Westport is the only place for your post-pandemic staycation this summer. With the easing of the toughest restrictions just around the corner, Hotel Westport has put together the ultimate socially distant staycation packages for those chomping at the bit to get beyond their 20k and reset the rest of their summer in style. Those coping with cabin-fever or simply ready for some new experiences – remember those – need to pack up for picturesque Westport and head for the wild and wonderful west!
Family Bush Camp will be run by our retired 25 year Army Sergeant and U.N. Peacekeeper, Patsy, who will show families how to source water and firewood, light a fire outdoors, build a shelter, cook outdoors, navigation skills, camp housekeeping, identify native trees and birds, protect yourself from the elements, forage and more. There will a daily session for up to 15 families at a time. The camp will take place in our beautiful woodlands and so you are encouraged to dress for the weather. Book Now
Hotel Westport is located on the front lawn of the historic Westport House Estate featuring extensive woodland walks and gardens in the; Lakeland and parkland setting.
Find it just over the historical stone bridge to the back of the hotel and enjoy the beauty and tranquillity of the estate and grounds which are open daily for our guests’ enjoyment. Try the 3.5km Looped walk for a beautifully varied walk which takes in the woods, lake, river, the historic house itself and you even get to see beautiful Clew Bay too. For the family, follow our Family Explorer Pack which makes exploring the estate a little more fun for the little ones.
Guests staying in Hotel Westport receive exclusive discounts for Westport House. Westport House is one of Ireland’s best loved heritage attractions – and is rightly known as the most beautiful house in Ireland. Set on the Wild Atlantic Way in the heart of Westport town, there has been a ‘big house’ on this site since the 1500’s, when Grace O’Malley, the famous Pirate Queen, built one of her castles here. Amazingly, her dungeons still remain in the current house which was built in 1730 by her descendants, the Brownes – now owned by the local Hughes family.
Visitors love that this is one of the few privately owned manor houses left in the country and truly feels like walking in to a “family home” complete with the warm welcoming fires. Albeit a very grand one indeed! There are over 30 rooms open to the public as well as 6 permanent exhibitions – definitely worth the visit! Our top tip for Westport House is to download the Guided Tour App for the house from the Google Play store https://bit.ly/3c1v8sr or the Apple App store https://apple.co/2XkGK5w in advance and be sure to bring your headphones.
4. Hire a bike and take the exclusive 10k loop through the estate and town
Why not hire a bike from Clew Bay Bike Hire and pick it up right by the hotel? Simply reserve it and pay Clew Bay Bike Hire direct by calling 098 24818 . We have put together an exclusive 10k family-friendly loop through estate to Westport Harbour, returning to town on the Railway Walk, crossing over to Knockranny Woods to Aittireesh and return through the estate back to the hotel. Did you know that Clew Bay Bike Hire also offer guided kayaking?
Between Old Head and beautiful Bertra Beach, little known Lecanvey and majestic Silver Strand, there are plenty of reasons the going for a walk on the beach will soothe your mind and body. Check out Destination Westport’s 5 Lesser known beaches near Westport to ensure you will have lots of space and fewer people. Sit and listen to the soothing sound of the waves take a deep breath and relax.
6. Enjoy nearby looped walks
Mayo is famous for its beautiful scenery, and the county’s loops walks allow us to take in breath-taking vistas while not having to double back on ourselves. Every turn brings something new, nothing is repeated.
Check out these 5 loop walks near Westport:
• Murrisk Loop
• Granuaile Loop
• Lough Lannagh Loop
• Diamond Hill loop
• Brackloon
Westport will leave great memories of a unique course on the shores of Clew Bay. Each hole offers a challenge under the watchful eye of Croagh Patrick. The 11th, with its Everest like fairway, the par three 12th and the index one, par four 13th, is our Amen Corner.
After leaving the newly designed 13th, you arrive at the par three 14th, where Croagh Patrick fills the skyline. The first of the feature holes is your next test, a drive over the Atlantic Ocean, for men only, as the ladies are invited to tee from a forward position. Then you are nearly home with two chances of birdies on the 16th and 17th holes. You reach your destination, the second feature hole at Carrowholly. The majestic 18th hole has a narrow fairway, with water from tee to green up the right. You reach the green in regulation and are met with the ultimate challenge a vast, undulating green. Good luck!
8. Take a beautiful scenic drive to Achill, Connemara or Louisburgh.
Achill Island and the Currane Peninsula are among the most remote and scenic areas in Ireland. Some of the local roads that follow the coastline of Achill, and which boast some of the most spectacular views of the area, have been designated ‘The Atlantic Drive’. Click HERE for the routes of Achill’s Atlantic Drive.
The road from Westport to Louisburgh and on to Leenane via the Doolough Valley was cited by TV show “Top Gear” as one of the most beautiful drives in the world. Why not see for yourself?
Take a drive through rugged and beautiful Connemara and end your journey in the exquisite Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Gardens where you can enjoy a traditional home-cooked lunch, a walk through the Victorian Walled Gardens and grounds with its delightfully restored garden buildings, formal flower, vegetable and herb gardens.
In the evening, families will dine comfortably or with social distancing in either the Island’s Restaurant or Cara Suite with entertainment such as Movie Night, Quiz Night, Live Music, Bingo….
The owner and head chef of Cian’s on Bridge Street, Cian Hayes, will be opening a pop-up restaurant experience in Hotel Westport this summer: Cian’s at Hotel Westport. Bringing a unique take on the menu ordinarily served at his award-winning restaurant to Hotel Westport, the pop-up will take advantage of the large space available in the hotel so guests and locals alike can enjoy a remarkable dining experience in comfortable and socially distant surrounds. Diners can expect to enjoy the best in locally sourced ingredients with bespoke dishes that are bursting with flavour. And Cian promises to have some healthy and delicious choices for the kids too. We simply ask that parents supervise all activities including dinner.
Discover Westport Like Never Before at Hotel Westport
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