The UK boasts countless picturesque villages and towns. Whether you’re after cobblestone streets nestled amid rolling countryside, cliff-top whitewashed settlements, or storybook cottages dotted across rural terrain, Britain excels.

Yet, venture slightly further beyond our shores, and you’ll find destinations that might, arguably, surpass Britain’s most beloved spots. Westport in County Mayo, Ireland, ranks amongst the very best. Reaching it proves remarkably straightforward, with Ryanair, British Airways, and Aer Lingus all operating flights to Knock, Westport’s nearest airport.

From there, it’s just an hour’s journey westwards to the coastal location where this official Heritage Town sits.

The route takes you through progressively striking landscapes as the Atlantic approaches and the summits become more commanding. Croagh Patrick, Ireland’s sacred “Holy Mountain,” stands merely five miles from the town centre, its characteristic cone-shaped summit rising majestically above Clew Bay.

This mountain serves as both a treasured pilgrimage destination and a visitor attraction. Every final Sunday in July, devoted worshippers undertake the arduous ascent to the top, where they visit a chapel, attend Mass, and frequently perform acts of devotion, including barefoot climbing or crawling on their knees.

If such pursuits feel a little too demanding for a leisurely getaway, rest assured – there’s abundant pleasure to be discovered within the town itself. Westport features a Georgian town centre, whilst stone bridges arch over the tree-lined walkway alongside the Carrowbeg River.

The town is exceptionally well-maintained, displaying an outstanding standard of living. Westport claimed victory in the Irish Tidy Towns Competition on three occasions – in 2001, 2006, and 2008 – and was crowned Best Place to Live in Ireland by The Irish Times in 2012.

It’s hardly surprising that Westport contains numerous superb public houses. Establishments such as Matt Molloy’s, MacBride’s, Porter House, and JJ O’Malley’s all provide excellent options and frequently host traditional Irish musicians during the evenings.

When conditions permit, visitors can stroll along the Quay before continuing towards The Point. “This is a fabulous place to meet locals on a nice day as they swim in the shallow waters of Clew Bay. I sat at a table and laughed as they chatted with each other, calling to friends who were not in the water. It was a kick to be a fly on the wall and witness friends and neighbours giving each other a hard time and laughing and gossiping,” writes the blogger Wander Your Way.

Many visitors to Westport choose to discover areas outside the town centre, heading into the stunning beauty of the surrounding landscape. A well-known local expression in Clew Bay suggests there’s “an island for every day of the year.”

The reality is closer to 120 named islands, with numerous other tiny, submerged limestone drumlins emerging when the tide goes out. Clare Island stands as the biggest of the genuine islands, its imposing outline rising against the skyline like an enormous humpback whale.

Tourists can catch the brief ferry journey from Roonagh Pier – a must-do activity, offering magnificent walks and sweeping vistas. Clare acts as a draw for birdwatchers, who arrive to observe kittiwakes, fulmars, peregrines, guillemots, and the most delightful of all – puffins.

For those willing to travel deeper into the sea, Inishturk awaits, described as a “little piece of paradise” by the local tourism board. Main highlights include the golden beaches of Tra na nUan and Curraun, Ireland’s only offshore-island natural lagoon, striking sea cliffs, and rare wild flora.

“I am a huge fan of Westport and County Mayo, perhaps because my wife’s cousin owns the Clew Bay Hotel and Madden’s Restaurant. I highly recommend both. Renting bikes in Westport and riding the Great Western Greenway is fantastic, love it. It’s a charming little town with excellent restaurants and pubs,” one enthusiast recently shared on Reddit.

Another wholeheartedly concurred: “I second Westport! My wife and I had our honeymoon there (years ago, and in Clew Bay Hotel too! ) and frequently return. The people in the restaurants, bars, and shops are all so welcoming. If you’re not a fan of the pubs (and the music), there are plenty of interesting and easily accessible walks and cycle paths nearby. Can’t wait to go back!”.

A third individual said: “It really does seem magical out there, lots of outdoor activities and seems less busy with tourists.”