• The modern town was laid out in the Georgian style, one of the few fully planned towns in Ireland.

• The design incorporated the Carrowbeg River, creating tree‑lined promenades known as The Mall and elegant stone bridges.

• The Market House and early churches formed the civic core.

• Westport developed as a market town and port, exporting agricultural produce.

• The Quay area grew with warehouses, mills, and later the railway connection (1890s).

• The building now housing the Clew Bay Heritage Centre was originally a 19th‑century livestock pen used for pigs awaiting export.

• Tourism grew with the popularity of Croagh Patrick and Westport House.

• The town won Irish Tidy Towns awards in 2001, 2006, and 2008, and was named Best Place to Live in Ireland in 2012.

• Westport is now a major visitor hub for the Wild Atlantic Way, with museums, walking tours, heritage attractions, and outdoor activities centred on Clew Bay.

• Symmetrical street layout

• Tree‑lined river promenades (The Mall)

• Stone bridges and terraces

• Market House and civic buildings in classical style

• Although not in the search results, it is historically central: an 18th‑century Palladian mansion built for the Browne family on the site of the O’Malley castle.

• 19th‑century stone warehouses and harbour buildings

• Includes the Clew Bay Heritage Centre, housed in a former pig‑holding building donated by the Harbour Board.

• Westport sits at the south‑east corner of Clew Bay, a drowned drumlin landscape with reputedly 365 islands.

• Historic commercial port

• Now a leisure marina with cafés, seafood restaurants, galleries, and the Heritage Centre

• Starting point for coastal walks and boat trips

While not explicitly listed in the search results, the harbour’s role as a departure point for Clew Bay exploration is well‑established. Based on the museum sources:

• Provides historical context for maritime life, including the O’Malley seafaring tradition and Westport’s port history.

(Inference: These are standard offerings at Westport Quay, though not directly cited in the search results.)

• Clew Bay island cruises

• Wildlife trips (seals, seabirds)

• Fishing charters

• Views of Croagh Patrick from the water

• Located in a 19th‑century stone building at The Quay.

• Covers history from pre‑Christian times to the present.

• Exhibits include:

  • Grace O’Malley & the O’Malley clan

  • Croagh Patrick pilgrimage

  • 1798 Rebellion & War of Independence

  • Local authors (George Moore, George A. Birmingham, Eleanor Fairburn, Michael Mullen)

  • Local industry & maritime history

• Extensive database of church records, census returns, newspapers, and directories.

• Free historic walking tours every Wednesday in summer, starting at The Clock on Bridge Street.

• Ireland’s most famous pilgrimage mountain, forming the backdrop to Westport.

• Major family attraction (historical mansion, gardens, adventure activities).

• 42 km walking/cycling route from Westport to Achill.

• Georgian riverfront promenade with trees and bridges.

• Maritime heritage, seafood restaurants, galleries, and coastal walks.

While the search results do not list specific pubs, Westport is widely known for:

• Music pubs in the town centre

• Georgian‑era buildings converted into bars

• Harbour‑side pubs at The Quay

(Inference: These details are based on Westport’s well‑documented tourism profile, though not directly cited in the search results.)

• Planned Georgian heritage town with elegant architecture

• Historic harbour with museums and maritime heritage

• Gateway to Clew Bay, Croagh Patrick, and the Greenway

• Rich cultural history from the O’Malley clan to modern writers

• Vibrant tourism, pubs, cafés, and outdoor activities

• Award‑winning quality of life and urban design

Here’s a two‑part visitor’s guide tailored exactly to what you asked for:

1. Best things to see, do, eat, and experience in Westport

2. Boat trips from Westport Quay — what they offer, how long they take, and what you actually see on Clew Bay.

I’ve written this in the same structured, practical, heritage‑aware style you prefer.

Westport is one of Ireland’s most attractive towns — a planned Georgian town, set on the Carrowbeg River, with tree‑lined boulevards, stone bridges, and a lively cultural scene. It’s the gateway to Clew Bay, Croagh Patrick, and the Great Western Greenway.

Westport is one of the few Irish towns laid out to a formal Georgian plan.

Highlights

• The Mall — twin tree‑lined promenades along the river

• Stone bridges and riverside walks

• Clock Tower on Bridge Street

• Market House and old civic buildings

• Colourful shopfronts and traditional pubs

The town is compact and perfect for walking.

One of Ireland’s great historic houses.

Why visit

• 18th‑century Palladian mansion

• Built on the site of a Grace O’Malley castle

• Period rooms, art, and Browne family history

• Lakes, woodland walks, gardens

• Family attractions and seasonal events

A 15–20 minute walk from the town centre.

Features

• 19th‑century stone warehouses

• Seafood restaurants and cafés

• Galleries and craft shops

• Start point for boat trips

• Views across Clew Bay to Clare Island

Clew Bay Heritage Centre is here — a small but excellent museum covering:

• O’Malley maritime history

• Croagh Patrick pilgrimage

• Local rebellions and writers

• Port and fishing heritage

Ireland’s holy mountain, 15 minutes from Westport.

Why it’s special

• Pilgrimage site for 1,500+ years

• Superb views over Clew Bay

• Visitor centre at Murrisk

• Bronze statue of St Patrick

You don’t need to climb it to enjoy the atmosphere — the lower slopes and shoreline are beautiful.

Ireland’s most famous greenway.

• 42 km walking/cycling route from Westport → Newport → Mulranny → Achill

• Follows the old railway line

• Sea views, bogland, mountains, viaducts

You can cycle a short section or the whole thing.

• Bertra Beach — long sandy spit with views of Croagh Patrick

• Old Head — woodland, coves, and a family‑friendly beach

• Carrownisky Strand — surfing and huge Atlantic skies

Westport is famous for its pubs — many with live traditional music.

• Matt Molloy’s — legendary trad music pub

• The Porter House — lively, great atmosphere

• Blouser’s (The Castlecourt) — old‑school charm

• McGing’s — cosy, intimate, local favourite

• The Tavern (Murrisk) — seafood, views of Croagh Patrick

• The Helm (The Quay) — hearty food, maritime atmosphere

• The Creel (The Quay) — breakfast, brunch, seafood

• Sage — modern Irish dining

• An Port Mór — award‑winning restaurant

• Local art galleries at The Quay

• Craft shops in the town centre

• Irish design, knitwear, pottery, and woodcraft

• The Mall river walk

• Westport House grounds

• Old Head woodland trail

• Murrisk Abbey & shoreline

Westport Quay is the departure point for exploring Clew Bay, famous for its drowned drumlin islands (traditionally said to be 365 islands).

Below is a practical breakdown of the main types of trips.

What you see

• Seal colonies on the offshore islands

• Clare Island and its lighthouse

• Croagh Patrick from the water

• Drumlin islands and glacial landscapes

• Local history commentary (O’Malley clan, Westport House, the bay’s ecology)

Best for

• Families

• First‑time visitors

• Photography

What you see

• Seals

• Porpoises (occasionally)

• Sea birds: gannets, terns, guillemots, shearwaters

• Kelp forests and marine geology

Best for

• Nature lovers

• Birdwatchers

• Eco‑tourists

Typical catches

• Mackerel

• Pollock

• Wrasse

• Ling

Features

• All equipment provided

• Suitable for beginners

• Great views of the bay

Departs from nearby Roonagh Pier (20–25 minutes from Westport), but often booked through Westport operators.

Why go

• Clare Island Abbey (O’Malley frescoes)

• Lighthouse views

• Cliffs and sea‑stacks

• Beaches and walking trails

For groups wanting:

• Island picnics

• Sunset cruises

• Photography trips

• Custom wildlife tours

• May–September: best weather, most sailings

• July–August: busiest

• April & October: quieter, still good visibility