Attractions and Places To See around Westport-Belmullet Municipal District - Top 20

In the middle of Westport's unique octagonal square, St. Patrick towers over the city on a column from 1845. Where a controversial banker once stood, Ireland's patron saint now watches over the market stalls and colourful facades. This monument is the beating heart of the city and the ideal starting point for any cyclist: from here, Patrick symbolically points you the way to his holy mountain on the horizon.

An absolute must-see on the border of Galway and Mayo. Here the river Erriff thunders over wide rock plateaus into the fjord. Whether you come for the film history of The Field, the chance to see salmon leaping, or simply for the dramatic view of the Connemara mountains: this stop never disappoints. Particularly impressive after a hearty Irish downpour!

The Great Western Greenway is an award-winning 42-kilometer off-road cycling path that breathes new life into the historic railway line between Westport and Achill Sound (opened in 1894, closed in 1937). The route is almost flat, fully asphalted, and takes you through the heart of County Mayo along the foot of the Nephin Beg Mountains and the coastline of Clew Bay. The route is divided into three logical sections: Westport-Newport (11 km) through rolling farmland, Newport-Mulranny (18 km) along the rugged coast of Burrishoole, and the final Mulranny-Achill (13 km) across the spectacular Currane peninsula with views of the bay's 365 islands.

The road through Doo Lough Valley is a quiet, narrow route with little traffic, allowing you to fully enjoy the wide sightlines over the dark lake and surrounding mountain flanks. Along the shore are several photogenic spots where water, light, and landscape come together beautifully. This passage logically connects to Delphi Valley, the climb to Doolough Pass, and the understated 1849 memorial, making this stretch one of the most impressive links of the entire route.

The summit is relatively easy to climb, but don't be fooled into thinking you can find a way up from the valley floor. The path disappears as soon as you start the ascent. Good mobility is essential to get up there, as there are several small scree sections along the way. The descent, on the other hand, is disastrous. There's no path at all, and you have to traverse a very unpleasant, steep slope through moss and bushes. It's recommended to split the hike if you only want to reach the summit. Start from the car park at Lough Accorymore and don't attempt the circular route to the top. I really advise against doing the circular route; you won't enjoy the hike otherwise, but the view is still worth it. Just follow the route marked at the car park by the lake.

Aasleagh Falls is a pretty waterfall not far from Leenaun. It's set in a typically beautiful and mountainous Connemara landscape, where the Erriff River empties into the Killary Fjord. The intriguingly named Devilsmother rises to the east, while Ben Gorm rises to the west. This part of the Western Way can be prone to flooding. If the trail is impassable, the N59 can be used instead.

Finished the tour today and discovered that there's mostly no path there. Anyone who can't navigate the difficult terrain could find themselves in trouble, especially in foggy conditions. The summit plateau has a lot of mud and swampy areas. But it's still a great tour for advanced hikers.

The Slievemore Heritage Trail is a 3 km walking route that offers a glimpse into the island's rich history. Opened in February 2024, the trail features archaeological sites such as megalithic tombs and the Deserted Village, remnants of nearly 100 stone cottages abandoned after the Great Famine. An accompanying app provides interactive information via QR codes along the path, enhancing the visitor experience. This trail is ideal for those interested in exploring Achill Island's cultural heritage and scenic landscapes.