how to spend two full days based in Westport

DeborahAnn · Veteran Member

how to spend two full days based in Westport

tony2phones · Guru

You are sure you only have 2 days to fill?

Day One.

No problems doing a tour of Connamara including Kylemore Abbey, but I would keep to the area West of Maam. Cong might be a disapointment John Wane moved out because of all the tour bus's and would you believe they went and moved the Quiet man bridge 20 miles away.

From Westport take the N59 past Leenane dodge the tour bus and take the R336 down to Maam Cross. before you get to the cross the R345 forks left to Cong. (If you must take down about 20 mins, but come back the same way rather than the big loop round Lough Corrib)

At the cross turn right on the N59 heading towards Clifden, about 5 miles on you can either stay on the main road to Clifden or turn left on the R341 which is a lovely road taking you round the coast via Roundstone and the beaches at Gurteen and Dogs Bay. You will have been on the road about 3 hours plus any stops so have a lunch break and wander round Cliffden.

Your next stop is Kylemore Abbey, the direct route takes about 20 mins or you could go round the Sky Road which would add another 1/2 hour to this time. Leenane and the National park are 15 minutes up the road, with Westport about an extra 30 mins by the N59 or an Hour by the coast road past Louisburgh and the Coffin Ship memorial.

http://www.connemara.ie/en/connemara/leenane/

http://www.roundstone.ie/index.php

http://www.clifdenconnemara.com/ThingstoDo

http://www.kylemoreabbey.com/

http://www.mayo-ireland.ie/Mayo/Towns/LouisB/LouisB.htm

will come back with the other day when my brain re-engages

-- Edited by tony2phones on Sunday 8th of August 2010 11:00:03 AM

tony2phones · Guru

Day 2.

From Westport take the N59 and R319 onto Achill. From Achill back onto the N59 until the right fork for the R314 up the coastal road to the Céide Fields by Ballycastle. Carrying on and onto the N26 through Ballina on to Foxford Woolen Mills. It is then a little cross country jaunt to the Knock Shrine to pick up some Holy water before heading to the Museum of Country Life by Castlebar.

http://www.museumsofmayo.com/countrylife.htm

Westport itself has lots going for itself the Clew Bay Heritage centre is well worth visiting and don't forget the pilgrimage up Croagh Patrick. If you want to check out some Trad Music but cant get into Mat Malloys because all the visitors think it's the place to be, Henehan's is well worth a visit.

http://www.bedandbreakfastwestport.com/pages/entertainment.html

On the way back into town after conquering Croagh Patrick have a pint and a bite to eat in the Thatch pub (Sheebeen) on Clew Bay.

How many days did you say you had??

DeborahAnn · Veteran Member

Tony, thank you very much and I hope your brain has recovered from trying to fit my two day trips together---I know I was trying to do too much but I have a dear friend who will never get to travel to Ireland for many reasons and she loves the Quiet Man movie, I feel I should make the effort to just take a few pictures for her if nothing else!! I certainly enjoyed your comments about the movie and of Cong. Some travel books do describe Cong as a lovely village!! aww

I'm taking another look at our route planning and now think that if I make the visit to the Museum of Country Life on our travel day to Westport from Ardee, it will free up the full day to do Achill and other places you might want to suggest. What would you suggest for the day if I don't have to include the Museum---just stay with your recommendations and enjoy a little more leisurely pace?

I hope I haven't used up all of your "good graces" with these two overly ambitious days in Westport because I have yet to plan our 3 full days while in Kenmare and look forward to your comments.

Thanks again, Deborah

tony2phones · Guru

No problems but once you get south of the Shannon there are better than me to advise. I have put in the main sort of places and you can easily pick and choose from them. You could do Knock and the MCL on the way across from Ardee.

Cong is pleasent enough and I wouldn't dismiss the place totally but it is usually a day trip from Galway that sends people through. The Quiet Man bridge is just outside Oughterard and is rumered to have none of the origional stones because the tourists have pinched them all. The Remake is supposed to be fillming soon in the same area so that will put even more highlight onto the area.

http://oughterard.galway-ireland.ie/quiet-man-bridge.htm

http://irishfireside.com/2010/02/18/revisiting-the-quiet-man/

Michele Erdvig · Host

Deborah,

I like the idea of seeing the Museum of Country Life on your way from Westport to Ardee. Or if the weather is dreadful, it makes a good "rainy day" choice instead of Achill Island. On Achill Island I recommend doing the Atlantic Drive. It is signposted on the left shortly after crossing the bridge. There are some beautiful beaches on the island and if you can, try to get all the way out to Keem Bay. A drive up Minuan Mountain will give you some great views.

Near Clifden is Sky Drive. Well worthwhile for its beautiful scenery.

As for Cong, I think the Abbey and Woods behind the abbey are worth seeing. Don't expect much from Cohan's Pub. It used to be a shop but was recently purchased and turned into a pub. Your friend will recognize the facade from the Quiet Man movie. But the owner does not like people taking photos inside unless they come in, sit down, order a pint or food and then take a photo or two. When I came in with my camera I was scolded. So I went and took photos of the ladies loo at Cohan's instead. biggrin

I have heard feedback from other tourists about being chased away from taking photos there too. I don't understand that. It is a tourist destination. What else do tourists do but take photos? I think he should get used to it. Or put a sign up outside saying photos 5 euro. Only one corner of the pub is dedicated to the Quiet Man. The rest is very modern.

Michele