they are baked. Mary will share the story of Irish butter and the piseogs or rituals that have traditionally surrounded its making. While your scones are baking, Carmel will then lead everybody in making traditional brown soda bread. When the freshly baked scones emerge from the oven and your brown soda bread is set to bake we will all sit down for tea and chat. Enjoy those scones slathered with creamy butter and homemade jam. Meet other visitors, swap stories, and compare scones if you dare! Enjoy a complimentary Irish Coffee and receive a "Certificate" to prove that you have baked the perfect Irish soda bread in Westport! Bring home your brown soda bread and scones ( if there are any leftover!) in our lovely tote bag. Join us to Make, Bake Meet, and Eat!

Wander around Westports tree lined promenades and explore the colourful shop fronts that house local artisan foods, quality restaurants and lively pubs. Join an award winning local guide and immerse yourself in the culture and heritage of this beautiful town. Meet the locals that make Westport so special and have the craic while tasting some of the best food in the country, from local salmon and traditional Boxty to handmade Irish chocolates and Ice-cream. We'll visit 5th generation Irish bakers and 4th generation Ice-cream makers. Taste traditional fish and chips paired with local craft beer. Visit one of the finest charcutiers in Ireland and sample some of the finest local west of Ireland cheeses and cured meats. This tour is the perfect lunch replacement and not to be missed if you're visiting Westport. With plenty of tall tales and laughs along the way you'll leave with a full belly, new friends and lifelong memories of one of Ireland’s most beloved towns.