There are many things to do in the picturesque town of Newport. Between Newport and Mulranny is Ireland's longest cycling and walking trail which is traffic free. The route stretches 18km. The Great Western Greenway primarily follows the route of the Old Westport to Achill railway line, which closed in 1937. The route has beautiful scenery and is suitable for people with even moderate levels of fitness.
- Newport is renowned for its excellent fishing. There is a wide choice of locations with Lough Feeagh and Furnace providing four miles of water.
- Also Newport river and Beltra lake are regared as one of the best fishing grounds in Europe.
- Newport's Grainne Uaile Festival ia an annual Festival which has many events on the street, including live music, BBQ, Irish Traditional night. There is also a raft race, pub crawl, 60's Disco and a Fancy Dress Ball in the Community Centre during the festival.
Also Nearby
- Turlough is home to both the National Museum of Country Life (including Turlough House) and the Turlough Round Tower.
- Westport Town is just a short drive away.
- Clew Bay for the deep sea angler, is renowned for the several species of fish including skate, blue shark, monkfish, thornback ray, cod, ppllack, mackerel along with many others. Fully equiped deep sea angling boats are available for hire and competitions are organised throughout the summer season.
- Westport championship 18 hole course is only 7 miles away, Clew Bay 9 hole course is 4 miles away and Mulranny 9 hole golf links is a very close drive away.
- Blue Flag beaches are within 10-15 minutes drive of the town.
- Castlebar town with its annual Four days walk is a short drive away.
History
The town was founded by the Medlycot landlords through their lessee, a Captain Pratt, in the early years of the 18th century. Some of the 18th century houses remain on Medlicott Strett, and their exposed stone facades testify to their great age.
The town prospered in the 18th century. Houses were built, churches flourished, and trade was brisk.
By the late 18th century, the O’Donnell family had acquired the Medlycot estate, and built Newport House, overlooking the harbour. Newport continued to develop. The 19th century saw the town and surrounding district explode to over 12,000 people, then disaster… the famine left a shattered community, emigration and starvation. Out of the disaster of famine, one man began to develop trade and industry to sustain the town, Martin Carey.
Getting to Newport
- By Car: from Dublin, follow the N5 for Westport. It takes just over 3 hours to drive from Dublin to Castlebar.Then take the Newport Road. The drive from Castlebar to Newport takes between 20-25 minutes.
- from Galway, follow the N17 for Castlebar. It takes just over an hour to drive from Galway City to Castlebar then take the Newport Road.
- By Bus: Newport is served by a number of Bus Eireann regional routes. For timetables and more information, visit Bus Eireann. Bus Eireann has a route from Knock Airport to Achill, stopping in Newport.
- By Air: You can fly to Knock Airport (IWAK) from a number of UK and European locations. Visit the Ireland West Airport Knock website for schedules and carriers.
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