Discover 7 of the best B&Bs in Westport, from peaceful countryside stays to town-centre guesthouses near Croagh Patrick and Clew Bay.

Westport in County Mayo is one of Ireland’s most charming and consistently popular towns, known for its colourful Georgian streets, lively pubs, scenic river walks and proximity to some of the most dramatic landscapes on the Wild Atlantic Way. It sits at the edge of Clew Bay, with Croagh Patrick rising dramatically in the background, making it a favourite base for walkers, road-trippers and cultural travellers alike.

Choosing the right accommodation in Westport can shape your entire experience. While hotels are available in town, many visitors prefer traditional bed and breakfasts for their personal hospitality, home-style breakfasts and invaluable local knowledge. A good B&B host can help you discover quiet beaches, scenic drives, walking routes and authentic places to eat that you might otherwise miss.

This guide highlights seven excellent B&Bs in and around Westport. Rather than ranking them, each property is described based on its strengths and the type of traveller it suits best.

Plougastel House B&B

Plougastel House B&B is a welcoming and comfortable property that offers guests a peaceful stay while still being within easy reach of Westport town centre. It is particularly popular with visitors looking for a quiet residential setting that avoids the busier streets of the town while maintaining convenient access to attractions.

The property provides a relaxed atmosphere, making it a strong choice for couples, solo travellers and those planning longer stays in the area. Guests often appreciate the calm environment after busy days exploring Clew Bay, Achill Island or the surrounding coastline.

Westport itself is one of Ireland’s best-planned towns, with tree-lined streets, traditional stone bridges and a strong café and restaurant culture. Plougastel House offers a comfortable base for enjoying all of this while still providing a restful retreat.

Its location also makes it convenient for those travelling along the Wild Atlantic Way, as Westport is a natural stopping point between Galway and Donegal.

Bertra House B&B

Bertra House B&B is located near Bertra Beach, one of the most scenic coastal areas in County Mayo. This makes it an excellent choice for visitors who want direct access to the natural beauty of Clew Bay and views towards Croagh Patrick.

The setting is one of the property’s greatest strengths. Guests can enjoy coastal walks, beach scenery and peaceful surroundings away from the bustle of Westport town, while still remaining only a short drive away.

This B&B is particularly popular with walkers, hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. The nearby Croagh Patrick pilgrimage mountain attracts thousands of visitors each year, and Bertra House offers a convenient base for those planning to climb or admire the mountain.

Evening sunsets over Clew Bay are often highlighted by guests as one of the most memorable aspects of staying in this area. It is an ideal choice for travellers who prioritise scenery and tranquillity.

Hillcrest B&B

Hillcrest B&B offers a comfortable and welcoming stay close to Westport, combining convenience with a slightly elevated position that provides pleasant views of the surrounding countryside.

The property is well suited to travellers who want easy access to both Westport town and the wider Mayo region. From here, visitors can explore Achill Island, Connemara, Newport and the Great Western Greenway, one of Ireland’s most popular walking and cycling routes.

Hillcrest is often chosen by visitors who want a balance between town access and rural peace. It allows guests to enjoy Westport’s nightlife, restaurants and shops without staying directly in the busiest parts of town.

The relaxed environment and friendly atmosphere make it particularly appealing for families and couples on touring holidays around the west of Ireland.

Brooklodge Bed and Breakfast

Brooklodge Bed and Breakfast is a traditional Irish guesthouse that focuses on comfort, hospitality and a warm welcome. It is the type of accommodation where guests often return due to the personal touch and consistent quality of service.

The property provides a homely base for exploring Westport and the surrounding region. Many visitors appreciate the balance of comfort and practicality, especially when using Westport as a central hub for exploring Mayo.

The town itself offers a wide range of activities, including shopping, traditional music sessions, heritage walks and riverside scenery along the Carrowbeg River. Brooklodge places guests within reach of all these experiences while maintaining a peaceful environment.

It is particularly suitable for travellers who value simplicity, comfort and friendly hospitality rather than luxury-focused accommodation.

Rosmo House B&B

Rosmo House B&B is a well-regarded guesthouse offering easy access to Westport town while maintaining a calm and residential atmosphere. It appeals to visitors who want to be close to the centre but not directly within the busiest streets.

Westport is known for its vibrant food and drink scene, with traditional pubs, award-winning restaurants and lively music sessions taking place throughout the week. Rosmo House provides a convenient base for enjoying these attractions before returning to a quieter setting at night.

Its location also makes it suitable for exploring the wider Clew Bay area. Boat trips, island visits and scenic coastal drives are all easily accessible from Westport, making it an ideal base for a multi-day stay.

Guests often highlight the friendliness of the hosts and the relaxed atmosphere, both of which contribute significantly to a positive stay in the region.

McCarthy’s Westport

McCarthy’s Westport offers a traditional Irish accommodation experience with strong emphasis on hospitality and comfort. It is the kind of place that appeals to travellers seeking an authentic stay in one of Ireland’s most visited towns.

The property benefits from its proximity to Westport town centre, allowing guests to walk to restaurants, pubs, shops and local attractions with ease. This makes it especially suitable for short breaks and visitors without a car.

Westport’s compact layout is one of its biggest advantages. Visitors can explore much of the town on foot, including landmarks such as Westport House, the Quay area and the scenic riverside walks. McCarthy’s provides a convenient base for all of this.

It is a strong option for travellers who want straightforward, well-located accommodation combined with a traditional Irish welcome.

Willow Lodge

Willow Lodge is a peaceful accommodation option that offers a more relaxed setting while still being close enough to Westport for easy access to its attractions. It is particularly appealing to travellers who want space, quiet and a countryside feel.

The surrounding landscape is one of the highlights of staying in this part of Mayo. Rolling green fields, views towards mountains and proximity to the Wild Atlantic Way create an ideal environment for a restful stay.

Guests often use Willow Lodge as a base for exploring both Westport and the wider region. Achill Island, the Great Western Greenway and Connemara National Park are all within reach for day trips.

It is a good choice for visitors who prefer a slower pace and want to experience the natural beauty of the west of Ireland without being in a busy town centre.

Why Stay in a Westport B&B?

Westport is widely regarded as one of Ireland’s most attractive towns, but its surrounding landscapes are equally impressive. From mountains and beaches to islands and coastal drives, the region offers an exceptional variety of experiences within a short distance.

Staying in a B&B enhances this experience by providing a more personal connection to the area. Hosts often share local insights that help visitors discover places not always listed in guidebooks, such as quiet beaches, walking routes or traditional music venues.

Many travellers also find that B&Bs offer better value and a more relaxed atmosphere compared to larger hotels, particularly when staying for several nights.

Things to See and Do Around Westport

One of the most famous attractions near Westport is Croagh Patrick, Ireland’s holy mountain, which attracts pilgrims and hikers from around the world. The climb offers panoramic views over Clew Bay and its countless islands.

The Great Western Greenway is another major highlight. This walking and cycling route runs from Westport to Achill Island, offering some of the most scenic views in Ireland.

Westport House is a historic estate with beautiful grounds and family-friendly attractions. Meanwhile, Achill Island provides dramatic cliffs, beaches and rugged Atlantic scenery.

Westport town itself is also a destination in its own right, with colourful streets, traditional pubs, craft shops and a lively cultural atmosphere that continues throughout the year.

The best B&B in Westport depends on the type of experience you want. Plougastel House, Hillcrest and Rosmo House offer convenient access to town, while Bertra House provides outstanding coastal scenery near Croagh Patrick. Brooklodge and McCarthy’s deliver traditional hospitality close to the centre, and Willow Lodge offers a peaceful countryside retreat.

Whichever option you choose, staying in a Westport B&B ensures you experience the warmth of Irish hospitality in one of the most scenic and welcoming parts of the country. From mountains and beaches to vibrant streets and traditional music, Westport remains a destination that rewards visitors who take the time to explore it fully.

FAQ

1. How many days should I spend in Westport?

Most visitors find that three to four days is the ideal amount of time to experience Westport and the surrounding area properly. This allows enough time to explore the town itself, visit Westport House, walk along the Quay, enjoy traditional music sessions and sample some of the excellent local restaurants and cafés.

Additional days allow visitors to venture further afield to attractions such as Croagh Patrick, Achill Island, the Great Western Greenway and Clew Bay. Many travellers initially plan a short stay but end up extending their visit after discovering how much there is to see in County Mayo. Westport works particularly well as a base for exploring the wider west coast, making it suitable for both short breaks and longer holidays.

2. Is Westport a good base for exploring the Wild Atlantic Way?

Yes, Westport is considered one of the best bases on the Wild Atlantic Way. Its location provides easy access to some of the most spectacular coastal scenery in Ireland, including Achill Island, Clew Bay, Downpatrick Head and parts of Connemara.

The town offers an excellent balance of facilities and scenery. Visitors can spend the day exploring remote beaches, mountain landscapes and scenic driving routes before returning to a town with excellent dining options, traditional pubs and a lively atmosphere. Many people touring the Wild Atlantic Way choose to spend multiple nights in Westport because it allows them to experience a large section of Ireland’s west coast without changing accommodation every day.

3. What are the top attractions near Westport?

Croagh Patrick is undoubtedly one of the area’s most famous attractions. Known as Ireland’s holy mountain, it attracts hikers, pilgrims and photographers who come to enjoy the spectacular views over Clew Bay. The nearby Great Western Greenway is another major highlight, offering one of Ireland’s finest walking and cycling experiences.

Westport House remains a popular attraction for visitors interested in history and heritage, while Achill Island offers dramatic Atlantic scenery, Blue Flag beaches and some of the country’s most impressive coastal landscapes. Clew Bay itself is famous for its hundreds of small islands and opportunities for boating, kayaking and wildlife watching.

The town centre is also an attraction in its own right, with colourful streets, independent shops, traditional music venues and an excellent food scene.

4. Is it better to stay in Westport town or in the surrounding countryside?

The answer depends on your travel style. Staying in Westport town provides easy walking access to restaurants, pubs, shops and cultural attractions. This is often the preferred option for couples, solo travellers and visitors who want to enjoy the town’s evening atmosphere without needing to drive.

Countryside B&Bs around Westport often offer more space, quieter surroundings and beautiful views of the Mayo landscape. Properties near Clew Bay or Croagh Patrick can provide a more relaxing experience while remaining only a short drive from town.

Many visitors find that accommodation just outside Westport offers the best compromise, combining peaceful surroundings with convenient access to everything the town has to offer.

5. When is the best time of year to visit Westport?

The most popular period runs from May to September, when longer daylight hours and generally milder weather create excellent conditions for hiking, cycling and sightseeing. Summer is particularly busy due to school holidays, festivals and visitors touring the Wild Atlantic Way.

Many experienced travellers prefer visiting during April, May, September or October. These shoulder-season months often offer fewer crowds while still providing favourable weather for outdoor activities. The scenery around Clew Bay and Croagh Patrick can be especially beautiful during autumn.

Winter visits have their own appeal, with quieter streets, cosy pubs and dramatic Atlantic weather attracting visitors seeking a more relaxed experience.

6. Are Westport B&Bs suitable for walkers and cyclists?

Absolutely. Westport has become one of Ireland’s leading destinations for outdoor enthusiasts. The Great Western Greenway attracts thousands of walkers and cyclists every year, while Croagh Patrick and the surrounding countryside provide numerous hiking opportunities.

Many B&Bs in the area actively cater to outdoor travellers by offering secure bicycle storage, drying facilities and early breakfasts for guests planning full days of activity. Hosts are often knowledgeable about local walking routes, cycling trails and weather conditions, making them a valuable source of information.

Whether you’re planning a leisurely cycle along the Greenway, a challenging climb of Croagh Patrick or a multi-day exploration of Mayo’s coastal trails, Westport provides an excellent base and many local B&Bs are well equipped to accommodate active travellers.