Let's explore Westport, Ireland!

Hey everyone! Coming to you from Westport, a town in County Mayo Ireland. It's a lovely little gem of a town on the coast where you wont find any Starbucks, McDonalds, or even a movie theater. It's main attractions are Croagh Patrick, the holy mountain that St. Patrick climbed, Achill Island, Clare island, and Westport house. In this town is a small hostel called The Old Mill which is where I've been living for almost the past 2 weeks. I'd like to introduce you to this little corner of the Emerald Isle!

Let's start with some pictures of the town.

"The Octagon" in the town center.

The clock tower near the street with the best pubs.

A view of the town from on top of the hill.

A beautiful church in town.

Brightly colored homes

The river that runs through the town.

Me at the river!

Just down the road from the town center, the ocean is about a 20 minute walk, or 15 minute bike ride. From here you can see Croagh Patrick, go kayaking or snorkeling, or visit Achill or Clare islands. This area in the pictures is called The Quay (pronounced "the key") and it's stunning on a sunny day, which I captured here.

Beside both The Quay and the town center is Westport House, a beautiful Irish historic home built on the remnants of a castle that was owned by Grace O'Malley, the Pirate Queen, and the house is owned by direct descendants of her. Read more about that here. In addition to seeing the house and grounds there are lots of activities like the paddle boats, and a demonstration of falconry and birds of prey and small rides for kids. Those things cost extra though, and I am a broke kid so I just did the house and grounds.

Those white things in the front are sheep!

Sheep in the shade!

The drawing room with sky ceiling

Formal dining room

The cannon mentioned in the previous picture.

They've given it kitschy decorations.

Pirate themed of course.

Of course I took a picture of the wine cellar!

Statue of Grace O'Malley

Out of the river you can rent swan paddle boats.

Pretty bridge

A look across the grounds.

The back of the house.

To visit all these great places, I need a place to stay! So let's check out the hostel I live in! The description from the website: Built around C1780 the building has undergone many changes over the years. It was part of a network of warehouse buildings used as a brewery in the 18th century. It later served as a storehouse, animal shelter and slaughter house, a chicken hatchery and in 1991 was renovated and converted into a low budget holiday hostel. It has been welcoming visitors from all over the world ever since.

Through that tunnel is the main road to the town center.

My room! It's really tiny. I stood against the door to take this.

The big kitchen where I've met so many people already.

The common area where I'm sitting on that seat on the left at this very moment to type this blog! 

That's a little tour of Westport so far! Next I'll take you to Galway city, Connemara and Kylemore Abbey and the Cliffs of Moher!