Leisure Activities in Westport in Co. Mayo
Equestrian
Pony or horse trekking around the roads, beaches and hills are avilable as well as riding lessons for all standards. Westport also hosts a Horse Show and a Horse and Pony Fair during the year (June and Sept).
Walking & Cycling
Westport is the perfect destination for walking and cycling enthusiasts. In 2011 the Great Western Greenway route linking Westport with Newport was opened. The 42km Great Western Greenway is the longest off-road walking and cycling trail in Ireland. It follows the route of the renowned Westport to Achill railway line which closed in 1937, passing through Newport, Mulranny and finally reaching Achill.
The Western Way passes through Westport and there are also five shorter signposted walks in and around the town. More challenging hill walks and scenic beach walks are also plentiful. See the Croagh Patrick Ridge Walk and Mweelrea Mountain Walk.
There're also easy walks suitable for families and people of all ages in and around Westport:
Golf
Westport boasts an 18 hole championship golf course. Although the course is beside the sea, it is almost pure parkland with a well-balanced combination of holes. It was designed by Hawtree & Sons who amongst many other commissions designed the new course at St Andrews.
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Full restaurant and bar facilities are available
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Full-time golf professional on site
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Lessons can be reserved in advance
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Well-Stocked shop on site
- Caddy and club hire available
There is a golf driving range a short distance from Westport Golf Club.
Clew Bay Golf Course in Kilmeena, 9km from Westport offers a 9 hole golf course set amongst beautiful scenery. Par 3 Golf and Pitch and Putt is available at Westport house in summer time.
Swimming
In the last few years Westport has increased its water world activities to include several hotel run swimming pools and one public swimming pool - all centres include gym and sauna facilities also. These centres are open seven days a week all year round. The pools provide Aerobics, Swimming lessons, and Beauty Treatments
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Toddler Pools are common to all
- Children are sometimes restricted after 7pm
Angling
Mayo offers some of the best salmon, brown trout and sea angling in Europe. The most famous and most prolific salmon fishery in the country is the River Moy less than an hour from Westport.
The freshwater angler is also well catered for on the many lakes and rivers in the area, including Newport River and Ballinlough Lake. Daily or weekly fishing fishing is available for a modest licensing fee.
The Erriff and Delphi fisheries are among the best known, but there are many other streams and lakes to enjoy. Both advanced and less experienced fishermen are catered for with ghillies, boats and fly fishing instruction readily available. For the coarse fishing enthusiast, Westport is well placed with an abundance of lakes all within easy driving distance.
Clew Bay offers some of the best sea angling in Europe, located as it is on the western perimiter. Every species of fish found in Irish waters has been caught here. Inshore surf casting and rock fishing are very rewarding. Boats can be chartered for angling and also for just cruising and exploring the islands of Clew Bay, perfect examples of drumlins from a bygone ice age.
Paintballing
Paintball Wargames is an action game, which combines teamwork, strategy and skill into an exciting and action-packed event for both men and women. The games are played in woodland and fields which are situated on a Private Country Estate, 3 miles from Westport on the Leenane Clifden road.
Clay Pigeon Shooting
International class facilities are available at Westport Clay Pigeon Shooting range, Liscarney a 10 minute drive from the town. Tuition is available and no experience or licence are necessary.
Westport Leisure Park
Westport Leisure Park opened in 1999 is one of the town's most popular attractions. Developed at a cost of over £5 million by the Urban District Council the park located behind the Tourist Information Office, James St. has something to offer everyone, including
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25m swimming pool
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childrens fun pool
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three changing areas - Male, Female and Spacious Family/Disabled
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air-conditioned fitness suite
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health spa area with sauna, jacuzzi and steam room
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plunge pool
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aerobics studio
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beauty clinic
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tanning rooms
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massage and reflexology clinic
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theatre/auditorium
- swimwear shop
The wide range of season tickets means that the park caters for all needs from children, students and the older client to couples, families and corporate groups. Added extra attractions include
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Aqua Challenge (20m giant fun inflatable installed in the pool at various times during the summer).
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Covey Activity Camp - an action packed summer camp for children aged 6 to 12
- Westport Swim Academy - week long intensive course of swimming lessons