Ireland · TOURS IN WESTPORT
Good tours in Westport fill up weeks ahead and the great ones go first. Below: the 13 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.
Set out from Westport Harbour for a 90-minute cruise past oyster farms, drumlin islands, Croagh Patrick, Inishgort Lighthouse, Clare Island, and a seal colony. Expect live commentary, Irish humor, indoor and outdoor seating, Wi-Fi, toilets, and a paid bar and cafe. Guides may include Oscar, Orla, or Orlando.
“Excellent experience funny informative Oscar was extremely personable crew friendly would do it again”
Walk through more than 30 rooms across three floors of Westport House, including formal rooms, bedrooms, exhibitions, and basement dungeons. Use the guided tour app or explore independently, then follow the 3.5-kilometer estate walk for views toward Clew Bay and the Atlantic coast. Allow one to six hours, depending on your pace.
“Fantastic tour guide, very friendly staff, amazing story and home. Brilliant news about the new owners and how it will be resand left open for the public. The marble staircase made you feel like you were floating rather than walking.”
Start at Westport Town Hall Theatre for a one-hour stroll through Westport’s lanes, shops, food outlets, restaurants, and pubs. Local guides such as Stephen, Ed, Martin, and Chriss share town history, Irish lore, wildlife stories, and practical tips. You may also meet Cu, an Irish Wolf Hound.
“Stephen was a lovely guide, local, friendly and knowledgeable. I am happy to recommend this informative tour”
Ride 43 kilometers from Westport to Achill Island on the off-road Great Western Greenway with Paddy & Nelly Bike Hire. You’ll get a quality German or Dutch e-bike, route advice from Paul and the team, time for photos, and a simple bus return from near Achill Island Hotel. Smaller e-bikes help younger riders feel more secure.
“Great experience! Instructions for getting to the greenway path and following it all the way to Achill were very clear and super helpful along the route. The bikes were in good condition and perfect for the ride. We spent a bit of time up front being taught how to properly use the bike and give it a test whirl to make sure the seat height was correct and we were comfortable. The route is so very scenic and offers many opportunities to stop for pics along the way. We highly recommend this tour and are so glad we went with Paddy & Nelly!”
Meet Tom or PJ at a working Connemara sheep farm with about 200 ewes and lambs. Watch Rex the Border Collie herd sheep by whistle and voice command, try bog cutting, and possibly feed lambs. Summer visits may include traditional hand shearing. Allow about an hour on-site, plus a scenic 1.5-hour drive from Galway City.
“HIGHLY recommend this experience! First of all, the location is drop dead gorgeous. It was super fun to watch the dog do his herding and learn from the hosts. It was sometimes tricky to hear them over the baby goats, but that was so worth it when we got to feed the baby goats at the end. Also, the hosts are around for questions if you miss what they say. You also get to see a sheep sheering!”
Ride from Carrowholly Stables outside Westport along country roads to Clew Bay. Guides such as Helena, Emily, Alex, and Jason provide patient instruction for beginners, while confident riders may trot or canter on the strand. Expect views of Croagh Patrick, the bay islands, and possibly Seal Rock.
“Such a beautiful experience. Would highly recommend to anyone visiting the area. Emily is such a great guide, super friendly and the horses well behaved. It was brilliant, I had such a great time and would always do it again!”
Meet Neal Doherty or local guide Bill Duffy at 11:00 in central Belmullet for a two-hour walk of about 5,000 steps. You’ll hear stories of JB Yeats, the 1845 canal, the Great Famine, Brian Rua, the Children of Lir, the Spanish Armada, and Belmullet’s unusual public art. Groups are limited to 12.
“Great walking tour of Belmullet. Bill, who filled in for Neil was extremely knowledgeable about the area and history of Belmullet. We’d highly recommend taking this tour. Bill was an incredible tour guide. He knew so many things that tied in other tours we’ve been on. He was engaging and answered all our questions. Thank you Bill!”
Meet Carmel and Mary at the Clew Bay Hotel in Westport for a private, hands-on lesson in Irish soda bread and scones. You will learn the food traditions behind the recipes, eat warm baking with Irish butter and homemade jam, and take your brown soda bread home. The class lasts about two hours and accepts up to 10 people.
“2 wonderful teachers who guided us through the baking process; sharing great stories and anecdotes along the way. Had a wonderful time and can now finally make a decent scone”
Join Neal Doherty of AlchemyTours.ie at 2:30 pm for a small-group, 5km guided walk around Erris Head near Belmullet. Expect Atlantic views, muddy and uneven ground, sheep country, Fulmar cliffs, a WW2 lookout, and plenty of time for photos. Pickup is available, and the tour returns to its starting point.
“Being in the open air with unrestricted views of the ocean, the islands and the beauty that is Erris Head. Our guide was excellent knowledgeable and enthusiastic. Highly recommended. A wonderful experience!”
Join a local English-speaking guide for a 1.5-hour walk through Westport’s Georgian streets, tree-lined promenades, shops, restaurants, pubs, and alleyways. Meet at the Town Hall Theatre, look for the guide in yellow, and hear local stories, jokes, and food traditions before returning to the Octagon.
“We thoroughly enjoyed our walking tour of Westport with Deidre. She was very knowledgeable about the area and included lots of quips and jokes along the way. Very well worth the money.”
Meet your English-speaking guide at Carrowholly Stables, gear up with boots and a riding hat, and ride the beach beside Clew Bay. A short assessment helps match the outing to your experience level. Expect calm coastal views, Seals Rock, Dora Inch Island, and Croagh Patrick, with time to enjoy the countryside at a steady pace.
“I bought this as a gift for my grandsons they loved it staff was excellent I would definitely recommend this”
Ride from Paddy & Nelly Bike Hire in Westport across Westport Estate and along the 43km Great Western Greenway toward Achill. Paul provides route guidance, while hybrid bikes and e-bikes suit different fitness levels. Expect 3 to 4 hours of off-road cycling, with views of Clew Bay, Croagh Patrick, Clare Island, Mulranny, and Newport.
“The Great Western Greenway is the best way to view Irelands countryside. Paul hooked us up with a combination of e-bikes and hybrid bike. He gave us a thorough explanation of the entire trail. His location is ideal for quick access to the trail. He was able to help us with the shuttle back to Westport. This day of biking was may favorite memory from our Ireland vacation.”
Start at 10:00 in Westport and follow a self-guided, traffic-free 42km route toward Newport and Mulranny. You’ll ride beside Clew Bay, with views of Croagh Patrick and the Nephin range. Paul at Ireland Wild Escapes provides the local cycling service, and the day ends back at the meeting point.
“Sharing my experience whereby the service provider Paul couldn’t open the shop on the day of my trip due to a bereavement on their side.”
Start on a coast road, at a castle gate or on a bar stool.
