Westport

 

Sunday 18th September 2021

We have enjoyed a day exploring the lovely town of Westport today in the warm (ish) sunshine.

Actually it was quite cool in the shade !

Anyway it was a great way to spend the day, first in the town itself, then later down by the quay.

Last night we had torrential rain for much of the night on Achill Island, but by this morning, the clouds had cleared and the sun was making a welcome appearance.

Westport town is a collection of brightly colored houses and shops with a river running through the centre and some attractive stone bridges all adorned with flowers. It's a very busy place with lots of pavement cafe bars and restaurants.

We also had a walk around the gardens of Westport House. A grand looking place, but currently undergoing renovations and covered in cranes, scaffolding and sheeting unfortunately. Some of the gardens are also barriered off but the parts open were worth the walk around.

So, all in all, an enjoyable day. 

Well probably overnight on the quay as it seems to be permitted and it has a great view of Clew Bay.

Clew Bay is famous for the hundreds of small islands left by the retreating ice shelf after the last ice age.

They're called drumlins and I had the idea of kayaking around some but the weather is against me there, much too windy.

One of the islands was bought by John Lennon in the years before his assisination.

The local tale goes that he planned to live there. I've no idea how much truth there is in that but it makes a good story for the locals to repeat.

It not even that easy to see the islands from the shore, they've evaded me so far anyway. I'll try and find a viewpoint to get some photos.

I booked our return crossing for Wednesday, so we'll be making our way towards the port tomorrow.

In the meantime here's a selection of photos of Westport

Westport House grounds

Westport House grounds

Westport House grounds

Westport House grounds

Westport's wild swimmers !