Discover Westport By Bike

Westport isn't an accident: someone drew it. While most Irish towns grew where a river met a road, Westport was designed in the 1780s around the Carrowbeg River, with tree-lined malls, a stone Octagon and streets that still work exactly as intended. It is one of the few planned towns in Ireland, and the best way to read it is from the saddle.

Riding with a local guide, the story takes in the Celts, Grace O'Malley the Pirate Queen of Clew Bay, the pilgrimage mountain of Croagh Patrick, the old working Quay with its grain, linen and emigrant trade, and the Famine years that hit Mayo as hard as anywhere.

The pace is easy and groups are small, so no cycling experience is needed. With bike hire, the bike is yours until closing: ride the Greenway to Newport and Rockfleet Castle, stop at the Quay for chowder, or head to the base of Croagh Patrick for views over Clew Bay's drumlin islands.

Highlights

• Westport's planned Georgian streetscape, including the tree-lined Mall, the Octagon and the Carrowbeg River
• Tales of Grace O'Malley, the Pirate Queen who faced down Elizabeth I
• Croagh Patrick, Ireland's holy mountain, overlooking the ride
• Westport Quay and its old warehouses, now restaurants
• The Famine story, including Westport's workhouse and relief works
• Free time afterwards on the Great Western Greenway to Newport and Rockfleet Castle

Surface and terrain
Quiet town streets and quay roads at an easy pace, with the traffic-free Great Western Greenway available for the self-led afternoon. Minimal climbing.

Weather
Expect mild but changeable Atlantic conditions, with showers possible at any time of year, so bring a rain jacket.

Suitable for
All fitness levels, with no cycling experience needed. Ideal for history lovers, families and visitors wanting an easy introduction to Westport before exploring the Greenway independently.