Bus Hire in Westport

Westport is the principal tourist town of County Mayo and sits at the head of Clew Bay, a sheltered Atlantic inlet studded with approximately 365 islands (one for each day of the year, according to local tradition). The town was planned in the 18th century by James Wyatt for the Browne family of Westport House, and its Georgian street layout, the tree-lined Mall along the Carrowbeg River, and the octagonal town square make it one of the best-preserved planned towns in Ireland. Croagh Patrick, the 764-metre quartzite cone rising directly above the bay, is Ireland's holiest mountain and one of the most recognisable natural landmarks in the country.

Ireland West Airport Knock (NOC) is 50 kilometres north-east of Westport via the N5 (approximately 45 minutes by coach). Dublin Airport (DUB) is 260 kilometres south-east via the N5 and M4 (approximately 3 hours). Westport is the starting point for the Great Western Greenway (the longest off-road cycling trail in Ireland, 42 kilometres to Achill Island) and the southern gateway to the Wild Atlantic Way in County Mayo.

Croagh Patrick: The Pilgrim Mountain

Croagh Patrick (Cruach Phaidraig, 764 metres) rises directly above Clew Bay 8 kilometres south-west of Westport town. The mountain is one of the most important Christian pilgrimage sites in the world: St Patrick is said to have fasted on the summit for 40 days in 441 AD. The annual Reek Sunday pilgrimage (the last Sunday in July) draws between 15,000 and 25,000 pilgrims to the summit, many barefoot; it is one of the largest annual gatherings in Ireland. The pilgrim trail begins at Murrisk village on the R335 (8 kilometres west of Westport); coaches park in the large Murrisk car park. The National Famine Memorial (a haunting bronze sculpture of a coffin ship) stands in Murrisk beside the car park. A full visit including the ascent (approximately 3 to 4 hours return) suits fit groups; the view from the summit over Clew Bay on a clear day is exceptional.

Westport House and Clew Bay

Westport House (on the western edge of Westport town, accessible by coach via the Quay Road) is an 18th-century Georgian country house built by the Browne family (later the Marquesses of Sligo) on the site of an earlier O'Malley castle. The house (designed in part by Richard Cassels and James Wyatt) has fine interiors, a basement dungeon, and a waterfront setting on the Carrowbeg River as it opens into Clew Bay. The estate is operated as an adventure park and heritage attraction with coach parking on site. Clew Bay itself is best explored by boat from Westport Quay; island tours to Croagh Patrick island and Clare Island (the stronghold of the pirate queen Grace O'Malley) operate in summer. Grace O'Malley (Grainne Mhaol, c. 1530-1603) is the defining historical figure of Clew Bay, and her story forms the basis of much of the local heritage tourism.

Achill Island and the Wild Atlantic Way

Achill Island (55 kilometres north-west of Westport via the N59 and the Michael Davitt Bridge causeway, approximately 1 hour) is the largest island in Ireland (146 square kilometres), connected to the mainland by a road bridge. The Atlantic Drive on the south side of the island (a 25-kilometre loop around the sea cliffs and beaches) is one of the most dramatic coastal circuits in Europe: Keem Bay (a sheltered white-sand beach in a steep-sided glacial valley at the western tip) is the most photographed beach in Connacht, and the Minaun Cliffs (652 metres above the sea at the island's south-west corner) are accessible by a short walk from the cliffside car park. Coach access to Achill is straightforward via the causeway; the island road narrows on the Atlantic Drive, so allow time. The Great Western Greenway (Westport to Achill, 42 kilometres off-road) is popular with cycling groups.

What Bus Hire Costs in Westport

As a rough guide, a minibus (up to 19 seats) in Westport runs around 260 to 490 EUR per day, a midi-coach (around 35 seats) around 430 to 830 EUR per day, and a full-size coach (49 to 55 seats) around 660 to 1,250 EUR per day. Westport is the busiest coach hire market in County Mayo, with high summer demand (June to August) for Croagh Patrick pilgrimages and Wild Atlantic Way touring groups. The final figure depends on your route, the date, and how long you need the vehicle and driver. We confirm a fixed price with no hidden charges, so send your details for a free quote.

Services Available in Westport