Autumn Activities in Westport
Woodland Walks
Ah the crunch of freshly fallen leaves underfoot – is there anything more autumnal? Westport is blessed with lots of fantastic forest walks close by, full of deciduous delights for vibrant autumn displays.
Feast your eyes on the changing colours of ancient Brackloon Woods, just 7km out the Leenane Road – or head to Old Head oak forest near Louisburgh – it’s Ireland’s only Atlantic-Oak forest that grows right on the coast. Take a half-an-hour’s spin down to the enchanting Tourmakeady Forest and its magical waterfall, or stay in town and enjoy the majestic woodlands of the Westport House Estate.
Check out our fav forest walks here.
Great Events
From fab festivals to artistic awesomeness, there are always lots of events happening in Westport to keep you entertained. You'll find plenty of theatre, music and community events happening in Westport Town Hall or be sure to check out our What's On section for featured events.
The highlight of the season is Westival - Westport Music and Arts Festival which takes place across the October Bank Holiday Weekend each year. Be sure to check out their programme of events on www.westival.ie
If the dates don't match don't worry many of our local pubs have free live music most weekends on offer. Check out our Top Five Pubs With Live Music.
Ultimate Relaxation
Many of the hotels in Westport boast world-class spas, each offering their own signature treatments. Head to Westport Plaza’s Spa Sula thermal suites and find a tranquil sanctuary – and an outdoor hot tub. Knockranny House Hotel’s Spa Salveo offers everything from lavender floatation therapy to its Scandinavian-inspired Sami Zen treatment package. Or feel like a little bit of India in the West? The Spa at the Westport Coast Hotel offers a range of rejuvenating Ayurvedic treatments along with Voya seaweed baths. Bliss!
Cosy fireside drinks
Now, what says autumn more than a settling down to a crackling fire in a cosy pub? Many of Westport’s famously welcoming pubs have roaring open fires where you can toast your toes while you wet your whistle. Among them are McGing’s on High Street, Toby’s on The Fairgreen, Blouser’s on James’ Street, Matt Molloy’s and MacBride’s on Bridge Street, McCarthy’s on Quay Hill and The Old Grain Store (pictured).
Kick back, relax and enjoy a hot whiskey, a cold beer or a warming Irish coffee. Mmmmm…
Restaurants with seasonal fare
Westport is firmly on the foodie map, with restaurants galore offering the very best locally sourced, seasonal fare for you to savour.
Menus brim with the season’s bounties – think pumpkin soup, root-veg stew, nut loaf, mountain lamb, venison roast, wild rabbit and platters of new-season native oysters. And for dessert, well what could be better than homemade apple pie, fresh from the orchard?
Rumbling stomachs will soon be quiet, and very, very happy. Be sure to check out our Locals Guide To The Westport Food Scene.
Wholesome indoor activities
If the weather is not playing ball Westport has loads of cosy indoor escapes to explore. For example, why not stretch it out at Westport's beautiful new yoga studio? The Yoga Root has a real neighbourhood vibe and is located in an old mill down at the harbour. They have over 16 yoga classes per week and lots of interesting events such as Sound Baths and Cacao Ceramonys at weekends.
Another popular indoor all-year-rounder is a tour of the historic Westport House. The story of the house and its inhabitants is fascinating, you'll be amazed at the endless connections it has with the world, over its hundreds of years of existence.
