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Neighborhood · Westport, Mayo
Centro de Westport e Westport Quay
Westport's Georgian centre, with the tree-lined Mall on the banks of the Carrowbeg river, the Octagon square and streets of colourful facades, and the old Quay harbour, with stone warehouses on the shore of Clew Bay.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Centro de Westport e Westport Quay
Westport was laid out in the 18th century by the owners of Westport House, the Browne family, who moved the old village and commissioned the design of a planned town, partly attributed to the architect James Wyatt. The result is a centre of wide, symmetrical streets, rare in the west of Ireland.
The Mall is the two-lane avenue that runs along the Carrowbeg River, canalised between stone walls and lined with trees, with stone bridges and Georgian houses. The Octagon, at the top of the town, has a granite column in the centre and hosts the shops and the weekly market. Bridge Street and Shop Street slope down with shops and pubs in colourful facades, and the town's pubs are known for traditional music.
About 2 km to the west is Westport Quay, the town's old harbour, with 19th-century stone warehouses converted into restaurants, hotels and houses. The Clew Bay Heritage Centre, in one of those buildings, tells the story of the harbour, emigration and the family of Grace O'Malley, the 16th-century clan leader and navigator associated with the bay. From the quay you can see the islands of Clew Bay and Croagh Patrick.
Between the centre and the Quay lies the Westport House estate, which is undergoing restoration and renovation.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
Allow 1 to 2 hours for the centre and the Mall; an additional hour for the Quay and the Clew Bay Heritage Centre.
Best time
During the day for the centre and the market; late afternoon for the Quay and the bay; at night for music in the pubs. Check the opening days of the Clew Bay Heritage Centre.
How to get there
The centre is a 10-minute walk from the train station. The Quay is about 2 km to the west, a 25-minute walk along Quay Road, or reachable by car.
Tip
Walk along the Mall from end to end, crossing the stone bridges, and finish at the Octagon. At sunset, go to the Quay for the view of the bay with Croagh Patrick in the background.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Centro de Westport e Westport Quay
Is Westport a planned town?
Yes. It was laid out in the 18th century by the Browne family, with wide, symmetrical streets, the Mall along the river and the Octagon square.
What to see at Westport Quay?
The old port, with 19th-century stone warehouses, restaurants, the Clew Bay Heritage Centre and views of the bay and Croagh Patrick.
Who was Grace O'Malley?
A 16th-century clan leader and sea captain associated with Clew Bay, who even met with Queen Elizabeth I.