Westport is a town in County Mayo in the Republic of Ireland. It is situated on the west coast of Ireland, at the south-east corner of Clew Bay, an inlet of the Atlantic Ocean. Westport has a gracious town centre in the Georgian architectural style, as one of the few planned towns in the country (by James Wyatt in 1780). The planning of the town was commissioned by Lord Sligo of the stately home, Westport House, as a place for his workers and subjects to live. Among the most picturesque features of the town is its tree-lined, flower decorated, promenade (The Mall) and little stone bridges along the river Carrow Beg.
The famous pilgrimage mountain of Croagh Patrick, known locally as "the Reek" lies some 10km west of the town near Murrisk. 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 Several festivals are held in and around Westport each year. The Westport Horse & Pony Show is held on the first weekend in June. The Sea Angling Festival is held annually in the third or fourth week in June. This is internationally acclaimed and in existence for over 42 years, attracting sea anglers from all over the world. The annual Croagh Patrick Pilgrimage is held annually on the last Sunday in July. The Arts Festival is held in the second two weeks of September. This is a festival of arts, music and literature. The Westport Seafood Festival is held on the October Bank Holiday weekend.
. Westport is a major tourist draw with visitors coming for several reasons. The most important is the magnificent scenery of the area, and the proximity to Connemara, Achill, Clew Bay and Croagh Patrick. Westport is well known for sea-angling and freshwater fishing is popular on nearby Loughs Mask and Carra and on the Eriff river. Westport House and Children's Animal and Bird Park is a particular draw for families, many of whom stay at the caravan and camping park which belongs to Westport House. Westport has an 18-hole golf course, popular with visitors. A nearby 9-hole course has an attached guest accommodation.