Things to Do in Westport for Families (Our Top 8 Picks)

Tourists often overlook the town of Westport in County Mayo. It is about two hours north of the invisible line between Dublin and Galway.

In Westport, your kids can discover the Legend of Pirate Queen and Westport House, climb the Croagh Patrick, cycling along the scenic Great Western Greenway, there’s no shortage of excitement. And for those who love the thrill of horseback riding, saddling up for a ride adds another dimension of enjoyment to the experience. It’s the perfect blend of history, nature, and adventure for families to enjoy together.

Explore Westport House & Grounds

Westport House, known as “Ireland’s Most Beautiful Home”, Westport House has a story that matches its beauty. First opened to the public in 1960, this stunning historic house has been the family home to the Browne family for over 300 years. Spread across 400 acres of meticulously landscaped gardens, woodlands, and lakes, the estate offers endless opportunities for exploration and relaxation. From leisurely strolls through lush gardens to exhilarating adventures on the lake, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. The site’s origins can be traced to the legendary Grace O’Malley, the Pirate Queen of Connaught, who built one of her castles here in the 1500s. Grace O’Malley, also known as Granuaile, was a formidable figure in Irish history, renowned for her maritime prowess and fierce independence.

With over 300 years of history woven into its walls, Westport House has accumulated a wealth of captivating stories just waiting to be discovered. Today, it is regarded as Ireland’s most beautiful historic home with impressive access to over thirty rooms and six permanent exhibitions. This house has some stories to tell!

Afternoon Embrace adventure with a visit to the Pirate Adventure Park, where you can embark on swashbuckling adventures aboard the Pirate Queen’s Galleon, brave the Pirate Plunge water slide, and test your skills on the High Ropes Course. With attractions suitable for all ages, it’s a thrilling way to spend the afternoon surrounded by the beauty of the outdoors.

Take advantage of guided tours offered throughout the day to gain insight into the estate’s history and architecture from knowledgeable guides. Alternatively, explore at your own pace with self-guided tour options available.

Planning a trip to Westport House, Ireland’s most beautiful historic house, promises an enriching experience filled with history, culture, and natural beauty.

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Try your hand at watersports

It’s kind of a no-brainer that watersports are some of the best-loved holiday extras available through our Concierge service, Key West is indeed a fantastic destination for watersports, even if you’re a complete beginner with no prior experience. With its warm, clear waters and abundance of rental shops and guided tours, Key West offers the perfect environment for trying your hand at a variety of aquatic activities.

Snorkeling at Dry Tortugas

Embark on a boat excursion to the remote Dry Tortugas National Park, where you can snorkel amid vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life. Explore the crystal-clear waters surrounding the historic Fort Jefferson and marvel at the colorful fish, sea turtles, and coral formations beneath the surface.

Jet Skiing

For a dose of adrenaline-fueled fun, hop on a jet ski and zip across the waves around Key West. Rent a jet ski for an exhilarating solo ride or join a guided tour to explore the island’s hidden coves, mangrove forests, and sandy beaches from a thrilling new perspective.

Sunset Cruises

Relax and unwind on a sunset cruise around Key West’s picturesque waters. Enjoy a leisurely sail aboard a catamaran or schooner, sip cocktails as the sun dips below the horizon, and soak in the breathtaking views of the island bathed in golden light.

The Blueway is indeed a wonderful network of water trails that offers a diverse array of water-based activities for enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels. Whether you’re a seasoned paddler or a beginner looking to dip your toes into aquatic adventures, the Blueway provides the perfect setting to explore Ireland’s stunning waterways.

No matter which watersport activities you choose to indulge in, Key West offers an unforgettable experience for water lovers of all ages and interests. So grab your swimsuit, sunscreen, and sense of adventure, and get ready to make a splash in paradise!

The Great Western Greenway

The Great Western Greenway holds the distinction of being the longest off-road cycling and walking trail in Ireland, offering visitors a chance to explore the stunning coastal scenery of Clew Bay in County Mayo. The Great Western Greenway was completed in 2011, this panoramic route, which winds its way along the coast of of Clew Bay, was the longest greenway in Ireland.

Do your kids love cycling? If yes then the Great Western Greenway will be a treat for them! The Great Western Greenway is indeed a fantastic destination for families who enjoy cycling! You can explore many greenways that link Westport to other towns, communities, and natural wonderlands around Clew Bay. Stretching from Westport to Achill Island, this 42-kilometer trail offers stunning views of the Irish countryside, passing through picturesque villages, lush green landscapes, and along the shores of Clew Bay. It’s a perfect way to experience the beauty of County Mayo while getting some exercise and fresh air.

Of course, you don’t have to complete the entire 42km, there are many entry points onto the Greenway so you can choose to do the Greenway in smaller sections if you wish.

Stretching 43 km from Achill Island to Westport, the Great Western Greenway is the perfect route for your bike.

For the kids, the greenway has to offer riders an easy ride across some of Ireland’s most beautiful natural landscapes. With its well-maintained trails and mostly flat terrain, it offers a gentle and enjoyable cycling experience suitable for riders of all ages and fitness levels.

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The Wild Atlantic Ocean

Westport offers stunning vistas of the Atlantic Ocean, where visitors can witness the dramatic beauty of the sea crashing against the rugged coastline. The town itself is nestled in a picturesque setting, providing an ideal starting point for exploring the natural wonders of County Mayo.

And the best thing is, Westport is home to two of Mayo’s pristine Blue Flag beaches, in Achill and near Louisburgh. One is located in Achill, known for its golden sands and clear waters, providing a perfect spot for swimming, sunbathing, or simply strolling along the shore. The other Blue Flag beach is near Louisburgh, offering another opportunity for visitors to enjoy the beauty of Mayo’s coastline and perhaps even try some water sports like surfing or kayaking.

Bertra Beach indeed offers a serene and family-friendly environment where visitors can relax, take leisurely walks along the shore, and even build sandcastles with their kids. If you are visiting on a calm day, then go for paddle boarding at Old Head. Or you can rent a board too and cruise the waves on Carrownisky Strand or Cross Beach. For those seeking a bit more adventure, paddleboarding at Old Head can be an exhilarating experience, especially on calm, tranquil days. The Old Head area offers stunning coastal scenery and provides an excellent opportunity for paddleboarding enthusiasts to explore the coastline from a unique perspective.

The Wild Atlantic Way will surely refresh your mind.

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Horse Riding

Horse riding is indeed one of the most captivating activities to experience in Westport, and it becomes even more special when enjoyed with children. Riding on horseback allows visitors to immerse themselves in the expansive landscapes of Westport and its surrounding areas in a unique and memorable way.

Exploring the windswept beaches and narrow country lanes at your own pace allows for a deeper connection with the breathtaking beauty of the area. Riding solo or with a small group adds to the sense of adventure and freedom, allowing riders to truly immerse themselves in the stunning landscapes and tranquil surroundings of Clew Bay.

Guided horse and pony treks offered through hotels and stables in the Westport area provide a fantastic opportunity for families to enjoy the thrill of horse riding while ensuring the safety of everyone, including children. These guided treks are led by experienced instructors who prioritize safety and provide riders with the necessary guidance and support throughout the journey.

The Wild West Indoor Play Village

Want to occupy your kids for hours?

Then the Wild West Indoor Play Village can be a treat!

Here, Not needing to book in advance adds to the flexibility and spontaneity of the experience, allowing families to show up and dive into the fun. Splatball and FootGolf offer exciting and unique ways to enjoy the outdoors, providing a refreshing twist on traditional sports. an extensive activity frame themed as the Wild West, numerous party rooms, a café, and a sensory room.

Here, you will find everything about this place!

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Graune Pet Farm

Interacting with animals is always a delightful experience for kids, and it sounds like this destination offers a wonderful opportunity to do just that! From sheep and pigs to rabbits, puppies, llamas, and alpacas, there’s no shortage of furry friends to meet and greet. While it may be a bit of a drive from Westport town, about 50 minutes, the experience of visiting this animal sanctuary sounds well worth the journey.

It’s fantastic to hear that this animal sanctuary offers school tours. There are also options for accommodation!

Being able to pack your bags for a few days and immerse yourself in nature with your kids offers a wonderful opportunity to create lasting memories and strengthen family bonds. And no need to worry about the food. Having a restaurant on-site adds to the convenience and relaxation of the experience, allowing families to enjoy delicious meals without the hassle of cooking or venturing far from their accommodations. The added bonus of being able to watch your kids play nearby while you dine ensures that everyone can fully enjoy their time together without any worries.

Here are all the details you need to know.

Letterkeen Woods

Letterkeen Woods indeed offers an exhilarating experience for those seeking a challenge amidst pristine natural landscapes. This wonderful yet challenging looped trail provides views of pristine landscapes. The looped trail offers an opportunity to immerse oneself in the wild and remote beauty of County Mayo while tackling the rugged terrain and soaking in the breathtaking scenery.

The 10.1 km loop trail at Letterkeen Woods presents a moderately challenging route, suitable for hikers and runners alike. With an average completion time of around 3 hours, it offers a satisfying outdoor excursion for those seeking adventure and exercise. Despite its popularity, visitors can still find moments of solitude and tranquility along the trail, especially during quieter times of the day. This allows for a more immersive experience amidst the serene beauty of the wilderness. The best time to visit this trail is August.

That’s it. That’s our guide for things to do in Westport as a family. Here are the ones that fit me best and the ones that I am Most experienced and giving a complete guide. and can vouch that you will have a good time, no matter whichever one you pick.