The UK boasts countless picturesque villages and towns. Whether you’re after cobbled lanes nestled amongst rolling hills, clifftop whitewashed settlements, or storybook cottages dotted across the countryside, Britain excels. Yet venture slightly further, and you’ll find destinations that arguably surpass Britain’s finest offerings.

Westport in County Mayo, Ireland, ranks amongst the very best. Reaching it is straightforward, with Ryanair, British Airways, and Aer Lingus all operating flights to Knock, the nearest airport to Westport. From there, it’s a one-hour journey west to the coastal location where this designated Heritage Town sits.

The route takes you through progressively striking landscapes as the Atlantic approaches and the mountains rise higher. Croagh Patrick, Ireland’s “Holy Mountain,” stands five miles from the town; its conical summit towering above Clew Bay.

The mountain serves as both a popular pilgrimage destination and tourist spot. On the final Sunday of July, worshippers undertake a demanding ascent to the top, where pilgrims attend a chapel, celebrate Mass, and frequently perform acts of penance, including walking barefoot or on their knees.

Should that appear overly demanding for holiday pursuits, rest assured, there’s abundant entertainment within the town itself. Westport features a Georgian town centre, whilst stone bridges connect the tree-lined walkway along the Carrowbeg River’s banks.

The town is exceptionally well-kept, boasting a high standard of living. Westport claimed victory in the Irish Tidy Towns Competition on three occasions – in 2001, 2006, and 2008 – and was crowned Best Place to Live in Ireland by The Irish Times in 2012.

Unsurprisingly, Westport boasts an abundance of excellent pubs. Establishments such as Matt Molloy’s, MacBride’s, Porter House, and JJ O’Malley’s are all solid options and frequently host traditional Irish bands during the evenings.

During pleasant weather, visitors can stroll along the Quay before continuing onwards to The Point. “This is a fabulous place to meet locals on a nice day as they swim in the shallow waters of Clew Bay. I sat at a table and laughed as they chatted with each other, calling to friends who were not in the water. It was a kick to be a fly on the wall and witness friends and neighbours giving each other a hard time and laughing and gossiping,” writes the blogger Wander Your Way.

Numerous visitors spending time in Westport choose to discover areas beyond the town centre, venturing into the striking beauty of the surrounding landscape. A well-known local expression in Clew Bay suggests there exists “an island for every day of the year.”

The reality is closer to 120 designated islands, with numerous additional smaller, submerged limestone drumlins emerging when the tide recedes. Clare Island stands as the largest of the genuine islands, its magnificent outline rising against the skyline like an enormous humpback whale. Visitors can board the brief ferry journey from Roonagh Pier is a must-visit, offering stunning walks and views.

Clare is a hotspot for birdwatchers, who flock to see kittiwakes, fulmars, peregrines, guillemots, and the most adorable of all – puffins.

For those willing to venture further out to sea, Inishturk awaits, described as a “little piece of paradise,” by the local tourist board. Highlights include the sandy beaches of Trá na nÚan and Curraun, Ireland’s only offshore-island natural lagoon, breathtaking sea cliffs, and rare wild flora.

Westport is a gem that’s hard to criticise, widely regarded as a blend of Ireland’s finest natural offerings with a warm culture and streets that never get too crowded.

“I am a huge fan of Westport and County Mayo, perhaps because my wife’s cousin owns the Clew Bay Hotel and Madden’s Restaurant. I highly recommend both. Renting bikes in Westport and riding the Great Western Greenway is fantastic, love it. It’s a charming little town with excellent restaurants and pubs,” one enthusiast recently shared on Reddit.

Another chimed in: “I second Westport! My wife and I had our honeymoon there (years ago, and in Clew Bay Hotel too! ) and frequently return. The people in the restaurants, bars, and shops are all so welcoming. If you’re not a fan of the pubs (and the music), there are plenty of interesting and easily accessible walks and cycle paths nearby. Can’t wait to go back!”

A third wrote: “It really does seem magical out there, lots of outdoor activities and seems less busy with tourists.”