Westport tours

Things to do in Westport

Westport doesn't rest quietly in the shadow of Croagh Patrick; it dances to the tune of traditional Irish music, blending past and present effortlessly. It's a town where landscapes are as picturesque as the stories are vibrant. Touring Westport with a local guide becomes a journey into the town's soul. Whether it's cycling the Great Western Greenway or sampling local delicacies on a food and wine tour, the experiences are anything but ordinary. Your guide doesn't just open doors; they invite you into the community's warmth, making each moment feel as engaging as a fireside chat in a cozy pub. If you’re looking for more inspiration, take a look at our curated list of things to do in Westport. Explore Westport your way At ToursByLocals, we believe that how you explore is just as important as where you go. That’s why every Westport tour is private, flexible, and built around you: Move at your own pace, skip the crowds, make connections and follow your curiosity. Find local guides offering private tours in Westport for every interest, including: Nature and Wildlife tours: Cycle a stretch of the Great Western Greenway from Westport toward Mulranny for Clew Bay views and shorebirds, or hike the lower trails of Croagh Patrick before a seal-spotting stop at Old Head Beach or a wild coastal run to Achill Island. History tours: Explore Westport House for stories linking the Browne family to the pirate queen Grace O’Malley, visit Murrisk Abbey and the National Famine Monument, and continue to Rockfleet Castle near Newport while learning how James Wyatt shaped the town’s Georgian plan. Night tours: Settle into a guided traditional music crawl at pubs like Matt Molloy’s and the Porter House, sample a local stout, then cap the evening with a sunset stop along Clew Bay or a stargazing run to Wild Nephin National Park when skies are clear. The town centre is easy to cover on foot, but buses are limited for beaches and mountain trails and thin out at night, so you can book chauffeured tours or arrange private transportation with your guide. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all itinerary, you can tailor your private tour to match your interests, pace and personality with a local who knows Westport inside and out. Walking tours & neighbourhoods A private walking tour of Westport, guided by a local, offers the best way to experience the town’s neighborhoods. Here are a few to consider: - Westport Quay: Families and those looking for leisure activities will enjoy the scenic harbor, with opportunities for cycling and boat tours along the coast. - The Octagon: Known for its lively atmosphere and historic charm, this area is great for cultural tourists eager to experience local music, art, and food. - Murrisk: Perfect for those seeking meaningful connections with nature, this neighborhood offers access to Croagh Patrick, ideal for hiking and breathtaking views. Day trip ideas from Westport From Westport, you can reach islands, cliffs, and small towns on easy day trips that feel close yet different. Achill Island: Cross the Michael Davitt Bridge and follow the Atlantic Drive to Keem Bay for bright water, high cliffs, and quiet beaches. If you like light walks, short coastal paths make the views simple to reach, and cyclists can link part of the Great Western Greenway. Your tour can pace the day around tides, photo stops, and a fresh seafood lunch. Connemara and Killary Fjord via Leenane: The road through the Sheeffry and Maumturk mountains gives you peat bogs, sheep farms, and big skies, plus a stop in Leenane for craft shops and a harbour view. Doolough Valley adds a powerful famine memorial and a wild, open feel. This route suits you if you enjoy varied scenery and small villages in one loop. Croagh Patrick and Clew Bay: Hike part or all of the pilgrim trail for wide views over the drumlin islands, or keep it low and visit Murrisk Abbey and the National Famine Memorial by the shore. Add a walk on Bertra Beach for shells and long sands. Good for hikers, history fans, and anyone who wants a half-day outside without a long drive. Downpatrick Head and the North Mayo coast: Stand at the cliff edge to see the Dún Briste sea stack and watch the blowhole stir on lively days. The drive north also brings stone-walled fields and quiet bays, with Ballina nearby if you want a simple lunch stop. Ideal if dramatic geology and coastal walks are your thing, and one of the most rewarding tours for photographers. A private tour with a local guide is the best way to really get to know a place. Skip the crowds, follow your interests, and see a side of Westport most travellers miss.