5 Day Trips from Westport Using Public Transport

Westport is a charming town and a great starting point for a road-trip along the Wild Atlantic Way. But did you know that this County Mayo town was also an ideal base for exploring the surrounding areas using public transport? Whether you’re interested in natural sites, cultural experiences or coastal views, here are some accessible and enjoyable spots to visit from Westport town.


The iconic Keem Bay, on Achill Island

1. Achill Island
Achill Island is Ireland's largest island (even though it’s connected to the mainland). It is well-known for its beaches and cliffs.

🚎 How to Get There: Bus Éireann offers a direct service (Route 450) from Westport to Achill Island. The journey takes about 1.5 hours if you stop in Keel.

• Walk along the Achill Headland.
• Try water sports like surfing or kayaking at Keel Beach.
• Visit the Achill Experience Aquarium and Visitor Centre.

2. Castlebar
Castlebar is the county town of Mayo and offers a mix of shopping, dining, and local history.

🚎 How to Get There: Castlebar is just a 20-minute bus ride from Westport (Bus Éireann Route 456) or a 15-minute train journey.

• Visit the National Museum of Ireland – Country Life.
• Walk around Lough Lannagh.
• Explore the Linenhall Arts Centre.

3. Kylemore Abbey
Kylemore Abbey, located in Connemara, is known for its gardens, Gothic church. It is now a monastery and was originally built as a castle by business man Mitchell Henry for his wife Margaret.

🚎 How to Get There: There is direct public transport from Westport to Kylemore Abbey, again with Bus Eireann (Route 423) to Kylemore. You can also stop at Letterfrack (one stop further) should you want to hike the Diamond Hill loop

• Explore the Abbey and its gardens.
• Walk around the grounds, including a lakeside trail at the feet of the Diamond Hill Mountain.

4. Croagh Patrick
Croagh Patrick, known as Ireland's Holiest Mountain, is popular with hikers. You will be rewarded with a view on Clew Bay and its hundreds of small islands once you reach the top!

🚎 How to Get There: Located 8 kilometers from Westport, Croagh Patrick is accessible by a short bus ride (Bus Éireann Route 450) or by cycling. The bus ride takes about 10 minutes to Murrisk where the hike starts. You can conveniently rent a bike in Westport with Westport Bike Hire.

• Hike to the summit for views of Clew Bay.
• Visit the Croagh Patrick Visitor Centre.
• Explore the nearby village of Murrisk and see the National Famine Memorial.

5. Galway
Galway offers in my opinion a lively mix of culture and entertainment. If you are based in Westport for the duration of your trip, a day trip (or overnight) to Galway makes a lot of sense! 

How to Get There: Bus Éireann operates a bus service (Route 456) between the two cities.

• Visit the Latin Quarter with its trad pubs, shops and restaurants.
• Explore the Galway City Museum.
  
• Attend a trad session at Tig Choili or the Crane Bar
• Walk along the Salthill Promenade or in Claddagh, facing Galway Bay.

Bonus: What to do in Westport itself?

Westport is a great base for exploring several destinations in county Mayo and county Galway, but the town also has plenty to offer. Outside of your day trips, I'd suggest you visit Westport House, explore the town centre (made famous by the movie Irish Wish), cycle along Westport Quay or attend a trad session at Matt Molloy's Pub (owned by a former band member of the trad legends The Chieftains).

So there you have it - Hopefully you'll base yourself in Westport on your next Wild Atlantic Way adventure! 

Does our Community have more suggestions in the area?

Thank you so much for this!