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Westport In BriefThe Charming town of Westport, situated on the shores of Clew Bay, is one of the few planned towns in the country. It is an estate town, built to the plan of James Wyatt, the well known architect of the Georgian period. One of its outstanding features is the elegant tree-lined boulevard, known as The Mall.
Westport was the national winner of the Tidy Towns Competition in 2001, 2006 and 2008. The town has so much to offer including , Angling, Beach, Cycling, Light Entertainment, Golf, Guided Tours, Horse Riding, Touring, Walking and Swimming. Also Nearby- Croagh Patrick has been a pilgrimage site for hundreds of years in honour of Saint Patrick, Ireland's patron saint, who fasted for forty days on the summit of the mountain in 441 and built a church there. On 'Reek Sunday', the last Sunday in July every year, over 25,000 pilgrims climb the mountain, many of whom climb barefoot.
- Castlebar is in close proximity to The National Museum of Country Life and Turlough Round Tower.
HistoryWestport has a town centre designed by James Wyatt in 1780, in the Georgian architectural style. Its layout follows the medieval principles of urban design introduced by the Normans in the 13th century. The design for the town was commissioned by the Lord Sligo of the nearby stately home, Westport House, as a place for his workers and tenants to live.
A particular feature is the incorporation of the river into the composition, contained for two blocks by low stone walls producing, on each side of the river, attractive tree lined promenades (The Mall) with several stone bridges over the river Carrow Beg. The layout further includes several tree lined streets, addressed by the narrow fronted commercial buildings typical of Irish towns, though with many here remaining of a singular refinement and charm.
It was a residence of the pirate chief, Gráinne Ní Mháille, in the mid-to-late 16th century. The famous pilgrimage mountain of Croagh Patrick, known locally as "the Reek" lies some 10 km west of the town near the villages of Murrisk and Lecanvey. The mountain presents a striking backdrop to the town. The church on the summit can just be made out with the naked eye from Westport. Getting to Westport- By Rail: The main Dublin-Westport route. For timetables and more information, visit Irish Rail.
- By Car:
- from Dublin, follow the N5 for Westport. It takes just over 3 hours 15 mins to drive from Dublin to Westport.
- from Galway, follow the N17 for Westport, Turning left at Partry. It takes just over an hour and 20 mins to drive from Galway City to Westport.
- from Sligo, follow the N17 and then the N5 for Westport. It takes about an hour and 15 mins to drive from Sligo town to Westport.
- By Bus: Westport is served by a number of Bus Eireann routes. For timetables and more information, visit Bus Eireann.
- 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.
Facts & Figures- Westport Town 5,163 - (2006)
- Westport Town 5,314 - (2002)
- Westport Town 4,253 - (1996)
- Apart from Tourism, Allergan Pharmaceuticals give employment to almost 1000 people in Westport and its neighbouring towns.
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