The UK is home to numerous charming villages and towns. Whether you’re seeking cobblestone streets tucked between undulating countryside, cliff-edge whitewashed communities, or fairytale cottages scattered throughout rural landscapes, Britain delivers magnificently.

However, travel just a bit further afield, and you’ll discover places that could arguably eclipse Britain’s most treasured locations.

Westport in County Mayo, Ireland, stands among the absolute finest. Getting there couldn’t be simpler, with Ryanair, British Airways, and Aer Lingus all providing services to Knock, Westport’s closest airport.

From that point, it’s merely an hour’s drive westward to the coastal spot where this official Heritage Town is situated.

The journey leads you through increasingly dramatic scenery as the Atlantic draws near and the peaks grow more imposing. Croagh Patrick, Ireland’s revered “Holy Mountain,” lies just five miles from the town centre, its distinctive cone-shaped peak looming majestically over Clew Bay.

This mountain functions as both a cherished pilgrimage site and tourist attraction. Each final Sunday in July, faithful devotees tackle the challenging climb to the summit, where pilgrims visit a chapel, participate in Mass, and often engage in acts of devotion, including ascending barefoot or crawling on their knees.

If such activities seem rather intense for a relaxing break, fear not – there’s plenty of enjoyment to be found right within the town boundaries. Westport boasts a Georgian town centre, while stone arches span the tree-bordered pathway that follows the Carrowbeg River’s edge.

The town is remarkably pristine, showcasing an exceptional quality of life. Westport secured triumph in the Irish Tidy Towns Competition on three separate occasions – in 2001, 2006, and 2008 – and earned the title of Best Place to Live in Ireland by The Irish Times in 2012.

It comes as no surprise that Westport features a wealth of outstanding drinking establishments. Venues like Matt Molloy’s, MacBride’s, Porter House, and JJ O’Malley’s all represent excellent choices and regularly welcome traditional Irish musicians throughout the evenings.

When the weather is favourable, tourists can wander along the Quay before progressing 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 tourists visiting Westport opt to explore regions beyond the town’s heart, venturing into the remarkable splendour of the encompassing countryside. A popular local saying in Clew Bay claims there exists “an island for every day of the year.”

The truth is nearer to 120 designated islands, with countless other smaller, submerged limestone drumlins appearing when the tide retreats. Clare Island emerges as the largest of the authentic islands, its majestic silhouette looming against the horizon like a colossal humpback whale.

Travellers can take the short ferry crossing from Roonagh Pier – an essential experience, providing spectacular walks and panoramic views. Clare serves as a magnet for bird enthusiasts, who gather to spot kittiwakes, fulmars, peregrines, guillemots, and the most charming of all – puffins.

For those prepared to journey further into the ocean, Inishturk beckons, characterised as a “little piece of paradise,” by the regional tourism authority. Key attractions encompass the golden shores of Tra na nUan and Curraun, Ireland’s sole offshore-island natural lagoon, dramatic sea cliffs, and uncommon wild vegetation.

Westport represents a treasure that’s difficult to fault, commonly considered a fusion of Ireland’s most exceptional natural treasures with welcoming culture and thoroughfares that never become overly congested.

“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 devotee recently posted on Reddit. Another enthusiastically agreed: “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 person observed: “It really does seem magical out there, lots of outdoor activities and seems less busy with tourists.”