Beaches Within short drives from Westport are the most beautiful, biggest and safest beaches in Europe. They will be found by driving West towards and beyond Louisburgh. Most beaches are signposted and very uncrowded. Mayo has a large number of Blue Flag Beaches. Golf Westport Golf Club is an 18-hole Championship Course, considered to be one of the best in Ireland. Visitors are very welcome but booking tee time is essential. Telephone: (098) 28262. Clew Bay Golf Course at Kilmeena, 9 kms from Westport, is a 9-hole beautiful scenic course. Telephone: (098) 41730. Par 3 and Pitch & Putt Par 3 Golf and Pitch and Putt is available at Westport House in summer time. Telephone: (098) 27766. Golf Driving Range There is a golf driving range a short distance past Westport Golf Club. Swimming Pools & Leisure Centres (All open to the public) Leisure Park, James Street. Telephone: (098) 29160. Hotel Westport, Ocean Spirit Spa. Telephone: (098) 50006. The Beech Club, Westport Quay. Telephone: (098) 25811. Castlecourt Hotel, Sea Crest Leisure Centre. Telephone: (098) 25444. Atlantic Coast Hotel Leisure Centre, The Quay, Westport. Telephone: (098) 29000. Squash Squash is available at the Sports Complex. Tennis Tennis courts are available on the Newport Road and in summer time in Westport House. Rugby Clubhouse and Pitches located near Westport Golf Course. Horse Riding There are very good riding facilities and tuition at Drummindoo Stud and Equitation Centre.Telephone: (098) 25616. Carrowholly Stables and Trekking Centre. Telephone (098) 27057/087 6231345. Knappabeg Stables. Telephone (098) 25617 / (086) 3782747 Cycling Bicycles are available for hire at: Seán Sammon, James Street. Top of page Horse Racing Race Course at Ballinrobe (28 kms). Mayo Island Tours Road Bowling Road Bowling takes place on Sundays at Lankhill and Knockrooskey. Mountain Climbing and Hill Walking All the mountains South and West of Westport provide wonderful climbing and magnificent views of Clew Bay and the Connemara mountains. Forest Walks Tourmakeady Forest Trail, Nephin Beg Forest, Letterkeen Wood, Newport and Old Head Wood provide excellent walks and the chance of seeing native wildlife such as badgers, otters, pine martins, stoats and foxes. Historical Walks Guided walks of the historic planned town of Westport conducted twice weekly, July and August at 8.00pm starting at the Clock junction of Bridge Street and Shop Street. Walks may also be arranged by appointment. Details from The Heritage Centre, The Quay. Telephone: (098) 26852. Clew Bay Heritage Centre, Westport Quay Local Museum and Genealogical Centre. Telephone: (098) 26852. The genealogical service is backed up by an extensive computer database, based on church records, school registers, rent rolls, cemetery records, census returns, local newspapers and street directories. Opening hours: April, May, October; Mon. - Fri. 10.00am - 2.00pm. June July, August; Mon. - Fri. 10.00am - 5.00pm. July & August only; Sunday 3.00pm - 5.00pm. Admission charges: Adults: 3 euro Senior Citizens: 1.50 euro Tochar Phadraig Walk - An ancient pilgrim path across country from Ballintubber Abbey through Aughagower to Croagh Patrick. For further information Telephone: (094) 30934. Doon Peninsula Nature Archaeological Walk, Burriscarra. Telephone: (094) 60287. Paintball Wargames For bookings and enquiries telephone: (098) 21294. Sea Angling The Sea Angling grounds of Clew Bay are recognised as being amongst the best in Europe. The inshore waters of Clew Bay offer excellent shallow water angling. Almost every known species of fish existing in Irish waters has, at some time, been recorded in Clew Bay. Boats can be chartered for angling, cruising or exploring some of Clew Bays reputed 365 islands. Telephone: (098) 41562. For angling charter trips. Telephone: (098) 26514 / 64865 /26899. Information is also available from Tourist Office. Fresh Water Angling The fresh water angler is also well catered for with several productive rivers and lakes within easy reach of the town. Salmon, Sea Trout and Brown Trout can be found in most rivers, while the larger lakes such as Lough Mask are capable of producing Ferox Trout and very big Pike. There is free fishing for children on the Carrowbeg River which flows through the town. Further information from Western Fisheries Board. Telephone: (096) 22788. Sailing Westport is a centre of the famous Glenans Sailing Centres providing residential sailing courses, including sail board training. Full details from the Westport Tourist Office, or Glenans, Collanmore Island, Westport (098) 26046 or Glenans, Dublin. Telephone: (01) 6611481. Yachting Rosmoney, Westport is the base for Mayo Sailing Club. A picturesque cruising ground exists among the archipelago of islands in the east of Clew Bay. There are slipways at Rosmoney, Westport Quay and Old Head suitable for launching dinghies and trailer-sailers. Animal Park There is a children's Animal Park located at Westport House (see below under What to See in Westport). Shopping If you enjoy shopping in an old world atmosphere, then a browse through the shops in Westport will prove interesting. Many of the shops have retained their old world facade, giving Westport streets a unique atmosphere. Country Market Fresh local farm and garden produce and crafts may be purchased in Town Hall every Thursday from 9.00 a.m.-1.00 p.m. For information please call (098) 26486 Dining Westport and Westport Quay have a wide range of excellent restaurants catering for all tastes and prices. For further details, see our Westport Tourism's Dining Out section Pubs Even for the non-drinker a visit to the friendly Westport pubs is a must. The music and atmosphere is great and many pubs serve bar food. Top of page Telephone: 00 353 86 23 83 658. Email: colettebrawn@hotmail.com