People often don’t think about visiting Westport in County Mayo. It’s roughly two hours north of the invisible line between Dublin and Galway.
In Westport, your children can learn about the Pirate Queen’s legend and explore Westport House. They can also climb Croagh Patrick, bike along the Great Western Greenway, go horseback riding, and more.
This guide will highlight the top eight family-friendly activities you can enjoy in Westport.
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Westport House and Pirate Adventure Park
Do you love Pirates of the Caribbean? Want to feel like a real pirate? Then Westport House is the place for you! Their Pirate Adventure Park, Halloween festival, and Winter Wonderland are top attractions.
Built in 1650 by Colonel John Browne and his wife Maud Burke, Westport House holds an interesting connection to the Pirate Queen. Maud Burke was one of the Pirate Queen’s great-great-granddaughters!
Though it’s been in the Browne family for years, Westport House now opens nearly 30 rooms to visitors. The grounds offer a Pirate Adventure Park, Birds of Prey center, and Adventure Activities like archery and orienteering.
The Pirate Adventure Park, voted Ireland’s Best Family Visitor Attraction, is open during mid-term breaks and summer. Kids love the Plunge Log Flume Ride and the Pirate Queen Swinging Ship.
You can also relax on cruises aboard the Westport House Express or pedal swan-shaped boats on the lake.
Get all the details about Westport adventure here and plan your trip from here.
Croagh Patrick
Croagh Patrick is known as the holiest mountain in Ireland, with a pilgrimage tradition spanning over 5,000 years!
The mountain got its name from a significant event in 441 AD when St. Patrick climbed it and fasted for forty days. The hike to the top can be tough and isn’t suitable for everyone.
If you’re up for the challenge, rent walking sticks from the visitor center and plan at least three hours for your climb. But if you prefer to admire Croagh Patrick from below, check out the National Famine Monument, Clew Bay Archeological Trail, and Murrisk Abbey, all worthwhile stops!
The Great Western Greenway
Are your children fans of cycling? If so, they’ll absolutely love the Great Western Greenway! It’s a fantastic route that connects Westport to neighboring towns, communities, and the stunning natural landscapes around Clew Bay.
Spanning 43 kilometers from Achill Island to Westport, the Great Western Greenway is an ideal path for biking enthusiasts. Moreover, it follows the historic railway tracks of the region all the way to Achill Island and Clare Island. You have the option to either tackle the entire route or just a section of it.
For young cyclists, the greenway offers an enjoyable journey through some of Ireland’s most breathtaking scenery. The trails cater to all skill levels and fitness levels, making it a perfect activity for families to enjoy together.
Should you need to rent bicycles, Clew Bay Bike Hire is a reliable option. Additionally, they can also organize a relaxing kayaking experience for added enjoyment.
The Wild Atlantic Ocean
From Westport, you get an amazing view of the Atlantic Ocean. You’ll see the powerful waves crashing against the rocky shoreline. What’s even better, Westport is where you’ll find two of Mayo’s beautiful Blue Flag beaches, one in Achill and another near Louisburgh.
You can relax and build sandcastles with your kids on Bertra Beach. On a calm day, you can try paddleboarding at Old Head. You can also rent a board and ride the waves at Carrownisky Strand or Cross Beach.
Exploring the Wild Atlantic Way will definitely give you a refreshing experience.
Horse Riding
One of the coolest things to do in Westport is horse riding. And when kids are involved, it’s definitely a must-do activity! Riding on horseback is the best way to explore the vast landscapes of Westport.
With your horse, you can trot around Clew Bay and take in everything from breezy beaches to winding country roads. Plus, there are guided horse and pony treks available through hotels and stables in the Westport area. Your kids will have a blast, and you can relax knowing they’re safe.
Ready to saddle up? You can book your ride right here!
The Wild West Indoor Play Village
Looking to keep your kids entertained for hours?
Then check out the Wild West Indoor Play Village!
No need to make a reservation beforehand, just drop in and let the indoor fun begin. Splatball and FootGolf are some of the unique activities available in this area. They even have a cool “sensory room” designed to help with brain development.
Plus, there are various facilities available, including campsites, caravan parks, and a glamping village where you can stay. Join their adventure club to boost your child’s confidence.
Learn more about this awesome place right here!
Graune Pet Farm
Your kids will have the chance to befriend sheep, pigs, rabbits, puppies, llamas, and alpacas. While it’s a bit of a drive from Westport town (about 50 minutes), it’s definitely worth it.
They even offer school tours starting from just €13.00. Plus, there are accommodation options available!
You can pack your bags for a few days and immerse yourself in nature with your kids. And don’t worry about food—they have a restaurant on-site where you can watch your kids play while you eat.
Here are all the details you need to know.
Letterkeen Woods
If you’re up for a challenge, Letterkeen Woods is a great option. This amazing looped trail offers stunning views of untouched landscapes. While it’s wild and remote, the scenery is absolutely breathtaking.
Covering a distance of 10.1 kilometers, this loop is considered moderately challenging and typically takes about 3 hours to complete. It’s a popular spot for hiking and running, although you can still find some peace and quiet, especially during quieter times of the day. August is the best time to visit this trail.
The trail is marked with purple arrows, but it’s a good idea to download the offline map before you head out. Some parts of the trail can be boggy year-round, so make sure to wear appropriate footwear.
That wraps up our guide to family-friendly activities in Westport. I’ve selected ones that I believe will be perfect for most families. I’ve personally tried most of them and can assure you that you’ll have a great time no matter which ones you choose. Enjoy your adventure in Westport!
