1Head north-west to Westport, Achill and Mayo, a favourite region with fewer visitors4 visitors
Go beyond Galway to Westport and the north-west coast; the authors rated it their favourite part and fewer visitors go. · Blog, 2023
Westport was lively; Porter House pub was a favorite. · TripAdvisor, 2025
Westport made a nicer base than Clifden. · TripAdvisor, 2025
4 visitors here; showing the 3 who gave detail.
2Climb Croagh Patrick in sturdy boots with water. The top is loose, steep scree2 visitors
Upper Croagh Patrick is steep loose gravel; expect sore legs. · Fodor's
Wear sturdy footwear for the Croagh Patrick summit. · Fodor's
Ireland-wide tips people mentioned here (2)
1Book dinner ahead in Galway, Dingle, Westport and Kilkenny, as busy places turn walk-ins away2 visitors
In Westport book small restaurants like Pantry and Corkscrew and No.8 Tapas a few days ahead; Matt Molloy's and Toby's Bar for pubs. · Fodor's, 2023
Book dinner at Friends Bistro and The Towers in Westport ahead; The Towers' Killary mussels were excellent. · TripAdvisor, 2022
2Cycle a greenway on a hired e-bike, like Westport–Achill or the Waterford Greenway2 visitors
Rent e-bikes for the Westport-Achill Greenway; Nevin's lunch with a coal fire. Check craft beer strength; Helm's witbier was 7.1%. · TripAdvisor, 2022
Rent e-bikes at Clew Bay Bike Hire and ride Achill to Newport; the shuttle sets a fixed meeting time. · Blog, 2018
Greenway is flat with long gentle climbs; pack layers, waterproofs and water since weather shifts. · Blog, 2018
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Getting around (1)
Hire a local cab firm for a Westport day tour; very reasonable. · Fodor's, 2017
Food & pubs (4)
Dunnes Stores deli chicken fillet roll with mayo, butter, cheese and stuffing is a cheap lunch; Bread 41 bakery suits early starts. · Blog, 2025
Little food between Achill and Mulranny; buy sandwiches at a Mulranny shop and use the old station toilets. · Blog, 2018
Non-guests can't enter Ashford Castle's lobby, staff enforce it, and its cafe sandwich was poor; eat in Cong or Clifden instead. · Rick Steves forum, 2026
The Valley House Hostel & Bar in Dugort has trad music nights and a peat fire, but its dining room was shut early season. · TripAdvisor, 2026
Sightseeing (3)
At Ashford Castle you can drive through the grounds and exit by St Mary's church, with free public toilets nearby. · Rick Steves forum, 2026
Spend several hours in Cong, hike Diamond Hill in Connemara National Park, and drive Sky Road west of Clifden. · Rick Steves forum
Reach Ashford Castle by bus to Oughterard plus a Corrib cruise, for falconry; it fills a day. · Rick Steves forum
Where to stay (2)
Book Westport lodging far ahead for the folk festival; Thursday and Friday nights stayed available but Saturday sold out. · Fodor's, 2025
Self-catering on Achill: Sweeney's just over the bridge sells groceries and firewood for a peat or stove evening. · TripAdvisor, 2026
Money (1)
Carry 1 and 2 euro (~$2) coins for car parks; card payments sometimes failed. Mayo e-parking app works in Westport. · Fodor's, 2023
Other (5)
Check attractions before travelling: Rockfleet Castle was under construction and part of Howth Castle grounds were closed for a film shoot. · Blog, 2023
Cong was buzzing during Mayo's All-Ireland hurling win; checking match days lets you catch the atmosphere in local pubs. · Rick Steves forum, 2026
In Westport choose the Achill Island trek during free time; research each stop beforehand. · Blog, 2022
Take care at the Croaghaun sea cliffs on Achill; gale-force wind there can knock you over, so keep well back. · Blog, 2023
Visit late September to early November; B&B prices dropped 20-30% below summer, and Westport and Kinsale B&Bs cost half a Dublin room. · Blog, 2025